While hardcore Xbox fans are likely to wait for the company’s super console, there’s a segment of the user demographic that is simply looking for the very best and most powerful console on the market this holiday, and the Pro is going to offer it. Console players are seeking out 4K console gaming, and the Pro offers it at least a year before its main competitors. Unless Nintendo brings out an insanely powerful NX, they’ve got a lucrative, if not a little niche, market all to themselves. Combine this with the statistics mentioned earlier in the quote from House, and Sony is not only retaining their existing users, but enticing other console technophiles to the blue side.
While it’s quite possible that those seeking 4K gaming setups have already purchased a PC rig with a GTX 10 series card capable of displaying some incredible visuals, the Pro brings 4K to those not willing to spend way into the thousands of dollars. What’s more, Sony’s 4K capable console could well come in far cheaper than the Scorpio when taking into account Head of Xbox Games Marketing, Aaron Greenberg’s comments on the Scorpio being priced as a “premium product.”
It’s a bold move for Sony to take, but one that may help to spur on the sales of the PS4 particularly when NPD shows the Xbox One as the leading console for the past two months (a title that the PS4 has dominated almost every month since launch). However, fan reception to the Pro was likely a little more divided than Sony had expected. While some saw it as a great way to keep their games running smooth and get even prettier visuals, others saw it as a half-baked step towards a new console and one that underwhelmed off the back of the Neo rumors.
Granted, Sony’s year head start will help, but first to market isn’t a sure fire way to success. Just like at the albeit extreme case of Nintendo’s Wii U. If the Pro pales in comparison to the Scoprio, regardless of price, the same graphic-hungry demographic that Sony is trying to lure with its Pro will likely switch to the biggest, baddest console that’s out. One year isn’t a lot of time, especially when the competitor’s cards are already largely on the table.
Ultimately, Sony could well find themselves in a difficult position. With a concerning lack of vocal support from developers, the value proposition behind the Pro isn’t yet likely to be considered a done deal for the current PS4 owner. Sony has played its hand and Microsoft has a perfect opportunity to really turn the screw. Whether or not the pricing and messaging behind the Scorpio can help deliver a heavy blow to Sony, however, is yet to be seen.
