Sony has been playing to its strengths with a consistent output of high-quality AAA blockbusters such as the already released Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and upcoming ones including the likes of Horizon Forbidden West. However, Sony's pricing models for its games have been met with intense scrutiny by fans, with the most recent example being Horizon Forbidden West. In addition to positioning its first-party library at a higher price tag of $70, Sony has recently changed its policies regarding next-gen upgrades, much to consumer dismay.
The hardware shortage occurring throughout the ongoing pandemic hasn't been kind to fans hoping to get their hands on a PS5. Nearly a year after its official launch, it's still completely sold out aside from some rampant scalpers selling PS5s for nearly $1,000. This highlights a flaw of Sony's that many consider to be anti-consumer.
Sony’s Next-Gen Upgrades Are Not Consumer-Friendly
Sony’s stance with respect to its pricing has been criticized by many, but the publisher has put a lot of effort into establishing itself as the go-to brand when it comes to quality experiences. PS5 upgrades arguably take more effort to implement than Xbox upgrades, since DualSense features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers can take a ton of effort if developers vow to get it right.
However, Sony has made it increasingly harder for fans to update to the latest generation of console hardware with its recent moves. Previously, the upcoming Horizon Forbidden West’s next-gen upgrade options were locked behind an ultimate edition, although this decision was later reverted following fan backlash. Now, following the release of Horizon Forbidden West, no first-party Sony titles will support free upgrades from PS4 to PS5.
Paid next-gen upgrades wouldn’t be much of an issue if next-gen consoles were easier to come by. The PS5, in particular, has been selling like hotcakes and Sony is having a hard time keeping up with the ever-increasing demand for the console. What makes this issue more egregious is the fact that these shortages will continue to exist well into 2022. As hinted at hardware giants like Toshiba, these chip shortages could even extend into 2023, which has fans in a rock and a hard place. Because of this, players without PS5s are forced to settle for PS4 versions of their anticipated titles, but once they finally do obtain the next-gen console, they'll be forced to shell out extra cash for an upgrade they didn't previously have access to.
A healthy chunk of the fanbase is stuck between wanting to get a PS5 and actually managing to get a PS5, which then forces them to contend with last-gen versions of games like Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut or even Horizon Forbidden West for that matter. While most consumers would be happy to experience these titles in their PS5 versions with all of their next-gen graphical fidelity, it's simply not possible.
As mentioned before, it seems light Sony might be exploiting its position as the go-to company for AAA blockbusters to make its own rules. If a fan wants to play upcoming PS5 games like Horizon Forbidden West, meaning that some players will have to conform to this anti-consumer decision to play their favorite games in the best format.
The Other Side Of The Fence
While Sony has been changing its policies, Microsoft still supports free next-gen upgrades for its players, at least, for the time being. But because of previous statements, it's likely that free next-gen upgrades are here to stay for Xbox consoles.
In addition to this, the Xbox Smart Delivery program ensures that players get the best possible version of a game regardless of which console they own. This is turn, makes it effortless to upgrade to the newer generation without paying much heed as to what versions of games players should buy. Of course, this is only applicable for first-party titles and select third-party publishers such as the likes of EA have been following in Sony’s footsteps with FIFA 22’s upgrade options being locked behind an Ultimate edition.
The Problem With Next-Gen Upgrades
Upgrade options are relatively new, and it isn’t a surprise that many developers have been fumbling with providing compelling options for games that support both console generations. Publishers such as 505 Games have already admitted their mistakes with Control's faulty upgrade system, so it's disappointing to see first-party AAA games following the same track.
Sony has further set a precedent about its upgrade fees by announcing that PS4 to PS5 upgrade pricing will remain at $10, leading some to believe that Sony is more concerned about money than consumer satisfaction. As mentioned before, this is further exacerbated by the fact that PlayStation fans are already struggling to get an entry into the next generation of consoles. Given Sony’s other increasingly stringent policies as well, and the willingness of fans for buying into them, there’s little to no chance that free upgrades will return in the future, leading folks to believe Sony is taking advantage of its highly-demanded exclusives.
While it would be great to see Sony fully reverse this policy until chip and console shortages are no longer an issue, the unfortunate reality is that the shortages may continue for years, meaning that PlayStation customers may have to deal with this strict policy indefinitely.