I don't think it's contradictory when you view positioning as a fluid rather than fixed thing over the life of the product. For now, and for the early part of the cycle, positioning a console for the 'hard-core' is key. You get the early adopters, the hardcore first, and it makes it a lot easier to expand out.
I wouldn't confuse Sony's current focus with next-gen positioning as the extent of its interest over the life of the product. But this orientation makes sense right now.
Yes, we have seen this happen before.
With Jim Ryan saying they want the transition to the PS5 to be very quick, I don't know how much I buy into this "premium" marketing approach.
With cerny saying the PS5 is no mere upgrade and Jim Ryan saying what he has said, the messaging is not the most consistent.
But we will see how it's marketed closer and at launch.