Key takeawaysA smart whale sold 850,000 Dogwifhat (WIF) tokens, sparking market speculation and a 15% price drop.The whale swapped WIF for SOL, booking $7.5 million in profits.Despite the large sale, the whale still holds 50,000 WIF, worth $175K.Whale Dumps 850,000 Dogwifhat TokensA large Dogwifhat (WIF) token holder created a buzz in the crypto market by selling a significant portion of its holdings.According to on-chain data from Lookonchain, the whale dumped 850,000 WIF tokens, causing an intraday price crash of 15%. This large-scale sell-off caught traders attention and sparked conversations about whether WIF has reached its peak in the current market cycle.The whale didnt just dump the tokens and walk away. Instead, they swapped the 850,000 WIF for 15,987 Solana (SOL) tokens, worth approximately $3.4 million at the time.The trade allowed the whale to book an impressive $7.5 million profit, a clear sign of a strategically planned exit. Despite selling a huge chunk of their holdings, the whale still retains 50,000 WIF, valued at about $175,000.Investors Speculate Over Future of WIF After Whales ExitThis massive profit-taking move has caused some concern among investors, making many wonder if this marks the top of WIFs price rally.Some traders fear that this whale move could be a signal that the meme coins recent bull run is coming to an end.However, others are still optimistic, noting that the whale still holds a portion of WIF, which may suggest that they havent fully given up on the tokens potential.Adding to the speculation, the whale has also recently made profits on other tokens. They bought 1.74 million PNUT tokens using 3,800 SOL, resulting in an unrealized profit of $2.07 million.This success with the PNUT token, alongside holdings in GIGACHAD and Chaos and Disorder, shows that the Whale is actively managing their crypto portfolio.Despite the uncertainty surrounding WIF, the crypto market optimism following Donald Trumps victory may support WIF and other meme tokens.WIFs Price Action and Market ReactionsFollowing the whales sell-off, Dogwifhats price plummeted 16% in just 24 hours. The tokens trading volume also dipped by 55.50%, down to $1.79 billion for the day, according to CoinMarketCap.This sharp decline reflects the sudden loss of market confidence partly triggered by the whales massive sale.Additionally, Coinglass data showed a significant drop in Dogwifhat futures open interest (OI), which fell by 11% to $639.02 million. The derivatives trading volume also plunged 49%, signaling a broader loss of interest from investors in both spot and futures markets.While these numbers may seem alarming, its important to note that the token has remained bullish in the past week. CoinMarketCap data recorded an increase of more than 54% within this period.The recent whale action serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the volatile world of meme coins. Nevertheless, with the crypto market still largely bullish, the potential for future gains cannot be entirely ruled out.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Rida is a dedicated crypto journalist with a passion for the latest developments in the cryptocurrency world. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to thorough research, she delivers timely and insightful news articles that keep her readers informed about the rapidly evolving digital economy. View all articles by Rida Fatima Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Key takeawaysSG-FORGE is launching EURCV, a MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin, on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) next year.Despite having regulatory backing, EURCV has faced challenges in adoption, with a total issuance of just 38 million compared to Circles 92 million EUR Coin.Many financial institutions are exploring stablecoins, and SG-FORGEs move reflects a broader shift toward blockchain-powered global payments.Socit Gnrales SG-FORGE to Launch EURCV Euro Stablecoin on XRP LedgerSG-FORGE, the digital asset arm of prominent French bank Socit Gnrale, is preparing to launch a euro-pegged stablecoin called EUR CoinVertible (EURCV). EURCV will comply with the EUs MiCA regulations.The company announced its plan to launch this stablecoin on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) next year. This move is part of a larger strategy to make EURCV available on multiple blockchains.Currently, EURCV operates on Ethereum and Solana, and by adding the XRP Ledger to its list, SG-FORGE aims to expand its reach across different platforms.SG-FORGE first launched EUR CoinVertible (EURCV) on Ethereum in 2023. It aimed to compete with popular dollar-pegged stablecoins like Tethers USDT and Circles USDC.In September, the firm expanded to Solana and is now introducing the MiCA-compliant stablecoin to the XRP Ledger (XRPL).Despite having regulatory backing, EURCV has faced challenges in gaining broad adoption. Its total issuance stands at just 38 million, much smaller than the 92 million in EUR Coin issued by Circle.However, SG-FORGE has continued to expand, focusing on the XRP Ledger as part of its multi-chain strategy. It decided to integrate EURCV on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) to help boost its adoption.The XRP Ledger is known for its