The prolonged overlap between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S hardware cycles has created unprecedented cross-gen compatibility, leading many to question whether the latest platforms have fully taken off. Industry analysts now predict 2025 could conclude this transitional phase as studios increasingly consider abandoning PlayStation 4 development.

According to a GamesIndustry analysis, HoYoverse’s recent decision to halt PS4 updates for Genshin Impact signals a broader trend, with “numerous creators of ongoing multiplayer titles evaluating timelines for sunsetting legacy console support.” While technical constraints factor into these choices, the growing adoption of current-gen devices appears decisive. With PS5 shipments surpassing 80 million units, developers argue the hardware’s penetration justifies focusing resources on modern platforms.

This pivot toward next-gen exclusivity may encounter new disruptions, however. Speculation mounts about Sony and Microsoft’s future consoles, rumored for release as early as 2026. Reports suggest PlayStation 6 prototypes target 4K/120FPS capabilities at accessible price points, while Xbox explores modular designs using advanced APU technology to rival gaming PCs. Such innovations could redefine hardware paradigms, potentially rendering fixed console generations obsolete as platforms evolve into more fluid ecosystems.