Gaming News Roundup: PS5 Pro rumors, Switch 2 delay confirmed, and more

Get ready for some gaming news overload! This week, we’ve got everything from a potential PS5 Pro to a delayed Switch 2, microtransactions, and even a Crazy Taxi revival with a live-service twist. Buckle up, gamers!

PS5 Pro Release Date Rumor

Industry analyst Serkan Toto predicts a PS5 Pro launch in the second half of 2024, aiming to boost sales and capitalize on GTA 6’s arrival.

Switch 2 delayed

However, Nintendo fans face a slight delay with the Switch 2 pushed to early 2025, according to Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe.

Ninguém quer ouvir isso, mas essa aqui é bem intensa.

Após consultar 5 fontes de 3 continentes diferentes, todos ecoando basicamente a mesma coisa, O X do Controle hoje revela: o lançamento do sucessor do Switch só deve acontecer em 2025.

Detalhes no episódio. https://t.co/PqVik1A3gF

— PH (@phluttilippe) February 16, 2024

While the PS5 outsells its competitor, concerns remain:

• Slow first-party game releases
• Missed hardware sales goals
• Falling profit margins

Analysts suggest Sony sees the PS5 Pro as a solution, potentially launching with leaked detailed technical specs this fall. Though unofficially confirmed, hints from executives suggest a 2023 plan that was delayed.

Courtesy of Sony

Analyst Insights:

• Serkan Toto (Tokyo-based): Sony is likely preparing a PS5 Pro launch in the second half of 2024, aiming for compatibility with a potential 2025 GTA 6 release.
• George Jijiashvili (Omdia): A PS5 Pro launch with declining hardware sales is possible.
• Microsoft’s Approach: No confirmed mid-gen upgrade plans, with rumors of a less powerful model this fall. Focus on next-gen hardware with no confirmed release date.

Sony’s Challenges:

• Lowest operating margin in years.
• Blamed for high game development costs, like Spider-Man 2’s $300 million budget.

Possible Solutions:

• Live service games.
• Multiplatform first-party titles.

Additional Considerations:

• No price reduction for the PS5 Slim is expected after the PS5 Pro launch.
• Potential ethical concerns surrounding ever-increasing game development costs.