PS5 And Next Xbox Announcements In 2019, PS4/Xbox Sales To Decline, Says NPD Analyst

"Both systems have done well in the US, but 2019 will likely be a transition year as we move into 2020," says Mat Piscatella.

[lxeasy]

If both Microsoft and Sony announce there next gen consoles in 2019 with a 2020 release date, i could def see a decline in sales for ps4 and xbox one. Gamers would most likely want to save up there money for 2020 i think. However if no announcement is made then I'm not so sure about this prediction especially If Gears 5 and LOU 2 release this fall then i don't think this analysis is spot on.

[authentic]

The next Xbox will launch with Gears 5, Halo Infinite, and Forza 8.

[Iloveherliezz]

Honestly sounds like a very smart launch line up. You're probably right but it may be to good to be true lol.

I wonder what launch goodies PS5 will have? I think their announced games so far are for current gen tho. Anybody wanna take a crack at a possible PS5 launch line up?

[Sciurus_vulgaris]

That makes no sense. Halo Infinite has no release date, Gears 5 has a 2019 release date and no Forza game is planned for this year.

[Eldyraen]

Gears 5 will have been out for about a year by time X2 launches in 2020.

Halo Infinite and Motorsport are probably sure things though. Turn 10 confirmed they weren’t releasing Motorsport this year, so they’re probably using the extra year for all new models and tech. Horizon should be getting an extra year because of this too.

Possibly a ninja theory game at launch if we’re lucky (3 years from initial Hellblade release come 2020). Family game from Super Lucky’s dev, or Rare going back to what they’ve historically done best?

Then it’s anyone’s guess really as who knows what the acquisitions and startups will be doing. But most of those are probably 2021+ actually due to just being acquired and games just releasing or haven’t released yet (SoD2 and We Happy few this past year, Wasteland 3 and Outer Worlds to release this year still).

But come 2020 things will really be interesting as we can at least see what some are up to for sure finally.

[Lennoxb63]

Gears 5 and Halo Infinite don't look next gen so where'd you get that conclusion?

[LemyAtom]

@ImGumbyDammit

Your long winded comment literally makes zero sense given you mention freaking mobile games when you say Uncharted yet Forza also has HORIZON which makes it more games than, y'know, every single series of Sony's you mentioned. LOLZ.

[S2Killinit]

If they do that, they wont have anything else in terms of existing big exclusives.

[REDGUM]

Wouldn't you prefer 3 new IP's or new games instead of 3 games with different numbers on the end of them?

[Bronxs15]

Ya Sony release a lot of uncharted and god of war too but it’s not the only thing. You also get others like last of us infamous last guardian and new things like horizon days gone bloodbourn etc

[Obscure_Observer]

@authentic

Gears 5 - 2019 Xbox One
Halo Infinite - 2020 Xbox One
Forza 8 - 2021 Xbox Scarlett Launching Tittle.

[Tazzy]

Those games will more than likely be coming out this year so that's doubtful those are the game Phil Spencer said Microsoft doesn't rely on those games but they clearly do.

[UltraNova]

@ImGumbyDammit

Here I am still waiting (no, not really) for you to understand that in addition to their "go yo" IPs, Sony develops a shit ton nee games whereas your fav company hasn't even botherd (with some notable flops here and there).

[demonicale]

They aren't going to put all their eggs in one basket. They will be spread out after release.

[Fantasticzig]

Add a brand new, 10/10 Banjo Kazooie and now you’re cooking with fire.

[Max_Eckhardt]

God, I hope not.
I’d like some new single player I.P

Guess it’s back to PlayStation again to satisfy my needs.

[JesusBuiltmyHotrod]

LOL, and none will make a diff in sony's Worldwide dominance.

@imgumbydammit.......GOW was totally rebooted and it basically a different game except the characters...get a clue. Would MS let the Colaition totally reboot Gears? How about a new IP?

Moe gears, halo,. forza...the issue with xbox is right in front of you, people do not get excited about more of the same from MS.

