As someone who grew up with video game consoles, from the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 4, the world of gaming and the market has gone through some major changes. Console companies such as Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft used to set the standard for gaming, and at their peak, were the pinnacle of gaming.
But lately, it feels like they’re losing their edge, their spark. Whether it be outdated hardware, rising prices on games, accessories, or even memberships, it’s not surprising that some gamers, especially new ones, are looking elsewhere such as PC gaming, or looking for the next big thing.
Nintendo is the clearest example of the rising problem with modern console gaming. While the Switch was amazing when it first launched in 2017 (even the Switch 2 this year which was also great on release), many have expressed that it’s lagging behind in power and capability compared to their rivals.
According to tomsguide.com, it’s no secret that you can’t really compare consoles such as the PS5 or Xbox Series X to the Nintendo Switch. But Sony and Microsoft aren’t perfect either. Instead of giving us fresh, new ideas, they mostly rely on releasing slightly stronger versions of what we already have, as seen with the Nintendo Switch OLED version. This lack of innovation isn’t what these consoles were known for, as many gamers believe it “doesn’t feel the same anymore.:
Prices have been another major issue. New games range between $70 to $90 now not including deluxe editions or DLCs. That’s also not including online subscriptions that also keep climbing in prices. Nintendo is a clear example again who rarely lower the prices of older titles, which is infuriating to many when you’re a student on a budget, someone wanting to save money wherever they can, or even someone who wants to build a collection. Gaming is becoming expensive, and that sentence alone pushes people who want to give them a try.
While this has been happening, competition has become larger. Free-to-play games like Fortnite, Valorant, or even cheap mobile games like Roblox are attracting younger players who don’t need to ask for a $500 system to enjoy their free time. Even PC gaming, which was seen as a luxury and too expensive, can now be built affordably and still perform well, giving players added flexibility with more titles than the console ecosystems.
Digital game downloads have been a major topic for many, particularly seasoned gamers who have grown up with physical discs. While it can be convenient to many to buy these games through digital storefronts like Microsoft Store or the PlayStation Store, this has done damage to physical media. Many stores like GameStop have been hit by this blow due to the decline of in-person sales and the big shift towards digital media, according to TimeOut.
From my perspective as someone who is in this world of gaming, consoles aren’t going anywhere, but they’re definitely at a crossroads. If companies like Nintendo keep relying on brand loyalty while ignoring innovation and fair pricing, then they’re ultimately ignoring their fans and risk losing future gamers. I still love consoles, I’ve grown up and made memories with them, but unless changes are made, I can see why many players are deciding to move on.
