Are Next-Gen Consoles Now Only for the Rich?
Video games have never been a cheap hobby, but there used to be ways to enjoy them without breaking the bank. Options like renting games, trading with friends, or buying secondhand allowed many to experience the latest games. Now, however, these alternatives have all but disappeared. With the rise of digital sales and the decline of physical copies, gaming has become an increasingly expensive pastime.
Next-Generation Consoles Are Straining Gamers’ Pockets
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X already launched at significantly higher prices than the previous generation. However, the figures now being reported suggest that the PlayStation 6 and the new Xbox will push these limits even higher. According to recent leaks, Microsoft’s new console will be “as powerful and expensive as a desktop PC” and could cost upwards of $1,000. Sony is also expected to position the PlayStation 6 in a similarly high price range.
This has raised the question among gamers, “Will consoles now be entertainment for the wealthy?” Being a hardcore gamer didn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money. However, the constant rise in game prices, hardware costs, and subscription systems is pushing this passion to a point where only those with the financial means can sustain it.
For some gamers, the only option is to wait for sales or stop playing altogether. Services like Game Pass offer a solution, but they don’t provide access to all games. The fact that even the Nintendo Switch 2 is more expensive than expected demonstrates that affordable alternatives are gradually disappearing.
The gaming world is at a turning point today. While manufacturers are producing increasingly expensive systems, gamers’ purchasing power isn’t increasing at the same pace. This imbalance is leading to video games becoming less of a form of entertainment and more of a “luxury item.” It appears that gaming in the new generation will be tested not only by passion but also by budget.
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