[ocelot07]

@lloveherliezz

I think Sony will make a song and dance about BC my self. I can see them offering PS5 patches for some of there PS4 games. Like they will re-release God of War for the PS5 on disc with all updated graphics and 4K 60FPS support as a budget. But if you have the digital download PS4 version or disc version then you can put that into the PS5 and get the PS5 patch for it. Pretty much like Microsoft are doing with some of the 360 titles currently.

As for PS5 launch titles. If Last of Us 2 releases on PS4 in 2019. Then I can see Last of Us 2 GOTY Edition being a PS5 launch title. Maybe a new Gran Turismo title as a launch title.

[LemyAtom]

If Sony brings a new Gran Turismo game to launch then the next Xbox will have no chance. I would love to see a closer race next time as it breeds creativity and competitivity but a new GT game would make PS5 fly off the shelves. Only problem is PD will probably delay the game and it will come out two years after PS5 launches.

[JackBNimble]

Ps2 and ps3 were bc right out of the box. I'll give them a free pass for the ps4 because of the cell being different tech.
But I am one who would expect bc out of the box with the ps5 , there is absolutely not reason that this shouldn't happen.

[jaymacx]

Personally I hope Sony and MS save big titles for their new console launches, so we don't get lackluster launches. If they launch the new systems the same way PS4/XB1 started , I will wait until the library builds.

[JesusBuiltmyHotrod]

PS5 will have BC day one...anoyone who thinks otherwise is clueless.

[rainslacker]

There is still some room for price cuts t9 drive some sales, but I think after the holiday sales, and a rather great year all around, that sales are likely to decline. It probably won't drop off a cliff, but things are about the point where they start winding down..particularly with rumors of a new gen, which may or may not even be happening soon.

[S2Killinit]

Wouldnt a new xbox so soon after the X be a little inequitable to those who went and bought the $500 X?

[Obscure_Observer]

@S2Killinit

"Wouldnt a new xbox so soon after the X be a little inequitable to those who went and bought the $500 X?"

It would make a 3 year release after the X (just like Sony did with the PS4 Pro). But yeah, took 4 years to Microsoft release the X after the original Xbox One. So i think the Scarlett wouldn´t be out before 2021.

[NarutoFox]

I believe Sony will still reach 100 million sales though

[NarutoFox]

*PS4*

[S2Killinit]

Most likely. Considering they continue to support their consoles even after a new generation comes out. I would say its highly likely.

[Kabaneri]

Maybe its because Im getting older I dont know but it feels like this gen flew by.

[sampsonon]

if you owned a ps4 it did. time flies when you're having fun.

[CorndogBurglar]

Well, the PS3 launched in November of 2006. The PS4 launched in November of 2013. So that was a 7 year lifespan.

It might seem quicker now because we've still got about 2 years to go before we hit that 7 year mark, yet we're already talking about new consoles.

So I don't think its that it went by quicker, just that we've only been in this gen for 5 years so far.

[LemyAtom]

I'd rather this gen just continue TBH. Sony I'm sure would be happy for it to do so but I imagine MS will be the first to try and push for next gen given how badly they did this time. But it might backfire and alienate One X owners so soon. My main worry is diminishing returns on consoles. Both Sony and MS want to see a big enough jump this time at a decent price and I just don't see it yet. I would love to be proven wrong, but for the first time I've seen loads of people commenting saying they're happy with this gen, whereas with PS3/360 people were complaining the generation was dragging on because of how under powered (particularly RAM) the consoles had become.

[SegaGamer]

Probably because you're getting older. I noticed things started to fly by once I left school.

[yeahokwhatever]

every moment is a smaller portion of your life than the one before it. each piece of time gets smaller in relation to your entire experience, and so it feels like its going by faster.

[8bitswarrior]

Feels like yesterday, I still have lots of games to finish, busy at the moment with Nioh, Spiderman and Nier.

I'd prefer to keep enjoying the ps4(that is fantastic) till the games that interests me are finished and then, after that, jump into the next gen.

Let's see if they will screw it up or not.

[Max_Eckhardt]

The older you get the faster time passes.

