Analyst: PS3 Is Sony’s Last Console
There has been no shortage of bad Sony news over the past months, everything from arrogant statements to console delays, and as a consequence, PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi has been removed as SCE president. He now holds a “higher” rank, as SCE chairman, meaning he won’t make any big decisions anymore. Analyst Yuta Sakurai from Nomura Securities predicts that the PS3 will be Sony’s last console,
“The appointment of Hirai could be the start of a shift from hardware to software. I cannot now imagine a PlayStation 4. Hirai’s new global portfolio puts a predominantly software-focused manager in charge of the company.”
Sega went down the same path a few years ago, when the Dreamcast failed and the company became a software publisher. But that’s not the case with Sony, according to company PR chief Dave Karakker, who told GameSpot,
“Following the launch of the PlayStation 3 just a few weeks ago, and witnessing the huge consumer demand for the product, I think it would be rather short-sighted for anyone to predict there might not be a next generation of PlayStation product”
So there you go, everything is apparently alright at Sony. Despite receiving rather negative reviews, the PS3 has sold out in both Japan and North America.
Read (Financial Times)