Hardware
2017 is Microsoft’s year to lose when it comes hardware as the many prominent figures with the Xbox team have been touting how impressive this upgraded system is. The Scorpio will need to exceed many fans expectations and offer enough of a change that it feels like a true next-gen system. However, this is a very delicate balancing act that Microsoft needs to perform. If they formally announce the system at E3, then they will need to make sure there is enough time spent on games, as well. However, Microsoft should follow in Sony’s footsteps and set aside time outside of this major conference to fully detail what the Scorpio will offer consumers.
Price is also an important factor, since upgrading to a new console for many Xbox owners could be rather pricey. Once again, the Scorpio either needs to follow Sony and price their system at $399 or undercut their competition and sell it slightly cheaper. Given the Scorpio is not entirely new, an upgrade in hardware should not cost an extreme amount of money. Thankfully, the Scorpio won’t have to directly compete with Sony this year, as the PlayStation Pro released late last year. This gives Microsoft ample time to examine what works and doesn’t work with Sony’s updated console and enhance these changes.
In fact, the only new major hardware that Microsoft needs to truly compete with is the Nintendo Switch. Despite this system having a rather hardcore fanbase, there is still some serious doubt and questions swirling around this new system. The Switch won’t become a problem for Microsoft unless Nintendo either alters some of their policies or manages to knock it out of the park with game reveals during E3. As it stands, the Scorpio will probably be left unchecked during its release.