I’m so old this gen feels like it just began :(

[Good-Smurf]

Longer wait between each exclusive that's why.

[Silly gameAr]

It feels like they're trying to speed this gen up to me.

[SkippyPaccino]

Hasn't the Xbox sales been in decline since 2016?...

[AngelicIceDiamond]

https://www.gamerevolution....

https://www.onmsft.com/news...

https://gamingbolt.com/xbox...

All it takes is simple freakin research.

[BehindTheRows]

You can be up in regions and down WW.

OT: Of course the consoles will decline (particularly PS4 as it has been HUGE all generation). I expect the PS5 to dominate yet again (at least between itself and Xbox ~ don't know what Nintendo has planned). Exciting times ahead!

[AngelicIceDiamond]

That's fine if you think PS5 will do very well once again. I think its not a crazy theory at this point that MS will be well prepared, not screw up its launch and start bringing big games finally. Just remember Sony and MS are competition, we as gamers just reap the rewards and play great games. That's how its always been, and how it should be.

[Soulrakk]

Not sure if that's a joke or sarcasm but, It's actually rising year over year. Xbox has done a great job with its fanservice and features. I hope this gen has taught them something & makes next-gen a tight race. Competition is good. This gen was over long ago and Sony didn't slow down so much credit and kudos to PlayStation. Xbox had no shot. But man am I looking forward to next gen to see a more serious & gamer-centric Xbox team and what they roll out. Sony will be ready, which just makes for possibly an epic showdown between platforms. Puts gamers in a win/win situation.

[ElementX]

I think the PS4 has outsold the Xbox 2:1 most, if not the entire generation, which means the Xbox sales are stable even if they are less. You'd see different ratios if they were declining.

[jznrpg]

You have no idea because MS doesn’t release numbers . There are only guesstimates out there even by NPD etc

[Max_Eckhardt]

I don’t know, Microsoft started hiding their sales numbers when it became clear that they had lost the generation with no chance of catching up a few years ago.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

No, I think they've always been that way, they didn't even release the failure rates for the 360 while we had hard figures for ps3 and Wii. So it's not a new thing for them to just not state sales figures.

[sander9702]

Early or mid 2019 announcements, VR is 50% of the focus, hardware is good this time and they release either late 2019 or early 2020 with amazing launch titles. Can I be an analyst now?

[CorndogBurglar]

I don't think they would release new consoles early in the year. Sony has released 3 of their 4 consoles in November and December. Only PS2 released early, in March.

I'm assuming because they want that holiday rush, not that it matters considering first run of consoles always sell out due to lack of supply. But still, there's gotta be a reason so many consoles and games release right before Christmas.

[ILostMyMind]

For myself, VR is what I want in the next generation. PS4 is just fine for my overall game style. I could use It for another 5 years.

[S2Killinit]

I think PSVR2 is going to be awesome. The hardware bump will be great, but i really want to see what Sony can do in VR with a powerful machine.

[stefd75]

Why are N4G so obsessed with PS5 and next Xbox, there is nothing wrong with what is out there now. Whats the rush N4G??

[Jin_Sakai]

Who wouldn’t want better visuals, framerate, and resolution? I’m ready for next gen.

[ILostMyMind]

So am i, but if no one hurries, I would be grateful. A new generation is good, but it is not necessary... right now.

[stefd75]

It might be because I am a gamer from the early 80's, I just think what we have now is amazing.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

I'm pretty happy for now, so many games I need to buy and play still, if I want to play on the best possible hardware I just use my PC (I skipped Nvidia's new GPUs last year, hopefully it'll be worth getting this year's). So I'm happy to wait till 2021, even if it releases then, I'll probably wait a year or two (I want that Pro version if I can hold out long enough).

[Max_Eckhardt]

I’d rather wait another 3-4 years and then have a HUGE leap that would truly be worth my money and the upgrade.

[Jin_Sakai]

“I’d rather wait another 3-4 years and then have a HUGE leap that would truly be worth my money and the upgrade.“

Then just wait and get a PS5 Pro?