scalability, speed, and low transaction costs. SG-FORGE believes these features will help expand EURCVs use, especially for cross-border payments and tokenization.The XRP Ledger offers fast settlement times and affordable transactions, which SG-FORGE considers necessary for institutional use cases like payments. The network is already home to over 1,750 unique applications and exchanges.Ripples XRP Ledger Boosts Institutional Use with EURCV IntegrationSince its launch in 2012, the XRPL has processed over 2.8 billion secure transactions and supports more than 5 million active wallets. Following its deployment on XRPL, EURCV will use Ripples custody services for its issuance, ensuring security and reliability.Markus Infanger, Senior VP at Ripple, said integrating trusted, banking-grade stablecoin like EURCV on the XRPL is key for supporting institutional use cases, especially payments.Moreover, payments are still a major focus for Ripple, and adding stablecoins helps enhance this area.SG-FORGEs decision is part of a larger trend where traditional financial institutions are exploring stablecoins to make global payments easier and faster. Therefore, as regulations around stablecoins continue to evolve, more institutions are interested in issuing their stablecoins.For example, Ripple is developing its own stablecoin, RLUSD, backed by the U.S. dollar. This stablecoin is reportedly ready for use and awaits approval from the New York Department of Financial Services.Also, Spanish bank BBVA plans to issue a stablecoin on Ethereum next year via a partnership with Visas tokenization platform.In October, the Central Bank of the UAE approved AED Stablecoin LLC to launch AE Coin. This will be the UAEs first dirham-backed stablecoin. AE Coin aims to offer blockchain-powered payments with transparent reserves.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Rida is a dedicated crypto journalist with a passion for the latest developments in the cryptocurrency world. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to thorough research, she delivers timely and insightful news articles that keep her readers informed about the rapidly evolving digital economy. View all articles by Rida Fatima Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

SpaceX is making final preparations for the sixth test flight of its mighty Starship rocket featuring the most Super Heavy, the most powerful booster ever to fly.The Elon Musk-led spaceflight company is targeting Tuesday, November 19, for the sixth test of the 120-meter-tall rocket.Recommended VideosThe Starship, comprising the main Super Heavy rocket and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft, will eventually be used to transport crew and cargo to the moon, Mars, and possibly beyond.RelatedIt took its first test flight in April 2023, though the vehicle exploded just minutes after liftoff. Subsequent flights have seen the Starship fly higher and for longer, and the most recent test, which took place last month, saw the first-ever catch of the returning Super Heavy booster by giant mechanical arms attached to the launch tower.The megarocket will launch from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, creating a colossal 17 million pounds of thrust as it roars skyward. Within minutes, the upper-stage Starship spacecraft will separate from the Super Heavy booster, and continue on to orbit. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy will return to Boca Chica, whereupon SpaceX will attempt the second catch of the booster back at the launch site. Bringing the Super Heavy home in this way will help SpaceX increase the frequency of flights using multiple Super Heavy boosters, and also reduce the cost of space missions.SpaceXs live stream will also track the progress of the Starship, which will perform landing burns before coming down in the Indian Ocean about an hour after launch.SpaceX is targeting the sixth flight test of the Starship for 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 19.A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, and you can watch it on SpaceXs account on X.Theres a chance the schedule could change, so be sure to check back here, or SpaceXs X account, for any updates.Editors Recommendations

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsLove crossword puzzles but dont have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? Thats what The Mini is for!A bite-sized version of the New York Times well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isnt always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt.Recommended VideosJust like ourWordle hints and Connections hints, were here to help with The Mini today if youre stuck and need a little help.RelatedBelow are the answers for the NYT Mini crossword today.New York TimesAcross___ Martin, frequent collaborator with 1-Down STEVEParts of irrigation systems HOSESBeginning ONSETBackup cameras place on a car REARMake an attempt TRYDownMartin ___, frequent collaborator with 1-Across SHORTStuff in printer cartridge TONERCommon kind of test for a literature class ESSAYMake a sudden t urn VEERJokey suffix with best ESTEditors Recommendations

Nature, Published online: 13 November 2024; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-03685-8A question of perspective.

