The Future of Gaming: A Comparison of Upcoming Gaming Platforms in 2024

What are the best upcoming gaming Platforms in 2024? The world of gaming is constantly evolving. With new consoles and platforms released every few years, gamers are excited to see what the future holds. 2024 is shaping up to be a big year for gaming, with several highly anticipated next-generation consoles and platforms expected to launch. In this article, we’ll compare some of the most exciting upcoming gaming platforms set to release in 2024 and look at what each one offers for the future of gaming.

Overview of Upcoming Gaming Platforms in 2024

Here is a quick overview of some of the major gaming platforms we expect to see in 2024:

Now let’s take a deeper look at each of these upcoming gaming platforms and what we can expect from them in 2024 and beyond.

Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch has been a massive success for Nintendo, blending home and portable gaming into one hybrid device. In 2024, an upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be released.

Release Date: Expected in 2024, around 3 years after the Switch OLED model.

Key Features:

• New Nvidia graphics chip – The Switch 2 is expected to feature a newer, more powerful Nvidia chip for improved graphics, resolution, and performance. This could enable up to 4K gaming when docked.

• OLED or Mini-LED screen – The Switch OLED introduced an upgraded 720p OLED panel. The Switch 2 may have a 1080p OLED or advanced Mini-LED display for vivid colors and high brightness handheld.

• DLSS 3 support – Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology uses AI to boost frame rates. The Switch 2 may support DLSS 3 for 4K upscaled graphics when docked.

• Nintendo VR – Virtual reality support has been rumored for the Switch 2, making Nintendo VR a reality. A VR headset accessory could work with the Switch 2 tablet.

• New Joy-Con controllers – Updated Joy-Cons with additional features like haptic feedback could accompany the Switch 2.

• 4K TV gaming – When docked, the Switch 2 should be able to output games at up to 4K/60fps resolutions for 4K TV gaming.

The Nintendo Switch 2 promises to take the excellent hybrid concept of the Switch to the next level with cutting-edge graphics and display technology, VR support, and improved performance while retaining the same versatility. For Nintendo fans, it should be an exciting upgrade.

Everything You Need to Know About the Nintendo Switch 2

PlayStation 6

As one of the leading consoles on the market, expectations are high for the PlayStation 6 in 2024 as the follow-up to the hugely successful PS5.

Release Date: Holiday 2024 is the rumored launch window.

Key Features:

• 8K graphics – The PS6 should support up to 8K resolutions and 60+ FPS when connected to 8K TVs and monitors, for unparalleled graphics.

• Ray tracing – PS5 set the standard for ray tracing in consoles, and PS6 should dramatically improve ray-traced visuals for realistic lighting and reflections.

• 3D audio – Sony’s proprietary 3D audio tech Spatial Sound will likely see advancements for increased immersion.

• DualSense 2 – An upgraded DualSense controller will raise the bar with advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

• PS VR2 integration – The PS VR2 headset enables VR gaming on PS5, and PS6 should fully integrate next-gen VR.

• Ultra-fast SSD – Rapid loading and huge open worlds will benefit from an ultra-fast, high-capacity solid-state drive.

• New exclusive games – The PS6 will be home to the latest entries in Sony’s exclusive franchises like God of War, Spider-Man, Gran Turismo, and more.

With cutting-edge graphics and sound, incredible immersion, and amazing exclusives, the PS6 aims to continue PlayStation’s legacy as the premier home gaming platform.

Xbox Series X2

Microsoft is working on the future of Xbox with endless rumors swirling about what their next-gen console will deliver. The Xbox Series X2 should push hardware to the limit when it arrives in 2024.

Release Date: Expected holiday 2024, 3 years after the Xbox Series X.

Key Features:

• More power – Even more GPU, CPU, and RAM will empower the Series X2 for insane 8K gaming.

• 120+ FPS – Extremely high 120+ frame rates will provide unparalleled smoothness in gameplay.

• Quick Resume – The acclaimed Quick Resume feature will likely allow the suspension of even more games for instant switching.

• Ray tracing – Hardware-accelerated ray tracing support will be dramatically improved over Xbox Series X.

• AI enhancements – AI upscaling and graphics enhancements powered by Microsoft’s Azure cloud gaming servers.

• Backward compatibility – Plays four generations of Xbox games, ensuring a vast backward compatible library.