[Shikoku]

It's been 6 yrs what the hell are you talking about? Rush? This gen will not be last gen its not going to be 10yrs long, thank God.

[EliteComments123]

LOL its been 5

[Eldyraen]

It’s a pretty universal thing on YouTube and many game sites in general. There have been rumors for over a year now and we are now in the 5-6y window which was the traditional “next gen” start time as well.

I’ll have plenty to play this year and likely next, before new consoles hit and after as well, but i love the industry as a whole besides just playing games. I love the tech side of things and always have, but other than near next gen reveals that’s a pretty barren landscape (until mid gen upgrades this Generation—slims are interesting but typically less exciting).

I’m the sort that enjoys tech demos as well, which is why aim excited for things like CES (less Demo heavy but tech in general) and GDC in March. GDC has a lot of tech demos from Engine companies which I just love lwatching—although they are years from fruition really when it comes to gaming. No game out has yet to match some from 2-3 years ago and possibly won’t even next gen. Some are getting there though.

[blackblades]

No its gamingbolt thats obsessed, this is like the only site that put out back to back next gen articles.

[Tazzy]

It's not N4G its an article shared on here.

[Smokehouse]

Wow such analysis. That’s why they make the big bucks.

[Vandamme21]

Too early for me...I’m not ready for next gen right now

[Tazzy]

Same here I bought a PS4PRO in June 2017 and an Xbox One X in August I'll wait though I'm glad I didn't rush out to get a PS4when it launched because they launched the PS4PRO upgrade after it, I got the Xbox One at launch in 2013 then the S now the X this upgrade crap is dumb like make it powerful when they launch it don't wait and do it to get more money off people.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

I couldn't hold out till the PRO, the games I wanted started coming out before the PRO's release. No point buying it and upgrading now, since I own a vanilla PS4 and it still works fine.

[sampsonon]

Ghost Of Tsushima, TLoU2, Death Stranding, and Days Gone. you really think the ps4 sales will decline? lol

[Shikoku]

Yep because everyone that wants one has one. Last gen it took almost 8-9yrs to hit 80mill for both x360 and Ps3 this gen they did it 5-6 so yes the sales will decline the only hardware that could make gains is xbone because its @40mill roughly.

[sampsonon]

i wonder how many more people/gamers there are compared to 10 years ago? hm?
what games are coming out for the Xbox in 2019?

pc gamers alone will boost sales when these games come out, especially TLoU2 and Death Stranding.
few more Xbox gamers as well.

[Max_Eckhardt]

Traditionally a £199 price point moves a LOT of consoles. We haven’t reached that stage yet, and Sony also sell alot of consoles to second world countries.

Plus, we may yet get a Super Slim PS4 and that would shoft a lot more consoles.

PS4 has a lot of life left in it.

PS, the amount of gamers is growing every year. So this gen all consoles should sell more than last.

[Tazzy]

I don't think PS4 sales will especially if they drop it to $150 or cheaper for people that don't have one they'll buy it I think I'd buy another PRO and with those games coming out for PS4 they're going to be hits. I have an Xbox One X I think it's way to soon for Microsoft to launch another console I still say the Xbox One X is the start of the new game generation because the S had 4k to compete with the PRO and it didn't do well.

[Skankinruby]

Ps4 has enough forecast to fuel sales til the very end of this gen and well into the next one. Will it outsell ps5 once it launches? Probably not. But by no means would ps5's existence give ps4 heavy fatigue, and even if momentum actually started to slow down all they would need is a price cut.

[Shikoku]

Most likely correct. The games release this year will be cross gen with LoU2 being a launch title for PS5.

[Muigi]

I've said multiple times the new consoles are coming holiday 2020. Unlike half of these articles/kids I have actual sources in the industry that are making games for them as we speak.

[Tankbusta40]

I think they should wait till 2021, reports are the hardware won't be that significant an increase over the one x or ps4 pro... With another year all the components will most likely be cheaper to acquire anyways...however I am sure devs are chomping at the bit to double dip their games for multiple gens

[blackblades]

Why not release it early and do another mid gen for the ones that wanna wait longer.

