What's the next console to come out?

As of 2025, while no specific next-generation console has been officially confirmed or announced, there are some rumors and predictions about the next major consoles from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. These companies have been focusing on their current consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch), but it’s widely expected that there will be new iterations or next-gen consoles on the horizon. Here’s a look at the potential future consoles that could be released in the coming years:

1. PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro)

• Expected Release: Possibly in 2025 or 2026.
• Overview: Sony typically releases "Pro" versions of their consoles about 3–4 years after the original launch. The PS4 Pro came out about three years after the PS4. Similarly, we could see a PS5 Pro sometime in the near future.
• What to Expect:
  • Improved GPU: The PS5 Pro will likely feature a more powerful GPU, enabling better ray tracing, higher frame rates, and more 4K/8K gaming capabilities.
  • Faster Load Times: Expect improvements in storage (SSD) speed and efficiency, leading to even faster load times and improved game performance.
  • More Exclusive Games: Like previous PlayStation consoles, Sony will continue to focus on exclusive titles that take full advantage of the upgraded hardware.
  • Better VR Integration: Given Sony's push for PlayStation VR, the PS5 Pro could feature more advanced VR support.
• Why it’s likely: Sony has a history of releasing mid-generation refreshes (e.g., PS4 Pro), and as the technology advances, it's expected that they will continue the trend with PS5 Pro.

2. Xbox Series X Pro (or Next Xbox)

• Expected Release: Likely around 2025 to 2026.
• Overview: Microsoft could also release a more powerful version of the Xbox Series X, just like they did with the Xbox One X (a more powerful version of the Xbox One). This is often referred to as the Xbox Series X Pro, but the name may change.
• What to Expect:
  • Increased Power: The next Xbox iteration will likely boost the power to better handle 8K gaming, enhanced ray tracing, and higher frame rates at 4K resolution.
  • More Storage: With game sizes growing, expect a larger SSD and possibly faster read/write speeds.
  • Further Cloud Integration: Given Microsoft’s push for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Game Pass, the new Xbox may feature more advanced cloud gaming options and integration.
  • Better Backward Compatibility: Microsoft’s backward compatibility focus might be expanded even further with more previous-generation Xbox games available to play.
• Why it’s likely: Microsoft has been focused on continuous improvements to its hardware and services, with the Xbox Series X offering substantial power already, and there’s room for a more powerful version with better cloud integration and game streaming.

3. Nintendo Switch 2 (or New Nintendo Console)

• Expected Release: Likely in 2025 or 2026.

• Overview: Nintendo doesn’t follow a traditional console cycle like Sony and Microsoft, but the Switch has been out since 2017, and its continued success suggests that a successor is inevitable.

• What to Expect:

  • More Powerful Hardware: The Switch 2 is expected to have improved hardware (likely a custom Nvidia Tegra chip), resulting in better performance, especially for third-party AAA games. This would allow for higher resolution (possibly 4K in docked mode).
  • Backwards Compatibility: Like the Switch and Switch Lite, the next console will likely be compatible with Switch games and accessories.
  • Improved Screen and Docking: The OLED screen on the Switch OLED could be improved with better resolution and brightness. Also, the docking system could support even better graphical output for TVs.
  • Hybrid Functionality: Expect the next Nintendo console to continue the hybrid nature of the Switch, allowing for both handheld and home gaming with a seamless transition between the two.

• Why it’s likely: The Switch has been Nintendo’s most successful console in recent years, and given how popular it is, a successor is almost certain. Nintendo will likely build on the hybrid concept and improve the system’s power and capabilities.

4. PlayStation VR 2.0 (PSVR 2)

• Expected Release: Late 2024 to 2025.
• Overview: While not a traditional "console," PlayStation VR is closely tied to the PlayStation ecosystem and could have an upgraded version to complement the PS5.
• What to Expect:
  • Improved Graphics and Resolution: PSVR 2 will likely feature better graphics, improved resolution, and higher frame rates for a more immersive experience.
  • Better Motion Tracking and Controllers: Expect enhanced motion tracking, more comfortable and precise controllers, and improved ergonomics for longer gaming sessions.
  • Exclusive VR Titles: Sony will likely continue to develop exclusive VR games that take advantage of the next-generation VR tech.
• Why it’s likely: VR is becoming increasingly popular, and with Sony’s push into the VR space (especially with PSVR 2), a next-gen VR system is almost certain to complement the PlayStation 5 and future PS5 Pro.

5. Streaming Consoles and Devices (e.g., Xbox Streaming Stick, PlayStation Streaming Device)

• Expected Release: Could be in 2025 or later.

• Overview: With the growth of cloud gaming, both Sony and Microsoft are exploring streaming-only consoles or devices. These would be small, low-cost devices that rely on game streaming from the cloud (similar to the Nvidia Shield or Amazon Luna).

• What to Expect:

  • Budget-Friendly: These devices would cost significantly less than traditional consoles because they wouldn’t require expensive hardware inside.
  • Game Streaming: Users would play games via Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Now, or similar services without the need for a powerful local machine.
  • Smaller Footprint: These devices would be compact and easy to set up, similar to a streaming stick (like the Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast).

• Why it’s likely: Both Microsoft and Sony have been heavily investing in cloud gaming services, and creating an affordable streaming-only device could tap into a larger market of casual gamers and people with limited space or money.

Conclusion: What to Expect Next

While there’s no confirmed next-gen console announcement for 2025 yet, we can expect the following:

• Mid-Generation Console Upgrades: The PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X Pro are strong contenders, as both Sony and Microsoft usually release mid-cycle hardware refreshes.
• Hybrid Gaming Consoles: Nintendo’s next console is likely to continue the hybrid approach, combining portable and home gaming with improved specs and features.
• More Cloud/Streaming Devices: With the rise of cloud gaming, we might see small, affordable streaming-only devices.

Given the current trends in the gaming industry, consoles are likely to evolve to integrate with cloud services, enhance their VR/AR capabilities, and provide even more immersive experiences.