Is the digital only PS5 a response to Lockhart rumors?

[the-pi-guy]

The digital only PS5 feels so out there.  It makes sense, it's something that Sony has experimented with in the past, and it's something that we seem to be heading towards.  But it's so unexpected.
I don't know of any rumors that suggested a second PS5 model.  


With all the rumors of Lockhart, PS5 being more expensive than expected, it feels to me like the digital only PS5 is Sony's solution here.  


-Is Lockhart still happening?
-Is the digital only PS5 a response to the rumors of Lockhart?  
-what is the price going to be?


It seems like Lockhart is still being pointed to as coming soonish.  
My new expectation is that PS5 will be roughly as expensive as the XSX, and PS5 digital will instead be just a bit more expensive than XSS.  Close enough that people will feel that XSS would be a bad deal.  

[Xevross]

XB1S digital edition is a thing and did super well in discout sales during BF. I think that's a clear demonstration of the market for this kind of thing and its an easy win for Sony to sell a digital only console. I don't think Lockheart comes into this equation at all.

PS5 will be $50 cheaper than XSX imo, Sony don't want to announce though in case MS can afford to cut their price down by $50 to match. If PS5 and XSX are the same price, Lockheart (in combo with game pass) could steal the generation for MS when everyone is expecting Sony to come out on top. Even if PS5 is $100 cheaper it still might.

My prediction is this:

XSX $549
PS5 $499
PS5 Digital $429
Lockheart $299

Perhaps PS5 could be $50 more or XSX $50 less. I would not be surprised if they're the same price. The disc drive doesn't cost much, I'd be very surprised if the discount is more than about $70. Would be more like $50 normally but I think Sony would want a bit more of a difference between the two SKUs.

Sales.... well PS4 is about 2.2:1 on XB1. I expect that to drop to something like 1.5:1 next gen. Xbox are doing all the right things to bring the market forward, Sony are just hoping everyone is happy with more of the same. I do believe Lockheart is real, if its not (would be a baffling decision by MS) then sales will still be 2:1 roughly. Game Pass will make a difference but its in combination with a really cheap console it could be a real killer.

[Dr. Pezus]

Digital edition is win-win for Sony because it's cheaper (and cheaper to make) and they get more money from digital games.

[the-pi-guy]

If PS5 and XSX are the same price, Lockheart (in combo with game pass) could steal the generation for MS when everyone is expecting Sony to come out on top.

I just feel like this has to be a bigger part of the puzzle than we're thinking.  
Sony specifically called out they're going to try being competitive with price, and the cheaper PS5 option seems like a natural place to do that.

[Xevross]

I just feel like this has to be a bigger part of the puzzle than we're thinking.  
Sony specifically called out they're going to try being competitive with price, and the cheaper PS5 option seems like a natural place to do that.

Well yes for sure, perhaps Lockheart was a consideration but I think they'd do it anyway. Even without Lockheart, they'd want a full powered console which is a fair bit less in cost than XSX so this makes sense.

Either way, we won't get an answer and the answer doesn't really matter as to Sony's motivations. I'm just looking forward to seeing prices and eventual sales. I wonder if Sony are still going with their plan of only 6m consoles by end of March, it would be a real shame.

[Legend]

As Kyle Bosman said, I think the digital only PS5 is the "regular" PS5 and the disc drive one is the variation.

The shape lines up just too perfectly. It's not just the same system with a void like we would have expected.

I just feel like this has to be a bigger part of the puzzle than we're thinking.  
Sony specifically called out they're going to try being competitive with price, and the cheaper PS5 option seems like a natural place to do that.

The "$599" PS3 was just the most expensive SKU. It also launched at $499 yet the narrative focused on the big boy.

I think both versions need to be competitive with price. Also if lockhart exists, I think it could be ignored by the narrative too.

[the-pi-guy]

As Kyle Bosman said, I think the digital only PS5 is the "regular" PS5 and the disc drive one is the variation.

The shape lines up just too perfectly. It's not just the same system with a void like we would have expected.


The "$599" PS3 was just the most expensive SKU. It also launched at $499 yet the narrative focused on the big boy.

I think both versions need to be competitive with price. Also if lockhart exists, I think it could be ignored by the narrative too.

Very good point!

But if Lockhart does not get ignored, do you think Sony might leverage the digital version more?  

[the-pi-guy]

Now I am leaning towards:

PS5/XSX being $499
PS5 d: $449 or $399
Lockhart: $299 or $349

[Legend]

Very good point!

But if Lockhart does not get ignored, do you think Sony might leverage the digital version more?  

I think the hard part is that PS5 is not necessarily a middle option. If Microsoft does a 180 and heavily pushes lockhart as the Xbox to get for most gamers, Sony's in a pickle.



Lockhart: $349
PS5 D: $449
PS5: $499
XSX: $499

Would be good for Sony.

Lockhart: $249
PS5 D: $399
PS5: $499
XSX: $549

Would be hard for Sony.



(I still don't think Lockhart is happening. It needs to be announced soon).