With the next generation of consoles just around the corner, we are starting to get a peek at the power of next-gen. While new games are always welcomed, the question remains, how much will each of these new consoles cost?
Should players expect prices similar to past generations, or is this a false expectation that will sour consumers when the actual prices are revealed? It is not out of the realm of possibility for the new generation to be set at a high price point considering consoles have shifted into being marketed as media devices, taking on roles beyond gaming.
Sony's latest online event danced around the topic of price, and this seems somewhat intentional, considering Microsoft's digital reveal event will take place in July. By withholding the price, Sony could be planning to wait until Microsoft makes the first move and potentially undercut it. Hosting an event centered around a new console and leaving out the price has to be deliberate, as it is on everyone's mind. What happens if Microsoft calls Sony's bluff and also does not reveal a price in July? Well, that would be awkward.
With the world in a tailspin with the ongoing pandemic, it would be interesting to see if Sony is waiting until an event like Gamescom to announce a price. Considering the marketing plans and development of the new consoles have been going on long before 2020, some can wonder if the shocks to supply chains and markets have thrown a wrench into initial plans.
There may be leaks around the internet suggesting prices of the new consoles, but those need to be taken with a grain of salt. It is not impossible for these price leaks to be placeholders, or changed on a whim based on executive decisions. If you didn't get your information from an official source, it's best to not get your hopes up.
Microsoft will more than likely announce a price in a similar fashion to the Xbox One reveal at E3 2013, where Phil Spencer announced the launch date and price. Nothing is set in stone, but the big concern is balancing a price point that will not turn consumers away from the new product, while not undercutting themselves and selling the consoles at a considerable loss. Consoles selling at a loss is not entirely new, but the goal is making up for such a loss by bringing more customers into the brand ecosystem.
Regardless of who reveals a price first, the real concern is who will set a price that is more appealing for the general market. Unfortunately, Sony has had first-hand experience in setting the bar too high, with its launch of the PS3 being costly and pushing many to buy the more reasonably-priced Xbox 360. It would be a shock if prices for these consoles are kept at rates similar to the last generation, considering these machines are mini desktop towers. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing we can be sure the games line up is going to be fantastic this holiday season.