• Game Pass – The Xbox Game Pass library gives access to hundreds of games on demand.

With powerful next-gen hardware and excellent backward compatibility, the Xbox Series X2 aims to be the powerhouse option in the console gaming space.

Steam Deck 2

Valve’s Steam Deck brings the Steam PC gaming platform to a handheld device, with impressive power and portability. A Steam Deck 2 model could arrive in 2024.

Release Date: Potentially 2024, though not confirmed by Valve.

Key Features:

• Thinner and lighter – A slimmer and lighter design through more advanced components can enhance portability.

• OLED display – An OLED panel like the Switch OLED can provide excellent image quality in a smaller form factor.

• Larger SSD storage – More built-in SSD storage space options up to 2TB would allow the installation of huge game libraries.

• Revised controls – Subtle improvements to button, joystick, and trackpad placement based on user feedback.

• Docking station – A first-party docking station accessory can facilitate easy TV gaming and charging.

• Longer battery life – Battery life could see a moderate improvement thanks to chipset advancements.

• Steam Library – Access to the entire Steam library of games, now handheld. Any Steam game can be installed and played.

The Steam Deck 2 could polish the impressive initial concept of the Steam Deck into an even more refined handheld PC gaming machine.

Google Stadia 2

Google Stadia offers cloud-based game streaming, delivering games instantly across devices. A next-generation Google Stadia 2 service is rumored for 2024.

Release Date: Potentially 2024, but not confirmed by Google.

Key Features:

• 8K streaming at 120 FPS – Stadia 2 may support up to 8K resolution game streaming at 120 FPS for unmatched image quality and smoothness.

• Crowd Play – Streamers can let viewers instantly jump into the game without downloads or waiting.

• State Share – Share exact moments in a game via a link, so others can experience it instantly.

• Free tier – A free version of Stadia could remove the monthly Pro subscription for basic game streaming.

• YouTube integration – Deep YouTube integration allows instant launch into games being streamed or featured on YouTube.

• Mobile support – Increased phone support enables mobile access to Stadia’s library on iOS and Android.

• Stadia exclusives – All-new exclusive games developed specifically for Stadia could drive adoption.

Stadia 2 has the potential to fulfill the initial promise of high-quality cloud gaming thanks to advances like 8K streaming and innovative social features.

Meta Quest 3

Meta, formerly Facebook, produces the market-leading standalone VR headsets like Meta Quest 2. The Meta Quest 3 aims to drive virtual reality forward in 2024.

Release Date: Anticipated for 2024, around 3 years after Meta Quest 2.

Key Features:

• Lighter weight – Using advanced technologies like pancake lenses, the Quest 3 will be lighter and more comfortable for long VR sessions.

• Increased FOV – An expanded field of view increases immersion by enhancing peripheral vision in VR.

• Eye and face tracking – Advanced sensors precisely track eye movements and facial expressions, enabling realistic avatars.

• Haptic gloves – Optional haptic gloves with pressure sensors provide touch feedback, allowing natural hand interaction within VR worlds.

• Controller-free input – Hand tracking algorithms are improved to enable precise interaction in VR using just your hands, without controllers.

• Horizon social ecosystem – Seamlessly meet up with friends with new social features powered by Horizon, Meta’s VR social platform.

With breakthrough comfort and input improvements, Meta Quest 3 intends to make VR more accessible than ever for productivity, gaming, and communication.

Apple AR/VR Headset

Long-rumored, Apple is primed to enter the mixed reality headset market in 2024 with an innovative premium AR/VR headset targeting its ecosystem of users.

Release Date: Rumors point to a 2024 unveiling, likely in the first half of the year.

Key Features:

• Powerful processing – Apple’s headset will pack in multiple powerful processors, high-res screens, and advanced sensors for seamless AR/VR.

• Hand & eye tracking – Precise tracking will allow intuitive interaction with virtual objects using gestures and eye movements in AR or VR.

• App Store ecosystem – Get access to apps, games, and more optimized for Apple’s headset via the App Store.

• Sleek design – Apple’s industrial design prowess will manifest in a lightweight, comfortable, and visually appealing headset.

• AR and VR modes – Switch between AR mode to experience virtual overlays on real-world views, and VR mode for immersive digital environments.

• Interactivity – The headset will feature precise interactive capabilities using technologies like haptic gloves, crediting Apple’s broad hardware ecosystem.