[ocelot07]

"hardware won't be that significant an increase over the one x or ps4 pro"

What? The CPU based in both the Pro and X is essentially a underclocked FX 8120 which was released back in 2011 and was rubbish even when overclocked.

A lot has changed in the 5 years since the PS4/XB1 release. Of course there would be a significant increase.

[Eldyraen]

It’s only natural, most of the known PS games target their existing market. Spider-Man likely was their last huge console seller simply because it was something different (super hero—accessible for many demographics).

I’m not saying that what else has to come won’t sell consoles but Day’s Gone, TLOU2, Ghost, and whatever Death Stranding is, are more along the lines of what your standard Today’s PS4 owner has been playing already. Different, but similar enough and largely Adult Gamer oriented whom probably already owns a PS4 so console uptake will probably be lower than if those games released sooner in the life span.

Xbox? Iffy but probably not stellar either. I mean, the games we know of still are basically games that have seen a Remaster (UE) and collection (Mcc), on top of one new game since then. Gears 5? I love it but most gears fans already own an Xbox or even PC now. Halo 5 might have made some skip out though for diehard halo fans—so maybe if Infinite releases on One (I’m guessing cross gen) then some might finally get it then—but that’s 2020 which is probably more likely to have people buy X2s. C3 is not a system seller by any means, and neither is Ori (although I want it asap).

So, unless there is some surprise game that targets an audience that hasn’t been hit up yet, I can definitely see it sort of plateauing and then falling quick once those games do release.

I still expect Millions to sell annually however, likely 10m for PS and maybe half that for Xbox. Because even as late as it is, we have almost 1-2 more years until next gen hits. At least 1 major Holiday for both in that time too (this year) where I think it’s 100% current gen to boost sales one last time—but not peak above last year. Maybe Xbox but that’s because Gears 5 trumps every Xbox game that launched this past 1.5 years really. So it might spike a little one last time but still not be huge numbers in comparison.

5-10M isn’t a tiny annual number though this late so they’re orobably happy if they manage that. Sony should top 100M again with numbers about that from this year alone—think they were high 80Ms? 88M or something last I read? Xbox will do better than OG Xbox I believe but possibly less than 360. But since they didn’t have a RROD fiasco their profits, even outside of services, might be higher anyways.

And yes, I’m prone to tldr posts but I like organizing my thoughts for myself and simply share some of them just because. You should see some I delete mid-writing ;)

[strayanalog]

And water is wet.

[tryson7688]

Doubt Sony would announce a new gen in the year before release.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

If I recall, we knew about the PS3 long before it released, at this point all we have are rumors and speculation apart from what Sony has stated themselves.

[xander70769]

Things next gen needs,

100% backwards compatibility

No “always-online” BS (looking at you, Microsoft.)

New 60 FPS standard for 99% of games.

Honestly I’m willing to wait for these consoles if the tech isn’t there yet to provide this at a reasonable price point yet. No need to rush IMO, make these consoles right and make them great.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

At least 1440p or 4k native resolution if possible.

[ocelot07]

1080p 60FPS should be the bare min. With 4K 60FPS being the goal if possible.

[Artemidorus]

Well I've been told Microsoft are making games for the next console already.

Looking like announcement and details for 2019 and late 2020 being an opening window as a guess.

[Gamist2dot0]

I predict it will increase in sales because of the lineup of games and the casuals will be on board because of the drop in price of the consoles. Hardcore gamers will be the ones saving up for next gen.

[Einhander1971]

I still don’t think the next gen is as close as most think it is. Everything we read is speculation until Sony actually drop the bomb I’m on the fence.

[tryson7688]

We have a whole lot of evidence of the PS5 coming this year.

[Elda]

Sony hasn't said or revealed anything about the PS5 coming this year.

[nismo370]

Read the article
“I’m forecasting announcements in 2019 for 2020 launches for both PlayStation 5 and the next Xbox,” Piscatella told GamingBolt.

