PS4
Whereas I thought that both Nintendo and Microsoft had to make a difference, I think that Sony really just needs to keep doing what they’re doing. They have a comfortable lead in the console race, and, outside of Japan, are generally outselling the other two consoles on a monthly basis. The PSVita is also enjoying moderate success. It’s no 3DS, but it’s still selling respectably well. Basically, Sony, don’t f**k things up.
Okay, that’s too simplistic. But Sony really doesn’t need to shake the world to come out of this conference looking good. They, much like Microsoft, do need to find a way to add value to purchasing a PS4 over sticking with a PS3 or Xbox 360. Much like Microsoft, I’m not totally sure how they do that outside of bringing new games to the system. Preferably this year. They have to get some next generation exclusives out, and soon. Right now there’s just not much coming out for the PS4 and Xbox One that aren’t also coming to the PS3 and Xbox 360. I hate to continue beating this drum, but I think it’s a major problem that neither Sony or Microsoft has been able to adequately address to date. With so many exclusives (such as Batman: Arkham Knight) being moved to 2015, and new titles (such as Mortal Kombat X) still coming to both generations even into 2015, there is still no huge incentive to upgrade just yet.
PSVita
In addition to the PS4, Sony also has to focus on the PSVita. I’m sure they’ll have some focus on the little handheld that could, but I do wonder how much. In all honestly, the game support for that system has been lacking. Perhaps now that the PS4 has launched, Sony can shine some more light there, but I wouldn’t expect it. Truthfully, I’m not sure that Sony really knows how to approach the handheld market, even with the success the PSP enjoyed. Nintendo still owns that market, and I think that has pushed Sony off their stride.
What Nintendo seems to understand is that when most consumers buy a handheld, they do so wanting to play a different type of game than what they play at home. Not worse games or more simplistic, just different. Games that can be broken down in chunks. Sony seems to think that consumers want to take their console games on the go, and I’m don’t believe that is the case. When you go down that road, you end up competing against yourself because there is no differentiation in the games that you are offering your customers. Maybe this is the year something clicks and they find a sweet spot for the PSVita, but past marketing efforts don’t give me much hope.
Predictions
- The Last Guardian will be mentioned as not cancelled…and that’s it
- Uncharted 4 will make an appearance, coming in 2015
- Price cut for either the PSVita or the Memory Cards
- I’m at a loss here. I really don’t have anything else for Sony.
Brandon Nicholson is a blogger for TMRzoo.com and the founder of Just Another Video Game Blog and covers all gaming consoles and platforms including Sony Playstation 3 and PS4, Microsoft XBOX One and XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii, Sony PSP and computer games designed for Mac OS, Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems. Brandon provides his readers with reviews, previews, release dates and up to date gaming industry news, trailers and rumors.
