Analyst suggests next gen consoles could be here by 2019

Video game analyst Michael Pachter believes that the next generation of consoles could be hitting stores as early as 2019. 

With technology moving forward faster than ever before, personified by the upcoming release of virtual reality headsets, it is possible, perhaps even probable, that current gen consoles will not have the same longevity as their predecessors.

This is the opinion taken by Pachter. On the latest episode of his podcast ‘Pachter Factor’, he was posed this question by one listener:

“Given that the current-gen systems often struggle to run games at a steady 30 frames per second at 1080p and the rise of 4K televisions and stuff like VR, do you see this generation of consoles lasting as long as the PS3/Xbox 360 generation (7-8 years).”

After thinking for a moment, Pachter answered with this:

“I would be surprised if we had a next-gen console in 2018; we might have one in 2019, so I think 6 years is likely. We will have one by 2020, so I think seven years is a lock. So, lasting as long, probably not, but lasting longer than five years, probably so.”

His reasoning for this was that the price of 4k TV’s is going down and in the near future consoles will be produced that run games in 4k.

What do you think about the state of current gen consoles? Will they be long-lived or are they soon to be forgotten? Answers in the comments below!