[EliteComments123]

LOL 2019 is too early for new consoles

[nismo370]

2019???
“I’m forecasting announcements in 2019 for 2020 launches for both PlayStation 5 and the next Xbox,” Piscatella told GamingBolt.

[EliteComments123]

i want a BIG Leap in everyway ill wait 2 or3 more years

[tonyjames404]

I highly doubt we will see the next gen consoles this year. Maybe 2020 but no way 2019. There are too few details about the consoles, there is no rumoured look or even games that are going to be on each.

https://cogpoweruppodcast.p...

[nismo370]

2019???? Did you read the article?
“I’m forecasting announcements in 2019 for 2020 launches for both PlayStation 5 and the next Xbox,” Piscatella told GamingBolt.

[tonyjames404]

That's all good. I am not saying that the article is wrong. I am just saying I doubt it's coming next year is all

[Tazzy]

If Xbox launches another console next year against Playstation its going to lose sales wise like it did when PS4 and Xbox One launched PS5 can launch with a Gran Turismo, Horizon 2, Spider-man 2 etc etc Microsoft really needs top games to compete. You can have the most powerful console BUT that means nothing look at Nintendo they're not far behind Xbox One in sales and their console is weaker than the Xbox One will they catch Sony I don't think so but they'll catch Xbox Microsoft needs great game releases that sell like crazy. Having PUBG and Halo 5 as their top game sales isn't good when Sony is basically assaulting them with hit after hit same with Nintendo.

[derek]

How can anyone know if the xbox has had a good 2018 or see its sales decline in 2019? Nobody has their numbers just the way they like it. The playstation could see a decline and still sale over 15million consoles. Where the xbox could see an increase next year and not even sale half of ps4s numbers. Microsoft has really fooled the press with their propaganda.

[yeahokwhatever]

In other breaking news, water is wet.

[Nicknasty]

Lol everyone saying ps5 and new xbox has been announced. Now you guys already know what games are coming for these so called systems? There hasnt been any announcement about anything! I think people are just setting themselves up for a big disappointment with all these rumours and hopeful speculation. Enjoy what is out now! XboxOneX hasnt even been out a year! Lol

[Wulfer]

PS4 will surely decline but, Xbox won't thanks to GamePass. The S brand will continue the 1X line. The hunted becomes the hunter?

Just the month of December Game Pass had:

Mutant Year Zero (at launch)
Ashen (at launch)
Below (at launch)
The Gardens Between (at launch)
Kingdom: Two Crowns (at launch)
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019
Ori and the Blind Forest Definitive Edition
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Shadow Warrior 2
Life Is Strange: Complete Season
Life Is Strange Before The Storm: Complete Season
Spintires: Mudrunner
Mortal Kombat X
Strange Brigade

and Jan. 2019 they add:

Ark: Survival Evolved - January 3
Farming Simulator 17 - january 3
Absolver - January 7
Just Cause 3 - January 10
Aftercharge - January 10

[ocelot07]

I guess someone has to try I suppose.

[Max_Eckhardt]

I better start saving for a new PC build to rival the Xbone 2 and the PS5.
I wonder if they will beat my 1080Ti?

I have 16GB of RAM, but my CPU is getting old...

[ocelot07]

Depends on the CPU you have.

[Max_Eckhardt]

i5 4670

[ocelot07]

Ahh it's still a capable CPU I suppose. If you where to upgrade to AMD Ryzen or Intels latest you would have to swap out the RAM you have now for DD4.

[JesusBuiltmyHotrod]

they are 6 years old so this is obvious.

[CitizenFour]

As long as my controllers and headsets work going forward this time. If all of a sudden my Elite controller is obsolete, I'm done.

[zahdab]

If they announce that games releasing in 2019 are forward compatible we will continue to huy games normally.
Rebuying several games from last gen is never fun....
Consoles however will probably havr another price drop which might increase sales ... most ppl that havent opted into this generation yet are not that well informed and wouldnt be following gaming news anyway.

[FanboysKiller]

I don't think so, the shift to pc ain't gonna happen this time because of the pro and the x and gamers won't need to think twice to spend on software cause games will work on ps5 and xbox 2.