Sony’s PlayStation 5 is set to launch later this year with a range of titles. However, among them, there are not any real killer apps that would make consumers rush out to purchase this console on day one. What the PS5 needs is a true console exclusive that would leave gamers foaming at the mouth for a system much like Nintendo had with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Naughty Dog’s recent release, The Last of Us Part 2, is a perfect title to launch a system. Had this game been pushed back to launch with the PS5, the system would easily fly off the shelf and be the killer app the platform needs.
The Last of Us Part 2 has already become the fastest selling PS4 game in the UK, surpassing Uncharted 4. Prior to its launch, it was estimated that it could be the highest selling PlayStation exclusive of all time. Naughty Dog is known for creating some of the best experiences the medium has seen and has garnered an exceptional reputation. Their releases always become one of the most anticipated of the year and are received very well. All of these considered, the PS5 would have benefitted tremendously to see the developer’s next work coincide with its launch.
A system should launch with a title that has gamers foaming at the mouth in order to purchase a system. Granted, Sony isn’t known to have a strong lineup at a console’s launch, yet things are a bit different this time around. The Nintendo Switch is becoming increasingly popular while Microsoft is looking to correct themselves from the Xbox One’s disastrous launch. As the industry leader, Sony should pull out all the stops to secure their lead into the next generation of gaming. There could still be a “swan song” on the PS4 with Ghost of Tsushima but The Last of Us Part 2 should have at least included both generations.
Nintendo worked wonders with their launch of the Switch. The console would have had a fairly weak library of games should Breath of the Wild not have been featured. With this killer app in tow, the system was sold out for months and the game even outsold the system for a bit. The Last of Us Part 2 could have easily done the same thing for the PlayStation 5. There’s no way fans would pass up playing this title in the best way possible. The fact that the game is out now could possibly even hurt the newer system. What would be the reason to upgrade your system right away when the most anticipated title has been out for months? If anything, the game could have done a dual release with it being heavily marketed for the PS5 at launch but a PS4 version would also be available to own. An upgraded version is sure to release for the PS5 but it just wouldn’t have the same appeal.
The PS5 launch lineup is pretty decent and has a few titles worth checking out but none that make you want to rush out and immediately purchase a console. Releasing Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part 2 would have done wonders for the system. Gamers would have flocked to the stores should this had released on day one. It wouldn’t hurt if Ghost of Tsushima was also among the opening lineup but that works well as a send-off for the PS4. PlayStation is no doubt going to see success with the PS5, but as the industry leader, it wouldn’t hurt to start off with a huge advantage.