I really don't agree with that take. Calling the PS4 and PS5 a "Homer Simpson" success ignores how deliberate Sony's strategy has been across multiple generations.
Sony actually turned the tables in the later half of the PS3 generation, and that momentum never stopped. From that point on, they rebuilt their internal studios, refocused on games, and laid the groundwork for the dominance we saw with PS4 and now PS5 — making this run much longer and more consistent than people give them credit for.
With the PS4, Sony made clear, smart choices from the start: strong consumer-friendly messaging, the right launch price, and a sharp focus on games while others chased side features and ecosystem experiments. They consistently invested in first-party studios like Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, Guerrilla, and Insomniac, and that long-term commitment is exactly why their output became so strong.
PlayStation also, almost by nature, gets every major third-party release. That's not luck — it comes from a massive install base, strong developer relationships, and a platform that's easy to support. On top of that, Sony built a robust online infrastructure, invested early in cloud technology, and steadily improved services like PSN and Peripherals (VR, Portal..etc)
It's also worth pointing out that Nintendo didn't "drop the ball" either — they smartly carved out their own lane. Instead of directly competing on raw power, Nintendo focused on unique hardware concepts, iconic IP, and broad appeal, which allowed them to coexist alongside Sony rather than clash head-on. That coexistence only further undermines the idea that PlayStation succeeded purely because others failed.
I know people like to dunk on Sony, and they're definitely not perfect — but no one is. Still, sustained success from the latter half of the PS3 era through PS4 and PS5 doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of long-term planning, smart investment, and consistent execution.