• Seamless connectivity – Deep integration with iPhone and Mac devices will enable seamless connectivity, interaction, and content sharing.

Apple’s exceptional hardware and software capabilities could establish its headset as the most advanced mixed-reality device available for consumers.

Emerging Challengers

In addition to the Upcoming Gaming platforms from established gaming giants, several emerging companies and startups are working on their own gaming hardware and platforms to challenge the status quo. Here are some examples:

Project Scarlett

Rumored to be in development by Amazon, Project Scarlett may be a low-cost cloud gaming streaming stick allowing access to Amazon’s library of games. Alexa integration provides convenient voice controls.

Project Spherion

Chinese tech company NetEase is reportedly planning an ambitious console called Project Spherion featuring powerful processing, streaming, and a unique spherical design. It aims to compete on performance and price.

Project Indus

Samsung is purportedly cooking up a premium 4K/8K gaming machine called Project Indus with an expansive library of exclusive games, capitalizing on its leadership in displays.

Project Odyssey

Chinese gaming giant Tencent could shake up the cloud gaming space with Project Odyssey, which may provide free access to the company’s collection of popular games.

While details remain scarce on these emerging competitors, they signal ambitions to grab market share through disruptive hardware, streaming tech, pricing, or strategic partnerships. More new players entering the gaming space means more options for consumers.

The Future of Gaming

Gaming in 2024 looks poised to hit exciting new heights across console, handheld, VR, and cloud-streaming platforms. With 4K and even 8K gaming, immersive VR worlds, instant game streaming, and powerful mobile gaming, players will have more options than ever to access an incredible breadth of gaming content.

Competition is also heating up tremendously, as both incumbents and newcomers vie to push the limits of gaming hardware and provide top-notch exclusive games and content. This could ultimately mean great innovation and value across the board for consumers.

While 2024 and beyond promises to be an amazing time for gaming technology, for many gamers, the tech is secondary. Gaming will continue flourishing as interactive entertainment bringing joy through virtual worlds, creative gameplay mechanics, and social connections. As the quality and realism of immersive gaming universes improve across Upcoming Gaming platforms, the love of gaming and game culture will endure. The future is bright for gaming experiences we can’t even imagine yet that will inspire and connect players around the world.

Conclusion

The future of gaming in 2024 and beyond looks incredibly promising. With at least 11 new consoles and platforms from major players like Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, and newcomers like Apple, there will be no shortage of cutting-edge ways to game.

Advances in VR, mobile, streaming, cloud, and traditional consoles will give gamers more choices than ever. Compelling upgrades like 8K graphics, new controllers with haptics, AI processing, and lightning-fast speeds will offer unparalleled immersion across devices.

For now, the full capabilities of these platforms remain speculative. But if early announcements and rumors hold true, we are on the cusp of a new era in gaming. As technology enables more realistic, seamless, and interactive virtual worlds, video games will become an even more captivating form of entertainment and art.

While we eagerly await official details as the anticipated 2024 launch windows approach, one thing remains clear – with the level of competition and innovation happening in the gaming industry, the future is incredibly bright for gamers across all platforms.

FAQs

Q: Which new console will be the most powerful in 2024?

Based on early rumors, the PlayStation 6 and Xbox Series X2 are poised to be the most powerful consoles in 2024, with cutting-edge specs like 8K graphics and extreme processing power. However, Nintendo, Apple, and newcomers could also surprise with their capabilities.

Q: Will games stop releasing for PS5 and Xbox Series X when new consoles come out?

No, both Sony and Microsoft plan to support PS5 and Xbox Series X/S for years after their successors launch. Game releases will likely support both generations simultaneously well into the late 2020s.

Q: How much will these new 2024 consoles cost?

Pricing is not yet announced, but high-end consoles in 2024 will likely range from $499 to $599 based on past console pricing. However, competition could drive more affordable pricing from some makers.

Q: What companies are developing new gaming platforms for 2024?

The biggest players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are all likely launching next-gen devices in 2024. Other companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, Tencent, and newcomers like NetEase are also rumored to be announcing new gaming platforms.

Q: Which of these upcoming gaming platforms am I able to pre-order?

As of early 2023, none of these platforms are available for pre-order. Most announcements will likely happen in 2023 and 2024. Stay tuned to news from Sony, Microsoft, and others for pre-order details as launch dates approach.