Much will depend on the prices of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, along with the previously mentioned Lockhart, however its not hard to picture there being a significant market for a $199.99 standard PS4 even after the new consoles release. With the PS5 being backwards compatible, and ongoing income from subscriptions like PS Plus and PS Now, theres real incentive for Sony to keep its existing console around also.
Microsoft is not foolish, and it will plainly have a strategy for Lockhart. With early adopters tending to be enthusiasts, and many multiformat titles being cross-gen, its not right away apparent what audience its entry-level next-gen console would serve sandwiched between an inexpensive PS4 and a premium PS5. Theres an opportunity emerging here, however well need to wait and see if, and certainly how, Sony makes the most of it.
This year is all about the PlayStation 5 in lover circles, but Sonys genuine Top Trump might yet show the existing PlayStation 4. Rumours are rife that Microsoft is on the cusp of terminating both the Xbox One S and Xbox One X, as it positions its focus on the Xbox Series X and its yet unannounced Lockhart companion.
For those of you who have been following the current rumours concerning the Team in Green, theres increasingly strong proof to recommend it plans to present a more affordable, weaker next-gen console, which will share numerous functions and components with its flagship– but will target a lower resolution. It sounds like its planning a pincer attack on PlayStation, with a more powerful high-end model and a more cost effective option.
If news of the Xbox Ones discontinuation is true, Sony may yet have the upper-hand. While we still do not know the PS5s cost, we do understand that the producer has actually vowed its future to the existing PS4.
