Ex-PlayStation Exec Says Consoles Have Bridged Gap Between Them And PC; Both Now ‘Quite Similar’

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"Only The Dogs Can Hear The Difference"

Story Highlight
  • Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden claims modern consoles have closed the gap with PC.
  • He says only the dogs can hear the differences in enhancements.
  • Layden envisions a future where games are universally compatible across platforms, much like DVDs or Blu-rays.

The console vs. PC debate has been a never-ending one, but it has intensified in recent years thanks to the significant leap in hardware offered by the latest generation of consoles.

A former PlayStation executive has added more fuel to the fire in this debate with a bold take. According to him, modern consoles have narrowed the gap with PCs, making both platforms more similar than ever.

Why it matters: With rapid technological advancements, consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5 now deliver impressive performance for their price. Their capabilities are so strong that many now argue there’s little difference left in the console vs. PC discussion.

In a new podcast, Shawn Layden had this to say when referring to the console vs. PC comparison:

The architecture in the current version of [consoles] and of high-end PCs are quite close now, they’re all quite similar

He acknowledged that there are some differences graphically, but his following statement implies that the changes aren’t that drastic.

And any changes or any enhancements to that—like we like to say in the studios, only the dog can hear that. Like, We’re gonna have 20% more ray tracing’. Okay?

Layden’s bold take on the comparison came from his idealized dream where developers would create a unified format for video games that can be played on any platform.

This would be similar to how DVDs or Blu-rays work. This approach would ensure that developers are focused on creating great content rather than exclusives tailored to each platform.

Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Will Retain Its Exclusivity Approach Opposed To Xbox And PlayStation

Xbox seems to be embracing Layden’s vision somewhat, with reports hinting its next console may be a PC in disguise—aligning with its multiplatform push. Meanwhile, PlayStation and Nintendo will stick to exclusivity, which drives their console sales.

Do you agree with Shawn Layden’s statement? Let us know in the comments below, or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

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