Former PlayStation boss: Enough with graphics, we need cheaper consoles

Video games have always evolved at the pace of technology. Since the leap from 2D to 3D, each generation of consoles brought with it an immediate sense of wonder. But today, according to Shawn Layden, that impact has been diluted : graphics have reached such a realistic level that current advances are barely noticeable.

The former PlayStation boss argues that the future shouldn't be about chasing more detailed textures or higher resolutions, but something much simpler: making hardware cheaper, more accessible, and easier to use .

Many gamers fondly remember the first time they plugged in a PlayStation or Nintendo 64. It wasn't just a graphical leap: it was a revolution. The shift from two-dimensional to three-dimensional forever transformed the way we played.

Today, however, when purchasing a new console, most users only notice micro-improvements : a bit more resolution, a few extra frames per second. The excitement fades, and as Layden says, "It just doesn't feel like it used to."

Layden openly questions whether gamers really distinguish between 90 and 120 FPS , or if the difference between 4K and 8K justifies the rising price of hardware.

According to him, the obsession with graphics has led to a stagnant industry , where each new console offers only minor variations on the previous one, but at an ever-increasing price .

The former PlayStation executive proposes a different future:

• Cheaper and simpler consoles , designed to expand the player base.
• Increased competition from hardware manufacturers , not just the current giants.
• More accessible AA games , with lower production costs and balanced duration.

The idea, according to Layden, is that the average gamer prioritizes price and accessibility over raw power .

Layden's approach connects with a reality already seen on platforms like the Nintendo Switch : less powerful consoles, but with a large catalog and accessibility, have proven to be highly competitive.

Furthermore, the trend of services like Game Pass or PlayStation Plus confirms that many players prefer convenience and variety over ultra-realistic graphics .

Shawn Layden's reflection opens a profound debate in the industry:

• Is it time to stop chasing graphic perfection?
• Would it be better to focus on affordable hardware and accessible experiences for everyone?

The truth is that the magic of video games has always been in how they make us feel , not in the number of pixels on the screen.