Sony should consider an entry-level PS5

[mibu no ookami]

I know that many people will respond (without even reading) and say this is the Series S all over again, but the problem with the Series S was always its disparate hardware configuration beyond just its GPU. If the PS5 can deliver the exact same games simply at lower resolution, it's actually a pretty big win for those struggling to afford the PS5.

Good Strategy vs Poor Execution

Now that Sony has built out PSSR, I think it's clear that they need to try and create a 5nm SOC that includes the tech for PSSR but instead of pushing for the power of the PS5 Pro, it pushes for either parity with the current PS5 or 1080p-1440p at the same framerates.

Same CPU, Same Memory, just a scaled down GPU support by AI Upscaling.

Try to get into that 300-350 dollar range.

The big question would have to be how this unit would handle games that don't utilize PSSR, but I think that's why this system should be designed to natively play games in 1080p and upscaled to 1440p with PSSR.

 

[Johnic]

Absolutely not. There's more to specs than higher resolution. Better hardware gets you better worlds and gameplay mechanics.

 

[Zzero]

This exists. Its the PS4. Anyways, its too late to go back now since games are already out thatuse the base console toits limit in one area or another.

 

[Boswollox]

The Series S was a great idea - one that could have saved Xbox, but am idea handled by retards with market understanding of a chimp on mushrooms.

Had the series S NOT tried to chase 4k gaming and instead topped out at 1080p@60fps, while selling £50 cheaper, MS would have mopped up in hardware sales. That would have given them enough sales to make gamepass work - with a little tweaking.

This generation is done and dusted, but looking forward, Sony releasing a console £700+ on launch would be a disaster. Better to release the PS5pro+ with cost savings for £350 and then launch the PS6 where the ps6pro would have launched. Which is what Microsoft should have done (or were going to do) with the S and X.

 

[Thirty7ven]

You can’t retroactively do this, would be a nightmare it terms of compatibility. Every game would need a patch.

Stupid idea unless they could make an handheld.

 

[ethomaz]

You know a entry level PS5 exists already...

PS5 DE: $399

It is not even that expensive compared with the failed Series S project and delivered way way way more.

 

[Systemshock2023]

They can leave the base ps5 for ages as an entry level option. I don't see hardware getting much better at an adequate price point.
Just picture how long the next cross generstion period is going to be. PS4 is not dead yet, 4 years into 9th generation.

 

[Danja]

They did day one it's called the PS5 Digital

 

[mibu no ookami]

You can’t retroactively do this, would be a nightmare it terms of compatibility. Every game would need a patch.

Stupid idea unless they could make an handheld.

That's assuming that there isn't any hardware-level descaling which in theory you could do.

 

[akira__]

I was thinking, in the same vein, what if the next PS6 is a weaker console than the PS5 Pro?
Wait, just like Xbox? Yes, just like Xbox. But that strategy was dumb. That is correct, but hear me out.

What if the new console focuses more on being good enough for a lowered price of $300-$350 like you mentioned, with a handheld of the same generation released 4 years after the base model?

Thus, a weaker base generation with handheld in mind.

 

[Ezekiel]

The idea in theory is fine, but I think making sure it doesn't become a headache for devs is the hard part.

Basically making sure the architecture has absolutely no other bottlenecks, and really only can output a lower resolution.

That was the series potato's promise, and it got broken from day one.

I think a Pro released midgen is a better strategy for Sony, developers and customers.

 

[Thirty7ven]

That's assuming that there isn't any hardware-level descaling which in theory you could do.

Would still need to render the original so you’re just adding more to it lol

PS5 will be around for a long time, long long time.

 

[mibu no ookami]

The idea in theory is fine, but I think making sure it doesn't become a headache for devs is the hard part.

Basically making sure the architecture has absolutely no other bottlenecks, and really only can output a lower resolution.

That was the series potato's promise, and it got broken from day one.

I think a Pro released midgen is a better strategy for Sony, developers and customers.

The only thing holding the Series S back is the memory.

Resolution is controlled by the power of the GPU.

The Series S has the same CPU as the Series X, but it is also underclocked.

PSSR moving forward would allow for a weaker device to be sold cheaper, which would get PS5s into people's hands who want a PS5 for games like CoD and Fortnite but don't want to pay 400+ for it.

Combined with a smaller nm chip, it could result in considerable cost savings for Sony which they could pass onto consumers.

While I'm not calling you out, I did call out that many would not actually read what I wrote and would insist that the Series S faults lie where they aren't.

 

[All Might]

OP should consider a brain.

 

[billboswaggins]

If someone is the desperate for a PS5 they can get a refurbished one for $350. Creating weak hardware to sell to a wider audience is a terrible idea.

 

[SLB1904]

If you can’t afford it get fucked. Or buy a ps4

 

[rofif]

This thread is worthy of my newest masterpiece

 

[Ezekiel]

The only thing holding the Series S back is the memory.

Resolution is controlled by the power of the GPU.

The Series S has the same CPU as the Series X, but it is also underclocked.

PSSR moving forward would allow for a weaker device to be sold cheaper, which would get PS5s into people's hands who want a PS5 for games like CoD and Fortnite but don't want to pay 400+ for it.

Combined with a smaller nm chip, it could result in considerable cost savings for Sony which they could pass onto consumers.

While I'm not calling you out, I did call out that many would not actually read what I wrote and would insist that the Series S faults lie where they aren't.

If their intention is to remove the most barrier to entry, they should work on a PS+ app for TVs, starting with their own Sony TVs.

And eventually have a streaming option for owned PS Store games.

PS App on every device, with no revenue sharing with other platform holders. That's where the industry is going.

MS will lean on this hard going forward.

I expect Sony to still offer a console for the enthusiasts though, for the short to medium term.

Long term, it's cloud gaming all the way down baby!

 

[Old Gamer]

If their intention is to remove the most barrier to entry, they should work on a PS+ app for TVs, starting with their own Sony TVs.

And eventually have a streaming option for owned PS Store games.

PS App on every device, with no revenue sharing with other platform holders. That's where the industry is going.

MS will lean on this hard going forward.

I expect Sony to still offer a console for the enthusiasts though, for the short to medium term.

Long term, it's cloud gaming all the way down baby!

They already had PS Now on Sony TVs. Remember when they were streaming games before it was cool?

 

[BroodCorp]

PS4 is kind of that if you consider its library. It’s a viable choice if you want a console with a ton of great games.