Feature: How PS4 Can Fend Off the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Scorpio in 2017

I really can't understand why Sony doesn't advertise third-party games, that most likely will stay exclusive for their platform or make it to other platforms, but somewhere in somewhat distant future. Like this month they have Yakuza 0, new Hatsune Miku game, Kingdom Hearts, Digimons. Or Fate/Extella, that can possibly appear on steam, but not in nearest 5-6 months.
They seem to fail Gravity Rush 2 add campaign as well

P.S. Also the fact that Sony don't provide us with clear explanation of what games benefit from PRO is atrocious. They've made a list once before release and community on their blog told them that it's incomplete (there was no Dishonored 2), and there're no explanation of what pro does to this games. Is there a checkerboard upscaling? 4k UI renders? Improved Graphics for 1080p or improved FPS for 1080p?
And for a matter of fact latest diablo 3 patch announced some "PRO features", but there's no advertisement for that from Sony (neither to the whole patch itself, but it's a big one actually), neither there's any information on the features itself. As a PRO owner myself I find it completely abnormal to have to search internet for complete lists of games that are compatible with pro and what pro actually does to them.

I dont think they need to worry about Switch. I intend to get one but as with Wii U, I see it as a persons second console especially with the handheld aspect. Scorpio is the real worry. Its not being marketed as a Pro console, it looks like its going to be part of the next hardware generation. I still see PS4 being the better selling console, but depending on how E3 goes for both Sony and Microsoft I can see the momentum shifting for the second half of the year

For me the Scorpio will shine because of its power a lot more tempted with that than I was for getting the PS Pro. Switch because its portable with a lot of fun games. Those are two very different systems catering for different markets. Sony will plod along still sell consoles but I am excited for the new consoles releases. The Switch should not worry sony too much but the Scorpio has the strong potential to draw gamers away from PS4.

I don't think they need to do any "fending"

PlayStation has always been popular and that's not going to stop now.

Besides, there's really nothing they can do about the Switch. I mean, it's gonna have a separate library, portable play, etc. How well it does will be entirely dependent on Nintendo. Sony's influence over the situation is mitigated by the fact they're not offering a similar product, so if people want portable play or want Nintendo exclusives, then PS4 isn't going to factor into that equation much.

Scorpio will be a different story, but only as far as PS4 Pro goes. And judging by the numbers, that's a much smaller market than we initially thought. Maybe it will grow though, if more PC gamers get tired of dealing with the hassles of different controller support for different games, resolution incompatibilities, etc

I like PS Plus and see the games are the smallest part of the service even if they stopped giving games away it would not be an issue for me.

First off, I really can't see Switch being any realistic competition and secondly, Scorpio may dominate the headlines in the latter part of the year but I doubt we will see it before November and therefore I don't see any change for Sony at the top of the leaderboard in terms of sales - at least not until Nov/Dec any way. I fully expect Sony to sit at the top for at least 9 - more likely 10 but maybe Switch could sell more the month it releases but maybe not if it releases mid/late in the month.

For the months leading up to the release of Scorpio, the Pro will be the most powerful console, the only console offering over 1080p and up to 4k. The only Console to offer VR - if switch does, its more likely to be like Samsungs VR for mobile phones rather than a rival to PSVR, Occulus and Vive. Even if Sony don't release any exclusives, the fact that all 3rd party games are likely to look and/or run better on a Playstation is only going to help them. Even the base PS4 should look and/or run better than the alternatives as it will be the next most powerful console available.

If anything Sony need to draw up plans for the end of the year and 2018 although in reality it has a healthy market share above the competition. I doubt as soon as Scorpio releases, sales of PS4 (inc Pro which no doubt will be a lot cheaper than the Scorpio and cheaper than it is now) will still keep ticking over. Its not like Sony hasn't gt some great exclusives on the way to keep generating sales.

I think Sony are in a very good position I right now, it's new console is out and I don't think we've even come close to seeing it's full potential. They one of the most fantastic line up of exclusive games I've seen coming from this year onwards too and this will always be the best reason to buy a console.

As for the competition, first the Switch is a handheld you can plug in your telly and will struggle as usual to get major 3rd party releases. Now Scorpio I think has more potential problems for Microsoft than Sony, firstly it'll launch at a much higher price than Pro will be by then and from its rumoured specs it won't be the huge step up from Pro many expect it to be. Then you have to consider that it is much more likely to fracture the Xbox audience than Pro has owing to the much bigger power gap between that and the one and Microsoft's refusal to rule out 3rd party exclusives for it.

