According to new court documents from the ongoing trial between Xbox parent company Microsoft and the US FTC, Microsoft believes that Sony PlayStation will release a more affordable PS5 Slim model later this year. The tech giant expects Sony to unveil this long-rumored console at a price point of $399.99 (about Rs. 32,825), as reported by IGN. Microsoft’s intention with this information is to convince the judge that the Nintendo Switch should be considered in the same market as PlayStation and Xbox when it comes to pricing. By positioning itself as the underdog in the console market, Microsoft hopes to acquire Activision Blizzard without raising concerns for the game industry.
“In fact, the entry-level versions of the current Xbox and Switch are offered at the same price point ($299.99), and the Xbox Series S is sold for $50 less than the Switch OLED model ($349.99),” states Microsoft in the document, as cited by IGN. “PlayStation likewise sells a less expensive Digital Edition for $399.99, and is expected to release a PlayStation 5 Slim later this year at the same reduced price point.” Although no specific 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. This new model would feature the same hardware as existing models but with a new chassis and a detachable disc drive. The report also mentioned that Sony-approved external drives would be available for separate purchase, ensuring that users wouldn’t have to buy an entirely new unit in case of malfunction. Even if the drive needs to be sent for repair, digital game playing would still be possible.
Microsoft strategically positions itself as the underdog, claiming to have been losing the console wars since 2001 and actively opting out of competing in hardware sales for this generation. Instead, Microsoft focuses on 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. In comparison, the PS5 and Nintendo Switch have sold 35.8 million and 36.2 million units, respectively, as of April 2023. These numbers support Microsoft’s underdog narrative. However, further down in the document, Microsoft highlights another significant release from PlayStation.
“Sony is also anticipated to release a handheld version of PlayStation 5 later this year for under $300,” states the document. This refers to Project Q, announced earlier this year during the PlayStation Showcase event. Project Q is a handheld gaming device that allows players to stream games from their PS5 console via Remote Play or Wi-Fi. The device features an 8-inch 1080p LCD screen and a button layout and analogue sticks reminiscent of the PS5 DualSense controller.
Considering Sony’s history of releasing slim versions of its previous consoles, the expectation of a PS5 Slim model is not surprising. However, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer expressed in an interview last month that he does not feel compelled to release a mid-generation Xbox upgrade three years after its initial launch. He stated, “That’s not the feedback we’re getting right now. Right now, we’re pretty set on the hardware we have.”
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
