Rising costs tied to artificial intelligence are prompting a fresh debate in gaming: would you prefer the next console cycle be postponed if it keeps prices lower and limits damage to developers and existing hardware? Opinions are divided—some players see a delay as a pragmatic move to protect wallets and workforces, while others fear stagnation and missed technological leaps.

  • AI-related expenses could push up development and manufacturing budgets, potentially making consoles and games more expensive for consumers unless companies slow the cadence of new hardware.
  • Concerns over AI’s impact extend beyond price: controversies around training data, intellectual property, and the erosion of creative jobs feed into calls for caution before racing into a new generation.
  • Handheld ecosystems and niche devices, like popular portable PCs, aren’t immune—readers worry that AI-driven supply and tooling changes might imperil smaller platforms or make them costlier to maintain.
  • Community sentiment is split: some players would accept waiting if it means fairer pricing and better protections for creators, while others prioritize fresh features, performance and the cultural momentum a new generation brings.
  • For manufacturers, the choice isn’t simple—delaying can protect margins and buy time to adapt AI workflows, but it also risks ceding market excitement and allowing competitors or PC platforms to pull ahead.

Source: Eurogamer

Sponsored