Nature, Published online: 13 November 2024; doi:10.1038/d41586-024-03694-7Key aspects of early bird evolution have been difficult to resolve, owing to a lack of suitably preserved fossilized remains. A fossilized skull of a bird that lived during the age of the dinosaurs helps to fill a long gap in the evolutionary history of birds.

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end income tax on tips.The proposal is part of Trump's broader tax cut plan, including for overtime and Social Security.House Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress would need to figure out the math to make the plan work.US President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end income tax on tips. Now, his administration will have to figure out how to make the numbers work."We're going to try to make that happen in the Congress," said House Speaker Mike Johnson on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday."You have got to do the math. You have got to make sure that these new savings from American people can be paid for and make sure the economy is a pro-growth economy," Johnson said.During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged a range of tax cuts. They include an extension of tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 also known as the "Trump tax cut" as well as eliminating taxes on overtime pay, Social Security checks, and tips. During remarks in Arizona in September, Trump said that ditching taxes on overtime would give "people more of an incentive to work."The tax cuts are just some of Trump's economic policies that economists say could significantly ramp up the federal debt balance and widen the deficit, which stood at nearly $36 trillion on Thursday. Other than tax cuts, Trump has pledged to implement across-the-board 60% tariffs on all Chinese goods and other tariffs on overseas goods.If Trump makes good on all his economic policy pledges, they could add as much as $10 trillion to the US debt over the next decade, according to an estimate from top economist Nouriel Roubini.In Trump's 2016 campaign, he said he would eliminate the national debt. It rose about $7.8 trillion during his first term.

Pruna AI has secured $6.5 million from EQT Ventures to compress AI models.The startup's optimization tool aims to make AI models smaller, cheaper, and greener.BI got an exclusive look at the 12-slide pitch deck it used to secure the new funding.Paris and Munich-based software startup Pruna AI has secured $6.5 million from EQT Ventures.The startup has developed an optimization tool for compressing AI models so that they require less compute and energy."It's similar to a zip that compresses files, so they are cheaper, faster, and greener, and everyone can access and use those AI models," Bertrand Charpentier, president and chief scientist officer at Pruna AI, told Business Insider.Users can run their model through Pruna's optimization engine, which the startup says renders the AI model smaller, cheaper, and greener on any hardware platform. It spans everything from natural language processing to images and audio systems.The startup's customers are midsize to large companies with their own AI models that can rake in huge compute bills. Charpentier said that using Pruna's platform has been a win-win for both parties, as companies can significantly reduce the costs of running these AI models. Pruna charges its customers based on the usage of the compressed model, which is typically much cheaper to run than the non-compressed version.Being based in both Paris and Munich is also a boon for the startup, said Carl Svantesson, partner at Swedish investment firm EQT Ventures, which led Pruna's funding round. "The combination of the two ecosystems, with Paris and Munich, enables the possibility of hiring the best talent and software," he said.Access to compute and specialized chips, called GPUs, has been a long-standing issue in the AI ecosystem. As a result, Charpentier found that there was appetite from investors looking to make AI cheaper and more sustainable.Additional funding came from Daphni, Motier, and Kima, as well as high-profile angel investors, including Roxanne Varza, Herv Nivon, and Olivier Pomel.With the fresh funding, Pruna plans to double down on growing its team.Check out the 12-slide pitch deck used to secure the capital.

