Console Hardware
Ongoing coverage on Console Hardware.
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Xbox reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first wave coming as early as this month
Xbox is reportedly planning three additional rounds of layoffs, with the first wave expected this month, followed by others in November and January 2027, as part of CEO Asha Sharma's business reset. This follows a September round of job cuts and a larger wave in July, with remaining reductions to be distributed across future quarters. Concerns are rising about the fate of The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, and whether potential layoffs could impact promised bonuses.
Gears of War: E-Day studio finds a way to get more performance from Xbox Series S - one that other Xbox games could probably use
The Coalition has developed a novel technique for Gears of War: E-Day to offload data to the Xbox Series S' NVMe SSD, effectively increasing usable system memory and improving performance. This method could potentially be adopted by other Xbox games, though it comes at a time of significant restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division, causing concern among staff.
A leaker claims the PS6 and Xbox 'Helix' chips have been finalized, and that the Microsoft's console could be 40% more powerful than the PlayStation — and gamers are worrying about what the powerful news systems will cost
A leaker claims the chips for the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox, codenamed 'Helix', have been finalized. The leaks suggest the Xbox console could offer 56 TFLOPS of power compared to the PlayStation 6's 40 TFLOPS, significantly more than current-generation consoles. Gamers are expressing concern over the potential high cost of these next-generation machines.
"It's been a difficult time for console hardware," says Unity CEO, but costs will come down and console games will continue to thrive: "We'll see that with GTA"
Unity Technologies CEO Matthew Bromberg acknowledges current cost pressures on console hardware, citing RAM shortages and trade wars as temporary factors. He remains optimistic about the future of console gaming, predicting a resurgence of engaging titles and a eventual decrease in hardware costs, with Grand Theft Auto serving as an example of continued console entertainment success.
Games Inbox: Is the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition worth it?
Readers discuss various gaming topics, including the pricing strategy for Grand Theft Auto 6's Ultimate Edition and the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 launch with a new Luigi's Mansion title. Other discussions touch on Star Wars game settings, the appeal of indie co-op games like Big Walk, and the lack of special edition consoles.
Games Inbox: Is Final Fantasy 7 still the most popular JRPG?
Readers discuss the perceived lack of hype for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, questioning if the original game's age hinders its popularity as a JRPG. Other topics include reader interest in Take-Two's post-Grand Theft Auto 6 plans, the potential for a live-action Zelda movie, and the future of digital distribution versus physical media.
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto doesn't play games anymore - with one exception
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto revealed in a Famitsu interview that he rarely plays video games anymore, with the exception of helping his grandchildren clear titles like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. He also discussed his views on console hardware, suggesting that players prioritize gameplay experiences over raw specs, citing the success of the original Nintendo Switch.
Shpeshal Nick claims Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 console is still coming
Leaker Shpeshal Nick claims that a Nintendo Switch 2 console with a Legend of Zelda theme is still planned, contrary to earlier reports suggesting only a themed Pro Controller would be released. This indicates Nintendo may be preparing special hardware editions for the upcoming console.
Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot doesn't believe PlayStation ditching physical discs will "disturb" the industry much
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot believes Sony's move away from physical discs for PlayStation consoles will not significantly disrupt the gaming industry. He noted that digital-only platforms have helped grow the PC market and could lead to more accessible console pricing. While acknowledging potential downsides, Guillemot suggested the shift aligns with current digital sales trends, though other industry figures like Hideo Kojima have expressed concern.
Analysts say Sony's digital-only plan 'almost certainly guarantees that the PS6 won’t arrive until 2028…
Analysts predict that Sony's plan to halt physical game production by January 2028 indicates the PlayStation 6 will launch in 2028, likely without a disc drive to reduce costs. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino's comments suggest the next-generation console might also incorporate handheld capabilities for a seamless, multi-location experience.
PS6 to launch in late 2028 claims analyst after Sony goes all-digital
Analyst Piers Harding-Rolls predicts the PlayStation 6 will launch in late 2028, citing Sony's move to an all-digital future by January 2028 as a key indicator. This shift suggests the next-generation console will likely omit a physical disc drive to reduce costs, potentially impacting its ability to play older physical media and movies.
PlayStation Ending Physical Games in 2028 Hints at PS6’s Features, Says Analyst
Analyst Piers Harding-Rolls suggests Sony will end physical PlayStation game releases in 2028, indicating the PlayStation 6 will launch that year without a disc drive. This move aims to cut manufacturing costs and licensing fees, though a separate add-on drive might be offered. Publishers could also benefit from reduced production expenses and inventory risk.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Supports PS5 Pro, Confirms PlayStation Store Listing
The official PlayStation Store listing for Grand Theft Auto 6 confirms that the game will be PS5 Pro Enhanced, though specific details on how it will leverage the hardware are unknown. The game is set to launch on November 19th for consoles, with standard and ultimate editions available at different price points, including exclusive in-game bonuses for the latter.
PS6 Could Use AI Features Like Frame Generation to Offer The “Feel” Of 4K120 FPS – Rumor
Rumors suggest the PlayStation 6 may utilize AI-driven frame generation to achieve the visual experience of 4K 120 FPS while keeping costs down. Leaks indicate features like AI, ray tracing, and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution will be key. Despite concerns over RAM prices, industry insiders believe Sony will stick to a 2027 launch, with AMD already testing PS6 chips.
Sony is considering pushing the PS6 to 2028 or 2029, "some analysts believe," according to Embracer Group
Sony is reportedly considering delaying the launch of the PlayStation 6 to 2028 or 2029, according to Embracer Group's financial report. Analysts believe factors like increased RAM costs due to AI demand and economic volatility are influencing this potential shift from the previously rumored 2027 release window. These economic pressures could impact console retail prices and market growth.
Asha Sharma faces tough decisions with limited room for manoeuvre | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma faces significant challenges in turning around the division's financial performance and strategic direction. Despite positive initial messaging and decisions like cutting Game Pass prices, the company must navigate difficult choices regarding its next-generation console, Project Helix, and the future of exclusive titles. With declining revenues and pressure to improve profitability, Sharma's execution of these tough decisions will be critical for Xbox's future.
"We have found ourselves over extended", new Xbox CEO says amid reports of plans for major job cuts
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty are reportedly planning significant job cuts across the gaming division. Sharma cited declining revenues despite substantial investments and rising component costs as reasons for a business 'reset'. The planned layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King and come amid reports of internal questioning regarding the company's broad strategy and complex infrastructure.
Xbox is rethinking strategy around Project Helix thanks to the memory crisis
Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball stated that the ongoing memory chip shortage is forcing the company to rethink its strategy for its upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix. The crisis, exacerbated by demand from AI data centers, is expected to last for several years and is already impacting hardware availability and pricing across the industry, with PlayStation, Nintendo, and Valve also affected. Xbox is committed to shipping the console but is exploring flexible models to navigate the supply constraints without overburdening players.
PS6 and Project Helix “Battle” Will Come Down to Frame Rate, Not Image Quality – Rumor
Rumors suggest the upcoming PlayStation 6 and Microsoft's Project Helix consoles will primarily compete on frame rate rather than image quality, with both expected to offer similar visual fidelity. While Project Helix may have a slight edge in compute units, differences in clock speeds and cooling could equalize performance, leading to a focus on achieving higher frame rates for 4K gaming.
Nintendo Switch 2 is a year old today and we still don’t know what to make of it
One year after its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2's hardware is praised for its value, though it could benefit from longer battery life and a better screen. Despite its power, the console's software lineup has been inconsistent, with some titles underutilizing its capabilities and a perceived lack of clear direction from Nintendo regarding future releases and marketing.
