According to Sony’s top executives, there’s no reason to worry about the Switch 2, because only the PlayStation 5 can deliver a truly premium experience on a big TV. Nintendo’s new console had a record-breaking launch around the world, but Sony still believes PS5 is the only platform that offers the highest quality gameplay. In their view, multi-platform development is good for the industry, but PlayStation remains the best place to play.

PlayStation has officially stated that it isn’t concerned about the Switch 2, insisting that PS5-level performance is required for a “great experience on a big screen.” Switch 2 launched last week, shattering hardware sales records globally and in Japan. For PlayStation, it’s notable that Nintendo’s new console boasts stronger specs, narrowing the gap with modern platforms (though it’s still more like a PS4 than a PS5), and it arrived with a wide lineup of third-party games.

During a business segment meeting on Friday, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s new president and CEO, Hideaki Nishino, was asked if Switch 2’s upgraded hardware and Nintendo’s improved relationships with third-party publishers would present tougher competition for PlayStation in coming years. “We closely monitor the overall gaming industry, including the actions of other market participants,” he responded. “Additionally, catalysts in the market are great for the industry as a whole, as they invigorate the excitement and demand more broadly. So it’s great to have people launching new things.”

“However, as I mentioned previously, we have a differentiated strategy. PlayStation 5 is designed for an immersive gaming experience, and this includes the innovative DualSense controller features as well. We believe PS5-level performance is required to achieve a great experience on big screens. And in this way, we have provided a unique offering for players and creators in this current console generation.”

Nishino added: “However, publisher strategies are increasingly shifting towards being multi-platform, so more platforms can run the same game, which is great from a creator’s perspective. Among those platforms, our mission is that we will continue to be the best place to play and publish.”

“As such, we have empowered our creators to leverage our offering and services to create amazing, unique experiences for players with high engagement and great monetization opportunities. We have done this consistently as the industry and competitive dynamics have evolved. And of course, PlayStation Studios, our franchises, have a special role in showcasing the PlayStation experience and then strengthening the player’s vision with us.”

The CEO was then asked about Sony investors’ worries that Nintendo’s popularity with young players might reduce PlayStation’s market share as that generation ages, if those gamers don’t “graduate” to PlayStation. Nishino said that the PlayStation brand has resonated with players of all ages for thirty years, and by supporting a wide range of creators, PlayStation will continue to offer “the largest range of content available.”

PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst added that Sony’s first-party developers are now reaching a wider audience—including younger players. “In addition to our franchises with more, I would call it ‘multi-generational’ fanbases, such as Marvel’s Spider-Man, we also have franchises that appeal to a range of different player segments,” he said. “Horizon is a good example, it’s been very popular with female players, Astro Bot from our lovely Team Asobi in Tokyo, it’s been a hit with children and adults alike.”

“We also continue to drive engagement with the PlayStation ecosystem and brand by bringing our franchises to new formats, film, television, and anime. Anime in particular is appealing to key younger audiences, so that’s going to be very helpful for us.”

Source: Video Game Chronicles