Ever since Game of Thrones ended in 2019 and what a horrible little ending it was theres been a seemingly never-ending quest to find the next Game of Thrones. What that means is two-fold: a series that captures Game of Throness extensive, fantasy world-building and the drama of political succession and a show dropping on HBOs premier Sunday night spot that everyone wants to talk about the morning after. Dune: Prophecy feels more like that than any other show right now. Loosely based on the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune, Prophecy has GoT trappings: political maneuvering among the universes rich families, backstabbing and surprise deaths, conniving villains, and sweaty sex scenes. The struggle to hold power in the Duniverse is just as difficult and deadly as it is in Westeros. And conveniently, it is airing Sunday nights on HBO. But whats won me over in Prophecy is that while its officially all those aforementioned things, its mainly gossipy, ambitious space divas diva-ing ambitiously in space. Granted, Prophecy is yet another chapter of Hollywoods infatuation with IP, but its also yielded a lavish little soap opera where Emily Watson is a super-powered leader of an all-female finishing school for young intergalactic mages. Prophecy is about just how dangerous women in STEM that is, sorcery, transmutation, eugenics, and mothering can be. Prophecy takes place at the very beginning 10,148 years before Paul Atreides is born. Played by Timothe Chalamet in Denis Villeneuves two Dune movies, Paul Atreides is the anchor for all casual fans. Both Dune films chronicle his journey fleeing home after an assault wipes out almost all of his family and those loyal to the Atreides clan, and then becoming a refugee on Arrakis (a.k.a. the desert planet known as Dune), where he assimilates into the Fremen, an indigenous people oppressed by the same Imperium that slaughtered his loved ones. Paul is, according to premonition by a sisterhood of precognitive, super-powered women known as the Bene Gesserit, a messiah who will rule the universe. Zooming into 10,000 years B.P. (before Paul), Prophecy takes aim, as the title suggests, at the formation of that very important Bene Gesserit revelation and the Bene Gesserit themselves. How did these space divas become so powerful? Who are they? What do they believe in? Whats their purpose? Are they always kinda mean? Their reason for existing, like so many other suspicious organizations, is slightly based in eugenics. Oh no. Mother Raquella (Cathy Tyson), their founder, has been keeping a vast archive of DNA of the most powerful families in the universe. Her belief is that humans are fallible, feeble creatures that will always careen toward their own destruction. By matching up families based on this archive, Raquella believes she and her sisters can breed leaders they can control and influence the endpoint being Paul Atreides. To ensure even more influence over people and their futures, Raquella has created a school for future space witches on the desolate planet called Wallach IX, where sorceresses-in-training learn powers like being able to clock when someone is lying or blood magic soothsaying. Raquella calls proteges Truthsayers, and these skills make them very valuable. Soon every ruling family in the universe wants a Truthsayer by their side. Look me in the eye and tell me you dont want to gossip with this diva! HBOWhat those aristocrats dont know is that though their Truthsayer seems to integrate into their houses and customs, their actual loyalty is to the Bene Gesserit sisterhood.Theres a certain political commentary here, too, about whos allowed to rule the great houses of Dune, what roles women are confined to, and how the Bene Gesserit turn womens social limitations and underestimations to their advantage. Prophecy begins with Raquellas death, finding a faction of her acolytes who think the eugenics stuff is kinda icky, while her most devout follower, the ruthless Valya Harkonnen (played by Jessica Barden in youth, but mainly by Emily), thinks it actually rules. But even though we know Valya and her sisters succeeded in bending the future to bring us Paul, a lot can happen in 10,000 years. Prophecys biggest achievement is how it manages to cut through the density of the Dune universe. Its not an easy task to take all the complexities of Frank Herberts extensive world and make it accessible. But Prophecy does so, primarily, by framing this immense society and all the relationships within, as gossip. That makes Valya and her sisters the universes gossip girls. If you wanted to draw a comparison between this HBO fantasy show about politics, power, and a throne and HBOs previously, hugely popular fantasy show about politics, power, and a throne, Prophecy is like if Game of Thrones was told through the eyes of Varys, Littlefinger, or Olenna Tyrell players with no explicit power but who know how the game