Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft are fiercest rivals in the gaming console industry. Both companies are poised to release their respective next-generation gaming console sometime in the holiday of 2020. A new analysis, however, points out that the Xbox Series X could annihilate the PS5 not only in terms of power but also in price. But, it looks like the Redmond-based tech giant will have to sacrifice some things in order to achieve this.
Over the past months, online whispers have been pointing to a more affordable Xbox Series X. The Redmond-based tech giant is not yet ready to reveal the price point of its next-generation gaming console. But, a recent interview conducted by Eurogamer with one of its executives sounded like it is hinting about the price of the Xbox Series X.
According to Xbox's Jason Ronald, the tech giant intends to provide a powerful gaming console. But, Microsoft also seems to hint that at times it has to compromise this ambition to ensure that it would not release a gaming console that no one could afford. In the interview, the executive notes that the company is agile when it comes to the price point of the Xbox Series X.
"As a lifelong gamer and as a game developer, we all always want more and more and more," said Ronald speaking about the console's price point. with Eurogamer. "At the same time, we know we have to deliver something at a compelling price point people all across the world are comfortable with and can afford."
Some industry analysts are also waiting for Sony and Microsoft to reveal the prices of their respective next-generation gaming consoles. One of them is Wedbush Securities Analyst Michael Pachter, who recently said that the Xbox Series X could retail at $400. The analyst believed that Microsoft is waiting for Sony to blink first before revealing its price and release date.
Pachter added that the $400 retail price of the Xbox Series X could undercut the rumored $500 retail price of Sony's PS5. Games industry veteran Peter Moore, who was instrumental during the Xbox and Xbox 360 era, agreed with Pachter's prediction. "Microsoft right now, the stock price, the market cap... everything's flying for them," according to Moore.
"Does Satya say, 'this is the opportunity right now, as we did with Xbox 360, lets get in, let's price it right, let's get the right content there. Let's take advantage of this global crisis right now because the thirst and appetite for these online experiences has never been greater. Let's dare Sony to come in at $500.' If I'm back in my old job, that's exactly what I'm doing."
So far, both companies are still starving the industry of important details about their respective next-generation gaming console. But, it is now just a matter until Sony Interactive Entertainment announces the full PS5 reveal event and Microsoft on the price and release date of the Xbox Series X.
