This month has been a whirlwind of sorts for Sony and the PlayStation brand thanks to their event that revealed two new variations of the PS4 hardware. First was the PS4 Slim – a smaller, cheaper version of the home console that will be taking over as the standard – and then there was the PS4 Pro. This is Sony’s mid-generation upgrade that supports HDR, 4K Gaming and media streaming, and the ability to improve the gaming experience in other ways thanks to the added power. Better yet, the Pro will be available on Nov. 10.
As many of you may remember, though, back in June, Microsoft revealed a similar machine which for the time being is known as Project Scorpio. This is a true 4K Xbox, capable of delivering unprecedented graphical fidelity, fully supporting VR, and is being touted as the most powerful home console ever, even though it’s still a year out. Many feel that Sony may have stolen Microsoft’s thunder by revealing the machine and releasing a year before the upgraded Xbox console. But, timing isn’t always everything (though it can seem that way), and if the team in charge of Xbox plays their cards right, Sony has a rude awakening waiting for them at the end of 2017.
Scorpio Power
The PS4 Pro’s specs were revealed shortly after the console itself and they’re pretty impressive. It’s a decent jump over the standard PS4, so fans can definitely expect a bit of bang for their buck. However, after comparing what we know about the Pro to what we know about the Scorpio, one thing jumped out. The Scorpio will be a substantially more powerful machine when it finally does hit store shelves.
That can translate into a number of different things, with one of the more standout factors being native 4K. This isn’t to say that the upgraded PlayStation won’t have any native 4K, but it’s already known that a lot of the games will actually be upscaled. On top of that, both will be pushing VR, and the Scorpio’s higher power can help to make the experience a bit more enjoyable. Anyone who’s used a PSVR with the standard PS4 knows that the graininess can be sometimes sickening, which is why some are looking to the Pro in the first place. It seems like Microsoft is trying to solve that issue the first time, rather than split experiences.
Also, Microsoft has been pushing the Play Anywhere initiative since June, offering players options of where they want to enjoy their games. For the time being, the most obvious answer appears to be PC, as there is more power to be enjoyed there. A lot of fans, present company included, wondered if Microsoft was shooting themselves in the foot, but it seems like the Scorpio brings that balance between consoles and PCs, making the choice a bit more substantial.
Watch and Learn
One of the benefits to coming out second is being able to watch and learn from your competition. The PS4 Pro is a definite upgrade but it’s already hit a few stumbling blocks thanks to some PR confusion regarding patches, the lack of a Blu-ray drive, and some wondering if it’s too soon. Project Scorpio isn’t due out until holiday 2017, which is actually a good thing for the company. While most of the specs are probably locked in (it’s difficult to change hardware specifications so late in the game), Microsoft can definitely start getting its message in order.
Phil Spencer and the rest of the team over at Xbox can see what Sony does and take cues from their actions as well as note down what fans really didn’t enjoy. This puts them in the position of being the people pleasers as they can avoid all of the same pitfalls (if they’re smart of course). It also gives them time to build a larger library at launch as well. The PS4 Pro is kicking things off with under 20 supported titles, many of which most fans have most likely played.
There will surely be other issues that arise once the machine launches, and each one will be a learning opportunity. As will the things that Sony gets right. There’s nothing wrong with “borrowing” good practices.
Free Holiday
With the PS4 Pro releasing in just two months and the NX releasing early next year, the Xbox Scorpio (or whatever it ends up being called), will have the holiday season all to itself as a new piece of hardware. That’s a pretty big deal considering there’s always a dramatic boost in hardware and software sales around that time of year. It’s no coincidence that Sony is picking the same window this year, most likely leading to a boost in sales for the PlayStation brand.
While this does mean that the PS4 Pro will have at least 12 months of sales time, the Scorpio can plant its flag and start pulling attention. Those 12 months of being left behind will help in another way as well, as many people who wanted a Pro will have most likely purchased one by the time the upgrade Xbox rolls around. With the most direct competition already in the hands of most of the people who want one, Microsoft is free to peddle their wares to everyone. Not having another major choice to make will make the Scorpio the only clear option.
These reasons make it clear why Microsoft isn’t worrying just yet, and why Sony should hope to sell as many machines as it can right now. The Scorpio is a beast just waiting to be let loose, and while the competition is busy getting to market first, the green machine is just biding its time.
About the author