is played. Prophecy is about how the whispers can influence the world, and about who powerful people listen to. And that the politics of Dune and politics in general can be much more riveting when you realize so much of it is about whos trash-talking who. Heavy spoilers for the first episode of Dune: Prophecy follow.Whether its half princes who have no right to the throne or the messiness of House Corrino the rulers of the Imperium with their shaky grasp on the production of spice (the most valuable resource in the Duniverse), each episode boils down to Valya and her girlies talking about everyone else, and how they intend to manipulate them. At one point in the premiere, Valya and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) have a private bitch session. Like evil sorority sisters, they coldly go up and down their list of acolytes, pointing out their strengths and faults, usefulness and uselessness. Brows furrow, lips purse, and side-eyes are flicked deliciously. Valya and Tula need to figure out which sister to match with Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), the princess they want to sway to the Bene Gesserit. In the process, theyre more than happy to list off all the hopefuls who wont make the cut. Watson imbues Valya with the warmth of gazpacho and the charm of a cursed porcelain doll. Unwavering from Raquellas mission, Valya has the pieces in play to keep the entire system running. Thanks to her loyal truthsayer Kasha (Jihae), she has a hold on House Corrino, and has just signed a deal to bring Ynez to her school. Shes also used her connections to broker a marriage between Ynez and a boy a literal 9-year-old from House Richese, a powerful family that promises Corrino the artillery they need to keep spice production intact. The Bene Gesserit are no doubt banking on that future heir to be favorably malleable. But Valyas plan seems to be going up in smoke with the arrival of Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), a Corrino loyalist and survivor of whats supposedly a Fremen attack on Arrakis. As Hart tells Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong), the reports coming from the region arent the entire truth. Since there arent many survivors like Hart, Corrino has to rely on secondhand stories that pin the casualties on Fremen. Hart tells the Emperor that no one including Corrinos loyal Truthsayer Kasha, Valya, and their sisters can be trusted. As Corrino decides whether to weigh Harts word versus the loyalty Kasha and the Bene Gesserit have pledged to him, someone the episode doesnt show us who gives Corrino surveillance footage of Hart on Arrakis that shows him surviving the attack but also, and more intriguingly, being swallowed by a sand worm. The episode ends with Hart assassinating 9-year-old Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior) by roasting him with mind powers. He seemingly burns Kasha to death as well. In Dune: Prophecy, theres a finishing school for gifted and talented future space witches! HBOHarts arrival and pyrokineses seems to be what Raquella refers to (earlier in the episode) as the Tiran-Arafel, a holy judgment that will demolish the sisterhood. But at this point its unclear whether Hart represents the big bad Bene Gesserit destroyer that Raquella had visions about, or may be connected to Bene Gesserits other enemies. As my colleague Patrick Reis explained when Dune: Part Two was released, the Bene Gesserit have counterparts known as Bene Tleilax, a patriarchal set of genetic splicers and cloners who are also itching to control the universe. Its not that far-fetched to believe that they might exist in this universe too. No doubt, for Valya and her sisterhood to thrive, Hart needs to be squashed. Hes clearly a threat. The closer he gets to Javicco, the worse it looks for our space witches. We just need a bit more time, some gossip, and maybe a few more episodes to figure out if hes the big bad Raquella dreamed about, or just another piece of the puzzle that leads us to it.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: Culture

The current gen is only four years old but its replacements are well underway (Microsoft/Nintendo/Sony/Metro)A new generation of video games consoles is already on the horizon but what form will they take and why are they arriving so early?Video game consoles have been a mass market commodity for over 50 years. Once imagined to be a passing fad, of interest only to children, video games are now the most lucrative form of mainstream entertainment in the world. And in that 50 years they have established a pattern of release that has proven remarkably consistent and predictable until recently.The general rule of thumb is that, barring complete failure, a video game console lasts for around six to seven years before being superseded by a new format by the same manufacturer. There is nothing to say companies like Sony and Microsoft have to