With substantial PlayStation 5 price reductions confirmed for Black Friday 2025, the gaming community faces a crucial decision: is Sony's current-generation console still a worthwhile investment this late in its lifecycle, or should players wait for the anticipated PlayStation 6?
The PS5 Dilemma: Upgrade Now or Wait for PS6?
One reader's letter to GameCentral's Wednesday inbox highlights the growing uncertainty among PlayStation 4 owners. Despite acknowledging they're missing out on newer titles, the correspondent questions whether upgrading to PS5 makes sense when most industry predictions point to a PlayStation 6 reveal in 2026 or early 2027, with launch expected by 2028 at the latest.
The reader, identifying as Dondanan, explains their current setup includes a PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch 2, suggesting this combination might suffice until the next generation arrives. More significantly, they express a desire to send a message to Sony about their dissatisfaction with the company's current direction by withholding their PS5 purchase, despite recognising the minimal impact of individual consumer choices.
Call of Duty Faces Stiff Competition
Meanwhile, the gaming landscape witnesses potential shifts as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 reportedly experiences declining sales and reduced player numbers. Another correspondent, Gordo, speculates that despite these concerning metrics, the title will likely still emerge as 2025's best-selling game, though they describe this outcome as sad and inevitable.
The resurgence of Battlefield 6 appears to be drawing players away from the Call of Duty franchise, with Gordo noting that military-themed competitors historically pose the greatest threat to Activision's flagship series. This development raises questions about Microsoft's substantial investment in acquiring the Call of Duty franchise, though the correspondent acknowledges the series remains financially viable for the foreseeable future.
Gaming Discoveries and Collector's Markets
In more positive gaming news, readers have discovered an extensive archive of classic Codemasters titles available to play online. The collection includes over 170 games, featuring niche favourites like Fruit Machine Simulator 2 and Rock Star Ate My Hamster. Interestingly, this unofficial archive operates under licence from EA, current owners of the Codemasters brand.
The collector's market also receives attention, with one reader reporting PlayStation 2 cult classics Rule of Rose and Haunting Ground commanding prices between £130 and £300 on secondary markets. The discussion explores whether digital re-releases might affect the value of these rare physical editions and examines the psychology behind collecting untouched, factory-sealed games and consoles.
Other notable mentions in the letters include restocking of the rare Metroid amiibo ahead of Metroid Prime 4's anticipated release, speculation about GTA 6's potential appearance on Switch 2, and predictions for upcoming Game Awards winners, particularly the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
GameCentral's inbox continues to serve as a vibrant forum for UK gaming discussion, with readers invited to contribute their perspectives via gamecentral@metro.co.uk.
