The Vice President of Technology Paul Holman (Sony Computer Entertainment Europe), states that “a PS4 will be launched by Sony but not until at least 2010.†He said that “Sony will introduce a series of firmware upgrades that will give the PS3 more media center capability while allowing for the introduction of third party applications and hardware "such as interactive controllers" similar to the Nintendo DS.
Implications - The launch of the PlayStation 3 happened just a few weeks ago and the demand for the product is huge. The SCEA communications boss Dave Karraker at Gamespot says, "I think it would be rather short-sighted for anyone to predict there might not be a next generation of PlayStation product."
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Firmware Upgrades for PS3
- Firmware upgrades for the PS3 can enhance media center capabilities and introduce third party applications and hardware.
- Interactive Controllers
- The introduction of interactive controllers similar to the Nintendo DS can enhance user experience on the PS3.
- Next Generation Playstation Product
- The demand for the PlayStation 3 suggests that there may be a next generation PlayStation product in the future.
Where This Applies
- Gaming Console
- The gaming console industry can benefit from firmware upgrades and the introduction of interactive controllers.
- Software Development
- Software developers can explore opportunities to create third party applications and hardware for gaming consoles.
- Media Center
- The media center industry can leverage firmware upgrades to enhance capabilities on gaming consoles.
