Sony's next-gen PlayStation will go 'beyond the living room'

Sony has indicated that its next-generation PlayStation console will enable gaming beyond the traditional living room setting. In a recent Q&A session with investors, the company acknowledged that while PlayStation has long been associated with living room play, more users are now using personal monitors. To counter this, Sony is selling peripherals like monitors and speakers to change the perception that "PlayStation equals the living room" and expand usage scenarios.

For the next-generation platform, Sony aims to deliver unique value that goes beyond simply competing with PCs. This includes expanding usage styles to provide a seamless experience that can be enjoyed naturally beyond the living room. Bloomberg reported in 2024 that Sony is working on a new handheld gaming console, and the company has added a Power Saver mode to some PS5 games, making them ideal for handheld play. This suggests that the next PlayStation generation may include a more prominent handheld experience.

Regarding pricing, Sony stated that it does not intend to sell hardware at significant losses. Given the high prices of current hardware like the PS5 Pro ($899.99), this could mean a steep price tag for the next-gen PlayStation. Sony emphasized that hardware is the foundation for the gaming experience and that products like the PlayStation Portal Remote Player already offer tailored experiences beyond the living room.

Sony has not announced a release date for the next-generation PlayStation. The PS5 launched in 2020, and historically, Sony releases a new console every six to seven years. If that pattern holds, a launch could occur this year or next, but the company has reportedly considered delaying it to 2028 or 2029 due to component costs.