release their new consoles at the same time but neither wants to give the other a head start, when a new generation of hardware is about to begin, and so invariably they launch at almost exactly the same time.Even the normally unpredictable Nintendo usually releases consoles in the same generational pattern, the Switch only getting out of synch because of the failure of the Wii U at the beginning of the previous generation. Thats relatively unusual but the changes that the new generation of consoles will bring, over the next several years, will be an upheaval the likes of which gaming has never seen.By the common reckoning we are currently in the ninth generation of video game consoles. Theres disagreement over whether the Switch belongs to the eighth or ninth generation but the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 are definitely Generation IX. What happens afterwards though is very unlikely to be a smooth transition of power.In terms of current console sales, Xbox has been badly beaten by PlayStation for the last two generations, with demand for Xbox Series X/S collapsing so much last Christmas that it led to Microsofts current (but still confused) focus on also releasing games on PlayStation 5 and Switch. This means Xbox has been the only one talking about a next gen so far, with Sony remaining stoically silent on the issue.Xboxs next gen plans The Xbox Series X and S have not been very successful (Microsoft)To many peoples surprise Microsoft has already announced its intention to make a next gen console, even if theyve not shown it in public or explained anything about it. Theyve also repeatedly hinted at releasing a handheld console, but theyve never been clear on whether thats a next gen device or based on the Xbox Series X/S.The only thing Microsoft has said about the next gen console is that it will deliver the biggest technological leap ever in a generation, which seems a dubious claim given the ever-decreasing scope of graphical improvements between each generation. So either Microsoft is setting themselves up for ridicule or they know something that we, and more importantly Sony, dont know.Perhaps it could be something to do with AI, which they have a natural advantage with, but its hard to guess what they could be alluding to and what level of success they expect from a new generation of consoles, given the Xbox Series X/S has done even worse than the Xbox One.Xbox hardware sales have got so bad that many suspected Microsoft would soon give up making consoles altogether. Thats not as disastrous as it might sound as, thanks to buying Activision Blizzard, they are now the biggest games publisher in the West and, once game streaming becomes more practical, they have a very clear advantage in the technology that will inevitably make consoles obsolete.But streaming is not practical at the moment, not when it depends so much on the quality and reliability of your Wi-Fi connection. This has led to Microsofts current marketing campaign seeming very confused as, on the one hand, they encourage people to play Xbox on other devices, with the This is an Xbox tagline, and on the other Xbox boss Phil Spencer has insisted theyre not going to give up making consoles.What is the Xbox handheld console?The only thing we know for certain is that the long-rumoured handheld Xbox is a few years out, which implies its a next gen device and that rumours of a launch in 2026 are incorrect. Microsoft can be economic with the truth sometimes though and may just be trying to put Sony off the scent.Although what theyre going to do in the meantime is a mystery, as without anything else to boost it, Xbox Series X/S hardware sales are going to slow so much that a next gen device would be starting practically from scratch, which does not seem a very attractive option for Xbox.Nintendos next gen console plans The Switch is getting ready for retirement (Nintendo)Unusually, the most reliable predictions for the next gen are those related to Nintendos new console, nicknamed until anyone knows better the Switch 2. Nintendo is the most inscrutable of all game companies but because the Switch is almost eight years old, and theyve said its successor will be unveiled before April next year, it stands to reason it will be released relatively soon, most likely late spring or early autumn 2025.At the moment there is no official information about the Switch 2 at all, other than it will be backwards compatible with the existing Switch. Leaks suggest that it will look and operate much like the original Switch but theres a good chance that information may be wrong and until Nintendo announce it officially we wont know for sure.When will the next generation of consoles start?Despite all the rumours and official hints we really have no firm idea whats going on with any of the three companies. But its not just Xbox hardware sales that are in trouble, as PlayStation 5 sales have fallen