Month: July 2026

Retro and current gen gaming chat, with Trev and Stu, its the Console Shockcast! The gaming landscape is changing rapidly, and this show’s discussion explores why. Trev and Stu break down the newly announced Steam Machine, debating whether its premium price is justified and what it means for the future of PC gaming in the living room. They also tackle Sony’s controversial move away from physical media, discussing what a digital-only future means for game ownership, preservation, and the next generation of consoles. In this episode:

🎮 Is the Steam Machine worth its £879 starting price, or are DIY SteamOS PCs the better option?

💻 Why SteamOS could kick-start a new generation of affordable “console PCs” from manufacturers like Asus and Lenovo.

🛠️ Can building your own SteamOS-powered gaming box deliver better performance and value than Valve’s official hardware?

🔄 The hidden advantages of PC gaming, from cheaper games and free online play to backwards compatibility and upgradeability. 💿 Sony’s decision to phase out physical PlayStation games—and what it means for collectors, ownership, and game preservation.

📦 Are code-in-a-box releases the future, and does physical media still have a place in modern gaming?

🔮 How Project Helix, SteamOS, and rising console prices could reshape the future of PlayStation, Xbox, and PC gaming.

🎯 Why Nintendo may be the last traditional console maker standing as PlayStation and Xbox move closer to becoming PC-like platforms.

⚽ Plus, a quick chat about the FIFA World Cup, fan culture, and why football supporters can sometimes set the perfect example. Check out Trev and Al’s other podcast where they reminisce about different episodes of the Star Trek franchise! : https://longrangesensors.com/episodes

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Retro and current gen gaming chat, with Trev and Stu, its the Console Shockcast! Join us as we take a road trip through gaming’s past and future. From Ridge Racer nostalgia and portable racing classics to soaring hardware prices and the possibility of £1,000 consoles, Trev and Stu examine the challenges and opportunities facing the gaming industry.

🏎️ Why modern racing games can feel more like open-world RPGs, and whether the genre has lost sight of pure arcade fun.

🚗 A look back at Ridge Racer 7, the cancelled Ridge Racer 8 for Switch, and why Namco should bring the series back.

🎮 Hidden gems on PSP – Sega Rally, Gran Turismo, and the surprisingly strong library of portable racing games.

📈 Rising console prices and the impact of chip shortages, AI demand, manufacturing costs, and why hardware isn’t getting cheaper.

💷 Predictions for PS6, the next Xbox, and whether £1,000 consoles could become the norm.

📊 The peak of console gaming? – Looking back at the PS2, Wii, Xbox 360 and PS4 eras to see if console sales have already hit their high-water mark.

📱 How devices like the Switch, Steam Deck and future PlayStation handhelds could reshape the market.

🖥️ The rise of console PCs – Could SteamOS systems and PC-based gaming devices become the budget-friendly alternative to traditional consoles? Check out Trev and Al’s other podcast where they reminisce about different episodes of the Star Trek franchise! : https://longrangesensors.com/episodes Intro/Outro Music – Title Theme – Pinball Dreams (1992) – Commodore Amiga – Composer(s): Olof Gustafsson

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