Put the Pro Out Front
Sony introduced two new versions of its PS4 console back in September – the Slim (which replaces the standard model) and the Pro. However, this year will bring two new consoles from the competition, one which is being touted as the most powerful video game console ever made. Many fans of video games will want Microsoft’s Project Scorpio thanks to its current promise of true 4K gaming and VR support. However, if Sony could get a large slice of that particular market, it will steel them against the Xbox One’s impending rise in sales.
To do so, though, Sony will have to really start pushing the PS4 Pro. That means actually getting those “PS4 Pro Enhanced” stickers onto some game cases, having developers utilize the extra power rather than it being a toss up, and really pushing the PS4 Pro as the go-to version of the console. Of course, this doesn’t mean it should forsake the Slim. Sony’s two-pronged approach to getting people playing on the PlayStation platform isn’t anything new, and it’s actually a smart move. But, the better version should be the focus with the other being an affordable option, rather than pushing the standard and having the Pro be something to consider.
With the right push, they can get into a ton of homes and have to worry a lot less about competition from the stronger option. Nothing like an early lead to help tie up a year.
Sony and Square Enix Need to Pull a Nintendo and Pokemon
2016 had Nintendo in the spotlight thanks to Pokemon’s 20th anniversary. But it wasn’t simply because the franchise reached that milestone. Nintendo actually put in a lot of work to keep the festivities lively throughout the year, all the way up to the release of two new games in the series (whose review you can check out here). While Sony has definitely been leveraging nostalgia to keep fans excited over the last couple of years, they haven’t done anything as big as what their fellow Big Three member pulled off in 2016.
Sony has a big opportunity thanks to a little game from Square Enix and Disney called Kingdom Hearts. 2017 marks the 15 year anniversary of this beloved series, and that’s something that can definitely be taken advantage of. Later this month will see Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue get released exclusively on the PS4, offering a narrative bridge directly to the upcoming sequel. Later this year, on the anniversary of the first game’s release, we’ll also be seeing 1.5 and 2.5 make their way over to the PS4, bringing the full console collection to the current generation.
With a series as celebrated as Kingdom Hearts, and properties from the juggernauts that are Final Fantasy and Disney, there’s a lot that can be done there. Mobile crossovers, events, new details on Kingdom Hearts III (which is also heading to Xbox One, but Sony will be smart to promote it), and other ways for fans to connect with the people behind the series.
We saw Nintendo have a turnaround year thanks to a very similar setup, and they say imitation is the ultimate form of flattery. It’s time to start flattering Sony, 2017 can be yours if you do.
PSVR Support
Sony is currently in a unique position among its console producing peers. There are three premium VR headsets on the market right now, and one of them is the PSVR, Sony’s own console-compatible headset. Even better is that it’s seeing major success and has been outselling the competition. That can be a big reason why Sony takes 2017 and adds this year to the company’s hot streak this generation. But, it will require a lot of support.
Like with the PS4 Pro, the company is going to have to really push the headset if they want to see massive success. It shouldn’t be treated as a peripheral, coaxing prospective players to pick up the console then trying to convince them to get the PSVR. Instead, they have to really sell the experience. Show everyone why they not only should want this new technology, but need it. Yes, eventually the fact that you need a PS4 to play one will come up, but even then it’s still cheaper than the competition, particularly if the shopper doesn’t already have an impressive PC rig at home.
Developers are getting the hang of placing fans into games, and as time goes on, the games will get bigger and better. Getting in on the ground floor with something that actually works pretty well was a great move in 2016, but it can mean so much more in 2017 with just the right push. While Microsoft and Nintendo are figuring out their strategies for the new market, Sony can sit back and open up a faucet of games as their sales number rise.
Holiday Lineup for the Ages
What’s really going to carry a lot of weight in 2017 is the holiday season, thanks to two new pieces of hardware from Nintendo and Microsoft. Launch years always mean extra oomph come the winter months, with each company vying for your every dollar by throwing bundles, games, and other goodies your way. With Sony not having anything new in terms of hardware (from what we know as of the time of writing at least), all they’ll have is bundles and games. Not just any games will do, though, as the competition will undoubtedly put their best foot forward to make waves for the holidays. That means it’s time to dip into that upcoming exclusive lineup and pull some games into a locked in 2017 release date.
Now, there are clearly some games that will not be able to make the cut such as The Last of Us Part 2 and Detroit: Become Human. However, there are some games that don’t have a window that can potentially squeeze themselves into 2017. Marvel and Insomniac’s Spider-Man (which is a PS4 exclusive) has a chance of coming out this year to keep the Spider-Man hype alive after the release of Homecoming this summer. Another prospect is God of War, which is looking very good so far as it changes how players experience the series. Santa Monica has their work cut out for them thanks to stellar showings by other Sony studios, but if anyone can deliver a blockbuster this year, it’s them. There are also some third-party exclusives that can really turn everyone’s holiday shopping attention to Sony such as Ni No Kuni 2, a follow-up to the critically acclaimed RPG.
With a strong hardware push that can take a sizable head start from the competition (Nintendo, which releases its hardware first, isn’t putting out anything until March), some strategic use of anniversaries and first party titles, as well as a solid holiday lineup, Sony can really seize 2017 for itself. It’s not going to be easy, because you can bet dollars to donuts that Nintendo and Microsoft will both be pushing hard as well, but Sony has proven that they can make things happen when necessary.
