Next-Gen Consoles Could Be Too Expensive: Why PlayStation 6 and Xbox May Lose Their Core Fans
The gaming industry is changing faster than ever. Both PC and console manufacturers are experimenting with portable gaming, AI-driven upscaling, and premium hardware. But along with innovation comes an uncomfortable truth, prices are rising too quickly for the average gamer.
- Next-Gen Consoles Could Be Too Expensive: Why PlayStation 6 and Xbox May Lose Their Core Fans
Recent developments from Sony and Microsoft suggest that the next generation of consoles possibly the PlayStation 6 and next-gen Xbox, could cost more than ever before. For many gamers, this raises one big question: will console gaming still be affordable in the future?
The Rise of Expensive Gaming Hardware
Portable gaming devices like the ROG Xbox Ally X have shown how expensive the future of gaming might become. With a price tag of $999 / £799 / AU$1,599, the Ally X costs more than a PlayStation 5 Pro, which already sits in the premium segment.
What makes this situation even more worrying is that Microsoft and Xbox have been steadily increasing the prices of their hardware and subscriptions. The Xbox Series X and Series S have both seen price adjustments, and the Xbox Game Pass has become costlier than ever.
When Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed that Asus decided the Ally’s pricing, she also revealed that the next-gen Xbox console would deliver a “very premium, very high-end curated experience.” This comment alone suggests that the next Xbox might not be cheap.
A Premium Console Future That Few Can Afford
The idea of a “premium” console sounds exciting, but it risks breaking one of the biggest appeals of console gaming, affordability.
A console’s greatest strength has always been its balance of price and performance. You buy it once, plug it in, and play games without worrying about upgrades. However, if the PlayStation 6 or next-gen Xbox start at prices like $999 or more, the line between consoles and PCs will blur completely.
Gamers might start to ask: “Why should I buy a console when a gaming PC gives me more freedom for the same price?”
For example, if the PS6 or the next Xbox costs the same as a mid-range gaming PC, consumers may shift toward PCs, which often offer better hardware flexibility and long-term value.
The ROG Xbox Ally X: A Warning Sign
The ROG Xbox Ally X is already sparking debates. Many gamers feel that paying nearly $1,000 for a handheld console is unreasonable, especially when the original ROG Ally with similar performance costs nearly half that amount.
This situation shows what could happen if next-gen consoles adopt similar pricing strategies. Gamers might feel they are paying a “premium” price for features that don’t necessarily deliver a premium experience.
Why Subscription Costs Make It Worse
Another major concern for console players is subscriptions. On consoles, access to online multiplayer often requires paid plans such as PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
These annual subscriptions have become expensive, sometimes costing nearly as much as an entire Xbox Series S console. When combined with potential high console prices, the total expense could easily surpass what PC gamers pay for new components or hardware upgrades.
On PC, services like Game Pass PC, EA Play, or Ubisoft+ remain optional. Gamers can choose whether to subscribe or not. On consoles, however, online multiplayer access is locked behind mandatory paid plans, making long-term ownership more expensive.
The Risk of Losing Console Identity
The consoles truly aim to be “very high-end” machines, they may lose the simplicity that made consoles appealing in the first place. Console gaming was never meant to compete with PCs in specs, it was about easy setup, comfort, and affordability.
The more Sony and Microsoft push for high-end, premium hardware, the more they risk alienating their loyal fanbase who value accessibility over power.
In short, the PS6 and the next Xbox could end up being too expensive for the average player, weakening the foundation of console gaming as a whole.
What Gamers Really Want
Gamers aren’t against progress. They appreciate better graphics, faster load times, and smoother performance. But they also want value.
A good console should deliver next-gen experiences without breaking the bank. If Sony and Microsoft fail to find the right balance, they risk pushing players toward PC gaming, cloud services, or even handheld alternatives that offer more freedom for less money.
The console industry’s biggest strength has always been accessibility and losing that would change gaming forever.
The next generation of gaming consoles is shaping up to be powerful and premium — but possibly too expensive for many players. With the PlayStation 6 and next-gen Xbox likely to come at high prices, the risk is clear: the more they chase “premium,” the more they move away from what made consoles great in the first place.
Unless Sony and Microsoft make affordability a priority, console gaming might lose its most important feature, being a fun, simple, and affordable experience for everyone.
FAQs
Q1. Why are gaming consoles becoming so expensive?
A1. Modern consoles use advanced hardware and upscaling technologies, which increase production costs. Companies also want to market them as premium products.
Q2. Could the next-gen Xbox or PS6 cost more than $999?
A2. It’s possible. Based on current trends and statements from Xbox leadership, next-gen consoles could be priced much higher than current models.
Q3. Why do gamers still prefer consoles over PCs?
A3. Consoles are plug-and-play, simple to use, and often cheaper upfront than gaming PCs.
Q4. Will subscription costs affect console sales?
A4. Yes. Rising prices for Game Pass and PlayStation Plus could make console gaming less appealing compared to PC gaming.
Q5. What can Sony and Microsoft do to maintain console appeal?
A5. They need to balance power with affordability and ensure that base console models remain accessible to a wide audience.
Also Read- Turn Off This One Setting To Protect Your Phone From Scammers