In reality yes games will likely be higher resolution on Scorpio but with the rather clever checkerboard technique Sony are using I'm not sure we'll see a huge difference between the 2 machines. Also my experience with the Pro so far has shown HDR to be a much bigger game changer than 4K and comparing the few native 4K games with the likes of Tomb Raider I honestly couldn't tell you the resolution difference anyway.

As excited as I am for the Switch (and I am really, really excited for the Switch), I don't think Sony needs to worry about it cutting in to their sales too much. Sony already has a lock on the home console market this gen with its insanely modest price point, high level of performance, and diverse game library. If Switch does well, it'll be due to Nintendo finding a new market niche to exploit by leaning on the system's portability. I know for a fact that I wouldn't even be in the market for a Switch if it wasn't a hybrid that allowed me to play console games anywhere.

As to Scorpio, it won't solve Microsoft's basic problem: that, on a software level, they have nothing to incentivize people to buy an Xbox over a Playstation. The console likely survives because the brand is popular in North America.

Barring any stupid mistakes on Sony's part or really excessive public interest in hybrid consoles, I think Sony is probably safe for the rest of the generation.

All Sony has to do is pump out some quality games, keep PSN stable, and the rest will work itself out. As long as they don't try and copy anything Nintendo is doing also. Just let them do their own thing, it'll sell a couple million and act as a secondary console for those rare first party games. I don't think scorpio is an issue either, as it'll most likely be priced high due to the tech inside, and won't sell much better than the switch.

The only thing I see stopping the PS4 is a saturated market. PS3 sold 80 million, at 53 million the PS4 could be close by next holiday. Once you saturate the market - everybody who wants one has one - then nothing else matters, price, games or the competition.

PSVR could be the push thru the PS4 needs if Slim hits $199 and PSVR $299, that's $500 for the set, which is probably what Scorpio will cost. PSVR needs games though, not just tech demos. The technology is great, but it needs it's killer app, and I haven't seen one yet.

Switch is Switch, maybe we'll know more next week.I think Sony still wins the Squenix battle w/ MS, those JRPG games are just going to naturally sell better on PS4, but I am curious if Switch gets the big games like FFXV and the FFVII remake, or if it will just get ports of the 3DS games.

But Sony is in the lead, the drivers seat, the cat bird seat, basically all they have to do is not screw up and this gen, and maybe next gen, is theirs. TLoU2 and the Uncharted spin-off are out there somewhere.

If the Switch and Scorpio outsell the PS4 I don't really see the big deal. Overall my most played console last-gen was the 360 (though I did use PS3 more in the final few years) and that finished in third place. A healthy market is more important. Scorpio being more of a success than Xbox One and Switch being a big success as well, along with hopefully strong sales for PS4 would be better than just one console, no matter which company it's from, dominating the whole thing.

Fifa Pro evo sony ninteno konami E.A. good and bad in all of them yes P.S.4 has all the bells n whistles but as Pokemon go shows there are other ways of getting to the masses.

Not a fan of a game that plays soley on 1 platform not a fan at all it is for that reason I have to buy a Switch.

I reckon the switch might trigger a resurgence in vita sales as that's a portable system that can be hooked up to ps tv and also plays console games via remote play. Of course it's not going to compete with the switch, but those with low funds might choose a cheaper option in the vita.

I agree about Sony needing to give more info about PS4Pro enhancements and more attention to what's coming to VR.
There are so many great PS4 games coming out though that I can't see people being disappointed. The Switch I think will sell incredibly well but it's not really a threat as it's not going to match the power of the PS4. Most people will use it as a secondary console for exclusives.
I wonder what Microsoft's plan is for the Scorpio's games... Because as things stand there are no XB1 exclusives as they're all on PC so... Why buy one?

@blakey78 its not cheaper when you buy a memory card.....

I have the PSPro and to be honest, I've played Infamous second son everyday since I've owned it as it looks so amazing. Great platform. I really cant wait to see GT and Wipeout this year, you scabbers on PS4 scrubs hahaha. Go and buy a pro you nutcases, trade in your ps4 scrubs and buy the pro for the £180 excess. Dead easy. No more 1080p gaming. Its all 1440+ for you then boom you will play games like a boss!

I really doubt they need to be concerned about the Switch

Its all about the games for hardcore gamers and I think most of us would love a ninty switch cos it's different. Would a ps4 pro gamer get a Scorpio too? Not sure on that. But for casuals a switch to Scorpio could be appealing but would a casual fork out £400 for a console (if speculation Scorpio is faster and more expensive). If switch is aimed at young adults (judging from their previous ad) would young gamers have spare cash or prefer their cheap free entertainment on mobile? Until real and true facts appear and the 2 consoles are revealed I'm sitting on the fence. But it'll provide new jobs and expand gaming community!! All good

Just a couple thought I have:
1. The Switch will cater to an in-between audience and what I mean by that is Nintendo fans, and others not really looking to play in the most powerful console game and for the rest (myself included) like mentioned above a secondary console.

