Console Shock Podcast 165: The Future of Consoles

Retro and current gen gaming chat, with Trev and Stu, its the Console Shockcast! Join us as we take a road trip through gaming’s past and future. From Ridge Racer nostalgia and portable racing classics to soaring hardware prices and the possibility of £1,000 consoles, Trev and Stu examine the challenges and opportunities facing the gaming industry. Why modern racing games can feel more like open-world RPGs, and whether the genre has lost sight of pure arcade fun. A look back at Ridge Racer 7, the cancelled Ridge Racer 8 for Switch, and why Namco should bring the series back. Hidden gems on PSP – Sega Rally, Gran Turismo, and the surprisingly strong library of portable racing games. Rising console prices and the impact of chip shortages, AI demand, manufacturing costs, and why hardware isn’t getting cheaper. Predictions for PS6, the next Xbox, and whether £1,000 consoles could become the norm.  The peak of console gaming? – Looking back at the PS2, Wii, Xbox 360 and PS4 eras to see if console sales have already hit their high-water mark. How devices like the Switch, Steam Deck and future PlayStation handhelds could reshape the market. The rise of console PCs – Could SteamOS systems and PC-based gaming devices become the budget-friendly alternative to traditional consoles? Check out Trev and Al’s other podcast where they reminisce about different episodes of the Star Trek franchise! : https://longrangesensors.com/episodes Intro/Outro Music – Title Theme – Pinball Dreams (1992) – Commodore Amiga – Composer(s): Olof Gustafsson