Finally! In what has been the longest game of chicken to date, the next-gen consoles of the 2020s are ready to build up some hype with release dates and pricing information. Microsoft was first out of the gate this generation, revealing that Xbox Series X and its lesser-specced but still next-gen ready sister console the Xbox Series S will arrive with some decent numbers attached to them: R11,999 for the Series X, and R6,999 for the Series S. Not too shabby!
That reveal has put Sony in an awkward spot, as their consoles are focused on the exact same performance but with the option of embracing traditional disc-based media for games or ditching them entirely for an all-digital edition of the PlayStation 5. While the discless (tee-hee) PlayStation 5 will be cheaper than its more regular counterpart, the price difference won’t be that much less considering how cheap those parts have become in recent years.
So when exactly will Sony reveal how much you’ll pay for a PlayStation 5 and when you can grab one? September 16, by the look of things.
According to the PS Blog, this latest PlayStation Showcase event will run for about 40 minutes and features updates on the latest titles from Sony’s Worldwide Studios and their partners. Sony needs to come out swinging for this event, as Microsoft’s Xbox Series X reveal benefits from the focus on choice that Microsoft has laid the groundwork for over several years.
Sony on the other hand, needs to convince the market that its console is worth the price of admission it’ll charge, as the best case scenario will be that that PlayStation 5 will cost the same as the Xbox Series X. Sony hasn’t sold a PlayStation console at a loss for many a year now, and seeing as how the entire company has become heavily reliant on its gaming division, it’s unlikely that it’s prepared to wade back into those risky waters again.
Microsoft has the financial muscle that can shoulder the Xbox Series line being sold at a loss while ensuring that it builds a dedicated subscriber base through Xbox Live and Xbox Game Pass, which Sony currently cannot compete with. A marketing campaign emphasizing quality shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s one that Sony will have to really push with its market as Microsoft has likely already won the battle on affordability with this new console generation thanks to the Xbox Series S.
Last Updated: September 13, 2020
Iskape
September 14, 2020 at 08:24
We will have to see if Sony’s popularity will carry across to its PS5, considering Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is quite a bargain, and the only reason why I will most probably be putting my name down for the XSX. Sony though does has the fact that its PS4 has a strong customer base, and there is a probability that PS4 gamers will most probably move across to the PS5 due to familiarity with the platform!
If I ever get a PS5, chances are it will be the discless version as I will most probably be getting the XSX and using that as my primary platform (until I can afford to get my PC up and running again), with the only purpose for the PS5 being its exclusives. Sony has a ton of great exclusives in the pipeline!
Pieter Kruger
September 14, 2020 at 08:24
Finally! Time for PS5 to show us what lurks under the hood with a deep dive! Still think they will come in at $449 & $399 respectively! Also, expect a few more game announcements, lots of gameplay and hype levels of 100000000000!! Let’s go!!
Mark Treloar
September 14, 2020 at 10:59
Not sure why you would price PS5 lower, PS products have always come in at a higher price point
Pieter Kruger
September 14, 2020 at 11:21
Not since the PS3 they haven’t? Think it all depends on what PS5 will show us when they finally lift that dress on Wednesday. So far everything points to XSX being more powerful with higher tier tech (except SSD)so makes sense for PS5 to come in lower(only SSD and cooling could be more expensive for PS5) Sony might still shock everyone by showing all the RDNA2 & full hardware RT bells & whistles being present, who knows?
Jac7
September 14, 2020 at 08:44
I’ll wait a while before I fork out money for a new console. I bought a PS4 and the PSVR last year on Black Friday and I’ve been having a ball of a time playing the massive library of games.
Kenn Gibson
September 14, 2020 at 10:11
Well when the Xbone first announced Sony came in $100 cheaper for the PS4. Not sure if they will do the same, but a digital PS5 for $399 would definitely be a win for them.