2. The Scorpio will appeal to the westerner and due to it being the latest and greatest tech it will sell. What we have overlooked as seen as with the Pro the output will be developer dependant, how much effort they want to put in, costs, and how different the architecture is from the base console because if the CPU is drastically different I'm sure there will be growing pains with how not to alienate or pull too far away from the base.

3. Developers tend to pay most attention to the highest install bases, so Sony will continue to have the eye of the developers first and foremost with what I assume will be potentially 60+ million PS4s out in the wild.

4. Software sells. Sony needs to market a 2017 slogan talking about the strength of the software and the games only able to be played on Playstation. There's more interesting games dropping than folks will have time for so in order to capitalise sales and not waste perfectly good software releases, market market market! They should sit near the top most of the year until holiday season give or take some months to Nintendo. At that point they should drop the price of both hardware units and let price be the attraction on top of the strong software. Hell even with me getting a Switch and most likely a Holiday Scorpio (need that Scalebound should be a Sony game) the software releases for Sony won't be ignorable there are interesting games dropping

The reason people complain about Plus free games is not the games! They want pay to play online to go away that's all. Many of the so called evil Indies are very fun to play. With better games offered there is a big risk most may have the games already. Now that would be much worse then Indies because you get nothing at all.

Scorpio's price point? It's not going to be $399, $499? maybe $599 who knows. I can see the Pro getting a price drop for holiday 2017 when the Scorpio launches and PS4 Pro will hold its ground against Scorpio with its much lower Price Point.

Every one loves Mario and Nintendo! While the Switch would never replace my Ps4 Pro It may make a new friend and join it on my shelf space. It will need games and not have the Wii U's dried up offerings.

Switch is probably going after the 3DS market more than the PS4 market.

Better exclusives=Better console...easy peasy

@AFCC Well Nintendo can use that argument with their titles

I'm not at all worried about PS4 in 2017 because the exclusives are finally arriving after 3 dry tepid years. on top of that, Sony can afford to cut the price down to $200 if it's not competing enough, that would drive sales too. I think it's going to be great year for all the consoles. I'm getting the Switch. it looks great.

Ps4 already has the games, all it need to do is lower the price on holiday 2017.

I'm interested in the switch, if the price is right and it have mario & zelda for launch titles maybe I buy one

Or maybe success shouldn't be measured by who is 'winning'? If PS4 sells 100mill but sells less than Switch, is that disappointing in some way?

The only issue is when lack of market success reduces support for the platform. I love the Wii U, it has amazing games, but it died fast. That will simply not happen to PS4 at this point.

@TheLZdragon
Granted it was a short teaser but that first Switch advertisement made it seem like they were going for a completely new market, not the home console or the 3DS market. Seems like they're pushing it as a market disruptor similar to how it positioned the original Wii in 2006. All it needs is a good price and it will probably work. So far all the other parallels are there. A Zelda game at launch, a different concept for the machine that has people talking. It's a good start. Nintendo hasn't been my preferred brand for gaming since the NES days but I always get interested in what it's doing. I'm really looking forward to the Switch event. Wii U was a total disaster, imo, from the very start, right with the first announcement. This time around, there's reason to be hyped whether you prefer playing games at home or on the go.

Very interested in switch and everything about scorpio is still pure speculation and rumor, but haven't Microsoft kind of shot themselves in the foot by making all xbox games available on pc?...i havent gamed on pc for a long time but if i had to choose between a gaming rig that i could play MS games on or a console that did the same and wasnt much cheaper, id go with the pc every single time, not sure who MS are aiming for with scorpio and so far the high end console/pc hybrid things that were all over the news a year or two ago seem to have all but disappeared

@get2sammyb Enjoyed the video and accompanying article, I like the positive perspective over the doom laden commentaries I keep seeing elsewhere.

All valid points but I really want PSVR to a) become available again and b) be marketed and show game investment. Sony has gone radio silent and I am not sure what the strategy is. As a PSVR owner, I love it and accepted at purchase that it might end up being a failed experiment. But everyone, including the older generation that have tried it have been blown away by it. I don't see it as a replacement for current gen games but as a different experience. It makes the genres that are limited in non VR seem dynamic and exciting.

The Scorpio looks like it will represent a near next gen leap and will probably me marketed as such - however, publishers and developers need the incentive to exploit such a powerful system and history is shown that they need to see sales forecasts. Personally, I just see a Scoprio mode being added to existing gen games for the next year or so, just like we are getting with PS4 Pro. That makes it less of a necessary purchase.

