Too Long a Wait for Too Few Scorpio Details
Project Scorpio is Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox One upgrade. It’s been touted as the most powerful video game console ever made… and that’s all we really know about it. There have been a few details shared so far, and while it’s appealing that we’re on the verge of a super powerful console that plays games in native 4K, is VR ready out of the box, and plays Xbox One as well as Xbox 360 games, what else is there that’s being kept from fans?
It’s understandable that Microsoft’s hand was sort of forced into revealing the Scorpio well before its due date (it’s slated to release at the end of 2017); in wake of many rumors and leaks about the project, they could remain silent for only so long. However, we’ve already gotten the PS4 Pro (also an updated console), and the Switch will be releasing in a couple of short weeks, yet we still know very little about the Microsoft machine announced eight months ago.
Fortunately enough, they do plan on showing off more information on June 11, right before E3 opens its doors to the masses. While Sony has been working hard to convince fans that they should consider a Pro, hopefully the folks over at Xbox have learned a thing or two about marketing an upgraded system. The teaser at least shows that the company is aware that the public desperately waiting on some details.
Still, that’s a long time to wait while the competition is busy moving forward in a very real way. It does buy Microsoft a bit of time to prepare, but there’s only so long that everyone’s willing to wait for the console to wow them. The Scorpio is still not due until the holiday season as far as we all know. Hopefully that briefing brings something to the current console soon rather than set up hype for the holidays or following year. If that’s what ends up happening, 2017 may end up being a wasted opportunity.
Nintendo Is Coming On Strong
Yes, many people are still on the fence about whether or not they actually want Nintendo’s console/handheld hybrid. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s garnering a lot of attention right now, especially since it’s due out in just a couple of weeks. The Wii U quickly became an afterthought for the industry and the gaming community thanks to its lack of major support, but that’s set to change as Nintendo once again steps onto the scene with an intriguing product.
Granted, the Switch is not in direct competition with the much more powerful Xbox One, but it brings consumers back to three hardware options instead of just two. With just the PS4 and Xbox One, Sony’s console is leading by almost 2 to 1. Throw in a third contender that isn’t as passed over as the Wii U was, and that creates more of an issue for the Xbox One.
People are often looking for a supplemental console, something Nintendo has often been good for. That puts the Switch in a solid position to take some of those potential Xbox One sales, preventing Microsoft from closing that gap with Sony. Microsoft’s console really doesn’t need the extra competition right now, and depending on how E3 2017 goes, it may not be ready for it either.
Where the Games At?
A game console lives and dies by the games you can play on it. This has been true from the very beginning, and didn’t change with the advent of the PS4 and Xbox One. Unfortunately, 2017 hasn’t exactly been the greatest for video games and the Xbox One so far. Yes, there have been some good third-party offerings like the amazing Resident Evil 7, but first party games have been virtually non-existent.
If you look over at the other camps, the PS4 has already received a handful of exclusives, including the critically acclaimed Nioh, as well as the same major third-party offerings as Microsoft’s console. The Switch will be coming out of the gate with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. Yet Microsoft started off this year with the cancellation of Scalebound, and assurance that we’ll see some games at some point this year. They just didn’t bother to tell us when.
Halo Wars 2 is the first major exclusive for the platform scheduled for 2017, and that’s but a spin-off of their flagship series. Other than that, fans are left in the dark as most of the exclusive lineup only has a tentative 2017 release window. It’s difficult to sell a console without also selling something to play. And when the only real options are also on platforms that have a strong exclusive schedule, it’s time to consider that perhaps the Xbox One is in a bit of trouble.
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Luckily, Microsoft still has time to pull the Xbox One out of this hole that it’s found itself in. E3 is around the corner, and it’s a chance to inject some much needed new excitement into the equation. The console is still selling, but if it doesn’t start to get some attention, and soon, the problems it’s facing will only grow.
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