"at the time of release" doesn't make much sense. What if the ps5 releases a week before the xbox?
As for generation, ps3 (arguable but, come on), ps2, ps1 and pro are all weaker than competitors in the same generation.
I think it's obvious what he means. There was nothing on the market close to the power of a sony console at the time of release.
The PS1 launched in 1994 at $299 ($511.38 in current dollars). It was demonstrably more capable than Sega's Saturn, and completely destroyed the 3D0, CDi, and Jaguar systems. A more powerful console didn't show up until Nintendo released the N64, two years later.
The PS2 launched in March of 2000, also at $299 ($440 in current dollars). It was well past the capabilities of the dreamcast that released one year prior, and a more powerful console did not release until The Xbox hit shelves 15 months later in November of 2001 along with the gamecube.
The PS3 launched a year after the 360 in 2006 at $499/$599 ($634/$761), and a more powerful console didn't show up until the WiiU in 2012.
The PS4 launched in 2013 at $399 ($440.78) and has not yet been exceeded by a console competitor.
The implication is pretty clear. Sony has never gone for a strategy of releasing an inexpensive system below the capabilities of anything on the market within 1.5 years of release, and a $399 PS5 would be BY FAR the cheapest system they ever released...for no good reason. They've been able to crank out blockbusters far above that price point consistently.