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.
