According to recent court documents from the ongoing trial between Microsoft and the US FTC, Microsoft believes that Sony PlayStation will be releasing a PS5 Slim model later this year. The tech giant expects Sony to unveil the highly rumored PS5 Slim at a price tag of $399.99, positioning it as a more affordable option for consumers. Microsoft’s argument is that the Nintendo Switch should be considered in the same market as PlayStation and Xbox when it comes to pricing. This strategic move is part of Microsoft’s plan to position itself as the underdog in the console market, ensuring that its acquisition of Activision Blizzard does not pose a threat to the gaming industry.
Microsoft stated in the document that the entry-level versions of the current Xbox and Switch are offered at the same price point of $299.99. Additionally, the Xbox Series S is priced $50 lower than the Switch OLED model at $349.99. Similarly, PlayStation offers a less expensive Digital Edition for $399.99, and it is anticipated that they will release a PlayStation 5 Slim at the same reduced price point later this year. While no official source is mentioned, a report from September of last year suggested that Sony was planning to launch a slimmer and lighter version of the PS5 console with the same hardware but a new chassis and detachable disc drive. It’s worth noting that an external drive approved by Sony will be available separately, allowing consumers to replace a malfunctioning drive without having to purchase an entirely new unit. The PlayStation 5 Slim is expected to fully support digital game downloads.
It is important to highlight that Microsoft is positioning itself as the underdog in this narrative. They have previously claimed that they have been losing the console wars since 2001 and have shifted their focus from hardware sales to software and Xbox Game Pass. According to VGChartz, an independent video game tracking site, Xbox Series S/X consoles have sold 21.3 million units since launch, while the PS5 and Nintendo Switch have sold 35.8 million and 36.2 million units, respectively, as of April 2023. These statistics favor Microsoft’s argument. However, later in the document, another major PlayStation console release is mentioned.
The document states that Sony is also expected to release a handheld version of the PlayStation 5 later this year, priced under $300. This refers to Project Q, which was announced earlier this year during the PlayStation Showcase event. Project Q is a handheld gaming device that allows users to stream games from their PS5 consoles via Remote Play or Wi-Fi. The device features an 8-inch 1080p LCD screen in the center, surrounded by a button layout and analog sticks reminiscent of the PS5 DualSense controller.
Considering Sony’s history of releasing slim versions of its previous consoles, it is not surprising that they would plan a PS5 Slim model. In contrast, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer stated in a recent interview that he doesn’t feel the need to release a mid-generation Xbox upgrade three years into its launch cycle. He expressed satisfaction with the current hardware and stated that there is no pressure to make changes.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s belief in the release of a PS5 Slim model by Sony later this year adds an intriguing element to the console market. By positioning themselves as the underdog and highlighting the pricing similarities between Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation, Microsoft aims to justify their acquisition of Activision Blizzard without causing concerns in the gaming industry. It will be interesting to see how these developments play out and how consumers respond to the new console options.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
