Thread by @ZhugeEX

All memes aside, here is a thread on my actual thoughts on the #PS5 reveal:

Overall a strong showing for Sony with a well rounded line up of first party, second party, third party and indie titles.

More than 7m tuning in to watch the event, signalling high interest in next gen.

Sony looked to showcase a selection of games that take advantage of the PS5's features and delivered with 9 first party and second party titles.

They could have used more in depth looks but it was still good to hear from the devs about the games take advantage of PS5.

What's notable in terms of 1st/2nd party is that we didn't just get sequels such as Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon II (Which looked awesome), there was also new IP such as Returnal and Destruction All Stars as well as evolution of existing IP such as LBP.

Demon Soul's remake too.

Third party games lineup was unique in that it wasn't just the same old FIFA/COD montage. There were nearly 20 third party games, of which 9 were indies and around 10 have some sort of console exclusivity to the PlayStation platform.

Essentially showcasing experiences on PS.

With the above in mind, the software lineup certainly helped differentiate PlayStation enough and provide a compelling reason for why many will buy it this holiday.

There will be other events where we see the 'AAA tier third party titles' that will be on all platforms.

What's notable is that Sony also looked to appeal to a broader audience with its event. Yes you had the core games from first and third party, but there was also titles like Sackboy's Adventure, Kena, Ratchet and Clank + others that increase the appeal of the console beyond core.

Moving on to hardware.

Yes, it looks like a wi-fi router.

Dual SKU strategy is unique in that this is the first time we have a digital / discless SKU on day one of the console launch.

Why? Because 51% of PS4 software sales in FY2019/20 were via digital download.

MS is rumored to have a less powerful and cheaper SKU (Lockhart) launch alongside Series X.

This is slightly different as both PS5 SKU's have the same specs, just one is without a disc.

Will be a way for Sony to keep the price down, not necessarily compete with Lockhart.

Cutting out the disc drive would probably save $50 or so from the retail price, not a $100 drop.

My current assumption is that we'll see PS5 and PS5 digital retail in the $449 to $499 range.

Could be lower if MS has more attractive pricing. (If they both ever announce it)

One key part of Sony's strategy is to smoothly transition players from PS4 to PS5.

- Showcasing PS5 exclusives
- Back compat with PS4
- Services transitioning over.

The GTA Online (3 months free on PS5) announce is larger than most people think. It's a top played game on PS4.

One key thing that Sony did not talk about today is the future of PlayStation VR.

Ultimately it makes sense that they didn't talk about it. Focus was all on PS5 today.

Still barriers to VR and Sony will want to 'perfect' it + cultivate dev support before launching an upgrade.

COVID-19 can have an impact on the PlayStation 5 in a number of ways.

Software delays - Doesn't seem to be a huge impact right now.

Component scarcity / Logistics - Could be more costly to build / distribute PS5.

Recession - Less people able / willing to spend on day one.

Ultimately gaming is low investment compared to other entertainment, partially offset by the high upfront cost of consoles, but games can be seen as "recession proof" in a sense.

Overall though, there will be an impact on uptake of consoles, especially if price is $450+

To give a very rough assumption.

PS will likely maintain its position as a leading console brand next gen, due to its strong PS4 base, first and second party dev capabilities and content partnerships with third parties.

That + services providing a compelling reason to upgrade

Out of the gate I expect PS5 to sell fairly similarly to PS4.

It's clear that there is strong demand for PS5 and we're at a point where there is a segment of console gamers willing to put down the $500 or so for HW/SW.

But adoption curve could slow come 21/22.

In summary, good showing for Sony and it has helped strengthen the brand overall.

I'll do something similar for Xbox for their event in July. I believe that they're in a much stronger position this time and could really grow next gen due to its ecosystem / services focus.

As an aside, wtf was bugsnax