Dealing With the Switch and Project Scorpio
The biggest hurdle for Sony will be dealing with the Nintendo Switch and Microsoft’s Project Scorpio. The first one is a brand new system from Nintendo that is a home console that can be taken on the go, just like a high-powered handheld. It’s launching on March 3 (which is just around the corner), and while its current 2017 lineup isn’t the greatest, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an instant GotY contender and is going to be available day one.
It’s hard to challenge a system seller like Zelda, so Sony may rely on some sales to help weather the storm of new hardware. With Mass Effect: Andromeda being PS4 Pro enhanced, there may be a possible bundle in the works considering it launches within the same month as the Switch and Zelda. A temporary sale of the Pro hardware could also be a thing to make the much more powerful console even more competitive with Nintendo’s new device.
As far as the Scorpio goes, it will be a more powerful Xbox One that, on paper so far, puts Sony’s PS4 Pro to shame. However, it’s not due out until the end of the year, giving Sony plenty of time to release new games, push the Pro and PSVR, and set themselves up for a great holiday season. Considering the PS4 has one of the strongest lineups of the year, the strong 10 or so months leading up to the holiday season will provide a lot of momentum going forward, making selling units far easier.
Of course, a big part of this competition will be played out at E3. It’s the calm before the storm where every company positions itself as best as it can showing off huge games and exciting things to look forward to. Sony needs to continue to impress just as it has the last few years. If it can maintain that strong presence it’s come to be known for, it can cement the rest of the year, even if the shows from Nintendo and Microsoft happen to be slightly stronger. Messaging and sales are how the PS4 will beat out the new kids on the block, so expect a lot of new commercials and deals.
