Discussing the upcoming release of the Switch 2 this coming June, EA’s founder, Trip Hawkins, shares his thoughts about the potential evolution of gaming consoles.
In a recent blog post, Hawkins expressed his belief that cloud-based technologies will be the leading force in the future, suggesting that the era of traditional consoles selling 150 million units has come to an end.
Regarding future console generations, we’re transitioning into a phase where cloud-based gaming is becoming the norm. It’s going to be more practical and cost-effective to have powerful GPUs housed in data centers instead of encouraging people to purchase new consoles at higher prices than before. It’s unlikely that another traditional console will sell as many units as the PlayStation 2, which reached 150 million sales.
Hawkins further explained that the technical abilities of personal computers, together with the current generation gaming consoles and advanced mobile phones, could potentially offer performance that is sufficient for most individuals.
He noted that in the near future, it may prove advantageous for companies such as Sony and Microsoft to shift their focus towards their game-streaming subscription services instead of continuing to invest in hardware production and promotion, which is currently loss-making. This way, iconic brands like PlayStation and Xbox can persist while becoming more accessible on personal computers and billions of smart devices. Such a move would benefit all parties involved: the cloud providers, game brands, and gamers themselves.
The initial Nintendo Switch has already surpassed sales of over 150 million units, and this figure is expected to rise even further once Nintendo unveils its latest financial report for the month ahead.
Regarding the anticipated performance of Switch 2, Hawkins predicts that it will exceed 100 million total sales units. However, based on his previous statements, he doesn’t envision it surpassing the record-breaking success of the initial Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft is developing a potential next-gen gaming system, possibly incorporating a handheld device as well, whereas it’s rumored that Sony is working on the successor to PlayStation 5, known as the PS6. Neither company has revealed release dates for their upcoming consoles yet.
Microsoft, on the other hand, is deeply involved in game-streaming solutions, and simultaneously, Sony offers a similar service. However, Microsoft clarified that game-streaming is simply one potential avenue; they plan to keep producing traditional gaming consoles as well.
In 1991, Hawkins parted ways with EA. During his tenure there, he played a significant role in securing a development deal with John Madden, leading to the creation of the highly successful Madden football series. Now, a movie based on Madden is being made, and it’s been announced that John Mulaney will portray Hawkins. In a recent interview, the veteran executive shared that David O. Russell decided against collaborating with him for the film.
After EA, Hawkins founded 3DO to create a new gaming console, but it never took off.
Read More
- How to use a Modifier in Wuthering Waves
- Mistfall Hunter Class Tier List
- 50 Goal Sound ID Codes for Blue Lock Rivals
- Lucky Offense Tier List & Reroll Guide
- Watch Louis Theroux’s The Settlers for Free: Secret Hack Revealed!
- Basketball Zero Boombox & Music ID Codes – Roblox
- Unlock All Avinoleum Treasure Spots in Wuthering Waves!
- Unleash Your Heroes’ True Potential: Best Stadium Builds for Every Overwatch 2 Hero
- 50 Ankle Break & Score Sound ID Codes for Basketball Zero
- Best Crosshair Codes for Fragpunk
2025-05-01 16:10