off faster than expected as well.With each new generation, as the increase in power becomes smaller and the spectre of streaming grows closer, the question is asked as to whether consoles actually have a future. Will there even be a next generation of consoles?For Nintendo the answer to that question is clearly yes, but whether they follow the generational pattern or not their goals and methods are very different than Sony and Microsoft (and generally more successful but, as usual, nobody ever thinks to copy their low-tech, games-focused approached).Microsoft has said there will be a next gen console, but will it be any more than a novelty for hardcore fans, a way to prove theyre still in the hardware business while focusing instead on third party publishing, Game Pass, and streaming? At the moment, its certainly hard to imagine their next gen console as anything more than a sideshow.Then theres Sony, whose recent plans seem to have flipped-flopped from a focus on live service games to an imagined return to traditional single-player titles. And it is only imagined, at the moment, as theyve never discussed their intentions in public and have not announced enough new games to draw any firm conclusions.PlayStations next gen plans The PlayStation 6 is inevitable and inscrutable (Sony)Sonys position is the most difficult to understand because theyve said nothing about the PlayStation 6 at all, beyond a few vague references. Although this did include an assurance that consoles remain the core of our business. Interestingly, Sony also insisted that there are other elements beyond graphics which can be improved, in order to make a next generation console seem desirable.This can be interpreted multiple ways, from a Nintendo style shift away from a focus on graphical power to a hint that they are investing in the same mysterious technological leap as Xbox. Although the context of the quote merely talked about the PlayStation 5s faster loading times and 3D audio, so it may not be anything exciting at all.Its certainly hard to imagine that the company that just released the 700 PS5 Pro console, whose improvements in graphics can only be demonstrated under laboratory conditions, would suddenly ditch the high-tech approach but at the moment everything to do with PlayStation 6 is pure speculation.When will the PlayStation 6 be released?Obviously, there will be a PlayStation 6 in the future, Sony has acknowledged that much already, but theyve never said when. If the next gen Xbox does come out in 2026, or thereabouts, then Sony will no doubt try to match its release date but if Microsoft makes its move later then all bets are off.Except the trigger for a company starting its next gen plans in earnest is when console sales peak and that has already happened for both Xbox and PlayStation. So that would traditionally mean that a new console is no more than three years away.It is, as you can see, all a confusing mess. And its worse because the companies themselves dont seem to know what theyre doing either, with reports of in-fighting at both Microsoft and Sony, over their future direction and what to do about the rising cost of making games.While the Switch 2 may end up being a relatively normal product launch its unlikely youll be able to say the same about the next gen Xbox and PlayStation. As the PS5 Pro has shown, everything to do with console gaming is getting more expensive, with increasingly less obvious improvements.Will this be the last generation of video games consoles?If Microsoft and Sony cant clearly justify the price and existence of a next gen console to their audience, then the entire concept of generational consoles may disappear and well never get as far as a PlayStation 7.More TrendingAs long as the games keep coming in some way, whether thats via streaming or some other means, it ultimately doesnt matter how theyre delivered. But the video games industry is changing and its becoming increasingly difficult to have confidence in the companies that are supposed to be leading it.Sony and Microsoft have spent most of the last two years either making abrupt, poorly explained changes of direction with live service games and multiformat releases or seemingly being paralysed into inaction, unsure what to do after the video games boom during lockdown proved to be far more short-lived than they hoped.Perhaps they both have cunning masterplans just waiting to be unveiled but the big takeaway from the post-pandemic games industry is that publishers are far less sensible and forward-thinking than you might hope for. What will happen in the next generations of console is currently a mystery, but perhaps one that even PlayStation and Xbox dont know the answer to. PlayStation won this console war but will there even be another one? (Sony/Microsoft/Metro)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.Game CentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy