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The price and imminent release of Sony’s new high-spec PS4 could spell bad news for Xbox One, some analysts have predicted.
PS4 Pro is due out in November priced at just 349. That’s both sooner and cheaper than expected. Xbox Scoprio, however, will not be out until 2017. And the fear is that its impressive spec sheet could point to a very high RRP.
"The only big issue was when Pro would launch and they have a firm date this year and a solid price,” DFC Intelligence’s David Cole told Games Industry. Really this could be a final nail in the coffin for Xbox One now that Microsoft has told consumers to wait until 2017 [for Scorpio].
Sony will have the powerful system with VR now and a well-executed plan that leaves consumers no reason to wait. It is just an all-around compelling proposition."
Wedbush Morgan’s Michael Pachter added: "The pricing gives Sony a big advantage. PS4 Slim is competitive with Xbox One S, but PS4 Pro is a bargain [at $399]. For the same price as the 2TB Xbox One S, you get 1TB and future proof for 4K. I think this sells very well at holiday, and was surprised it was coming out this year."
Microsoft’s post PS4 Pro messaging has been confident, with the company keen to press home the fact that Xbox Scorpio with have a 40+ per cent power advantage over its competitor. And the recent signs from the US have been encouraging, with Xbox One outselling PS4 for two months on the trot now.
Nonetheless, how the Xbox One S will hold up against the three-pronged challenge of PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro and PlayStation VR this Christmas remains to be seen.
