Gaming has been a massive driver of hardware for a very long time in a way that can always be looked at as unneeded. We surpassed more compute for the sake of compute a while ago. The neat thing is that there are still new things to do with it. Real-time path tracing will be the next thing as well as moving more compute over to the GPU. We don’t need it but it will open new possibilities. And it seems less wasteful than running ten copies of Chrome to support a few desktop apps.
The new Zelda demonstrates something that’s been true of every console generation. They are a fixed platform and the later games are always considerably better at utilising the hardware.
Yeah, just look at FromSoft's output for the PS4 for example. Bloodborne came out very early, and while it looks great, it doesn't hold a candle to Elden Ring.
Though gameplay wise I have to say I prefer it. Elden Ring has too much stuff in it(crafting, gathering, tons of cookie cutter dungeons, and too many easy boss fights) for me. Bloodborne is very stripped down and devoid of fluff. I can sort of keep the whole game in my head and I love that about a game.
The new Zelda demonstrates something that’s been true of every console generation. They are a fixed platform and the later games are always considerably better at utilising the hardware.