Following the full reveal of the Xbox Scorpio specifications, numerous analysts have come forward to talk about the impending release of Microsoft’s new console and how that might impact Sony’s PS4 and PS4 Pro.
Related: PS4 Pro games list
What we do know about Xbox Scorpio is that it’s going to be significantly more powerful than PS4 Pro with native 4K gaming being the main attraction. Should Sony, who is significantly in front in terms of sales between Xbox One and PS4, be worried? One analyst certainly seems to think so.
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, NPD Group’s Mat Piscatella is one analyst who is actually predicting that Xbox could outsell PS4 in 2017.
"I remain bullish on the Scorpio in the US market, particularly in the launch year. I think Scorpio has the potential to push Xbox One sales ahead of the PS4 in the US in 2017, said Piscatella. “Adoption among the core gaming audience could be significant, and, while this is a niche audience to target, it’s the niche which is necessary to put the Scorpio on the path for longer term mass market adoption.”
He does also echo our own sentiments though. You can have the best hardware in the world but if the great games don’t come that make the most out of the console, then it’s worthless.
He continues:
"Ultimately, however, people buy consoles to play great games. No matter how amazing the tech specs are, if attractive content doesn’t show up, the mass market won’t adopt. In addition, if we happen to have another E3 2006 style ‘five hundred and ninety-nine US dollars’ moment the outlook gets murkier. Today’s announcement was a necessary, and beneficial, big step. But there’s still a long way to go."
Current slice of the sale pie dominated by PS4
The price point of Xbox Scorpio is also going to play a big part in whether early adopters come forward. PS4 Pro launched at the price of $399. Despite the higher specifications, if Microsoft decide to price Xbox Scorpio higher than that it could stunt sales. It’s also likely that we’ll see a PS4 Pro price cut this year too, which could make the price gap between Pro and Scorpio significant.
Indeed, analyst Michael Pachter, thinks that if Microsoft launches Xbox Scorpio above $399, it could be in trouble.