Games
With 2017 in full swing, Sony is currently riding high after a strong 2016 performance thanks to the release of big exclusives like Uncharted 4 and hardware such as the PlayStation 4 Pro. However, with both Nintendo’s latest console The Switch looming just around the corner and Microsoft hoping to make a big play with the Scorpio this holiday season, should Sony be worried?
Looking at perhaps the most important aspect, the games, it seems as if everything is in Sony’s favor. Not only do they have a variety of exclusives set to release soon, such as Horizon Zero Dawn and Nioh, but already have major titles like Gravity Rush 2 currently available to consumers. Sony has always had a firm grasp on delivering strong exclusive games, and it appears that 2017 is no different.
Given that Microsoft has already lost a major release with Scalebound, their number of sole Xbox One titles are beginning to dwindled. While there is little doubt that Sea of Thieves and Halo Wars 2 look great, the highly anticipated Crackdown 3 has yet to make a noticeable splash for months now. Couple this with the fact that many of Microsoft’s console exclusives are also available on PC, and one has to wonder if they have a chance to outperform Sony when it comes to games this year.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Nintendo is still very much a wild card when it comes to what titles they could feasibly release in 2017. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is looking to be one of the biggest games of the year, but the remainder of the Switch lineup for the year is still unclear. Since Nintendo is best known for their high-quality first party titles, the ball is very much in their court for delivering some of the best console-only titles in 2017.
Hardware
Last year was quite an impressive showing for Sony when it came to hardware as both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro released for consumers. While Microsoft did offer up the Xbox One S, their big system, only known as the Scorpio, is set to come out later this year. Given this is system has been hyped up by Microsoft for some time now, much of their success in 2017 is riding on the Scorpio. Meanwhile, Sony has no real new hardware to release this year, and it’s probable that they will focus more on enhancing existing technology such as the PSVR.
Yet, one shouldn’t count Nintendo out of this console race either; the Switch could very well be the adrenaline shot the company has needed. The platform is already showing off incredibly strong pre-order numbers, which does suggest that the interest in this new console is quite high. Given that Nintendo has chosen a March release date, this will let them steer clear of having to fight for dominance when the Scorpio releases. However, what will really determine their success when it comes to hardware is if the software lineup can ensure consumers will consistently buy this console throughout the entire year. That’s always been Sony’s greatest strength — the consistency in which their products are purchased. Nintendo will need to showcase that they can have a thriving consumer base beyond its release to measure up.
This is perhaps the best chance that both of these companies have at pushing their way to the front of the pack. With a lack of new hardware to showcase, Sony should keep a close eye on their competition. The Scorpio and the Switch have a chance to dominate the hardware sales for 2017, so it will be up to the PlayStation 4 to deliver stellar titles and third party deals that consumers will want when deciding what system to buy.
Looking to the Future
Sony is currently leading the pack when it comes to the console gaming market thanks to their strong line-up of exclusives and consistent hardware sales. It’s the strong start that this company needed, and right now the biggest challenges it faces are more on the hardware side then games. While Nintendo could provide some surprise exclusives that shake things up, Sony’s already established platform will certainly help them as this year goes on. Microsoft isn’t offering enough currently that justify the system itself, as many of their titles can be purchased on PC as well.
Going farther into 2017, the big turning point for these three companies will undoubtedly be E3. This press conference will be critical, allowing for Microsoft and Nintendo to showcase what they have planned for the future. Given both companies are currently competing for second place behind Sony, it’s going to take a lot to knock the crown of the PlayStation 4’s head permanently. While we have no doubt that this year will be strong for both gaming and hardware, Sony is currently in the best position they could be moving forward. Unless their competitors can deliver some truly stellar surprises, it’s doubtful that Sony is going to budge from their number one spot.
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