So Sony need to focus on software and PSVR in my mind, the two biggest reasons to choose Sony over the competition.

Not interested inb theSwitch in the slightest, never been a handheld fan, The Scorpio is a different storyb though, let's see how much power that baby has, i'm getting it on launch, still keeping the Pro though. I don't want Sony vto dominate it's not good for the industry I hope Scorpio shines and force's Sony to up it's game.

"How PS4 Can Fend Off the Nintendo Switch"

Revitalize Vita (pun not even intended) and release a new (maybe anniversary?) PS3 with hardware Remote Play support?

Seriously, though, didn't Sony say they weren't viewing Switch as competition in their field? PS4 is a strictly home platform whose experience's mobility, while thankfully enabled now, remains dependent on streaming services, environment and quality. Switch is advertised as a hybrid console emphasizing not graphical arms race (which, let's be honest, has pretty much hit the ceiling and boiled down to whose textures "outcrisp" the rivals') but the ability to pick up home console level games and continue them anywhere with minimal (if any) CONTENT compromises - Nvidia tech should take care of it. No streaming, no cross-save, not even any delay in the titular "switch" - that's a solid promise, and despite people's worries about relative horsepower, even handling mostly PS3 level third party ports (worst case scenario according to such worries) would very ironically offer gamers something that Sony is only attempting to cover with the costly and still distributionally challenged PS Now.

Sony, I reckon, is calm in their belief in the contingent who don't crave Switch's hybrid experience and prefer to have a system for all those HDR and 4K eye candies (I'd mention VR as well, but rumours insist Switch was built with some kind of potential VR support in mind, too - I'll wait for time to tell). Switch promises to be a godsend for people who can't spend enough time at home before the TV screen and don't have the desire or possibility to be hooked to wifi wherever they have time to play instead. And if even the weaker-than-PS3 Vita can handle its share of simultaneous PS4 crossplatforms in 2017 at the expence of some textures, lighting and grass, Switch is unlikely to offer less in terms of "home console gaming on the go". And that's the console market pie slice it's aiming for.

We should all hope that the Switch performs well, cause the industry needs it. Software sales are dwindling and without Nintendo we won't get anyway near the number of consoles sold that we saw last gen. But most important of all: the Nintendo gamer of today, is the PS, Xbox and/ or PC gamer of tomorrow.

@Constable_What All are valid points. However, I decided to buy my Pro when I bought ARK at day 1 and saw that it ran at 720p on my PS4. And that only the Pro would run the game on 1080p.

That's when it hit me in the next couple of years, more and more devs are going to take advantage of the Pro's hardware by downscaling resolution in the vanilla PS4. Instead of building the game for the PS4 from the ground up, they'll most likely develop for the Pro first, and downgrade the game for PS4 vanilla.

With that logic in mind, I decided to buy a Pro.

If Microsoft follows suit, like-minded people like myself will find themselves in need of a Scorpio. The mere thought that your console isn't playing this game as best as it could (because there is an updated version available) is enough to either A) turn you to PC gaming (as you've correctly stated) or B) 'force' you to buy the updated console (Pro/Scorpio).

Scorpio probably isn't out for 9 or 12 months plus. Ps4 will be 150, pro will be 275, scropio will be 400. Good luck.

@Boerewors I hope nintendo does virtual console right, I want to play all nintendo games on one console. One of the reason I like psvita althought it rarely receive big 1st party game is I can use it as portable ps1, playing castlevania sotn, twisted metal, soul reaver, etc. And that gorgeous oled screen

Man why nintendo doesn't know how to make great screen, 3ds and wii u tablet screen is bad, it will be really cool if the switch has screen as good as original vita.

@Bad-MuthaAdebisi I think on fall 2017 we will have $200 ps4, $300-$350 ps4 pro, and $400-$500 scorpio.

Sony's been king for awhile and Nintendo and MS are basically starting at square one for their new platforms, (particularly in Nintendo's case) so I don't think Sony has much to worry about in that regard. Will there be a slowing in growth? Maybe. But as long as they keep putting out quality games and have all the major 3rd parties in their back pocket, they'll be fine.

If anything, they could make the Pro more attractive, maybe start bundling a game or a price drop near Scorpio's launch? Then again, what will Scorpio's MSRP be?, Surely that will be a factor. Nintendo seems to be going after an entirely different market, and it's releasing at a weird time, so that one is a little harder to call.

@wiiware
I see the Switch as the Vita 2 we're never gonna get with all of the wonderful Nintendo games thrown in as a bonus. The 3ds has some excellent games, but playing them is such a painful experience; the Vita is a superior console in every way, except for the library. It certainly looks like the Switch will be easy to use, it'll have triggers and if Nintendo gives us a decent amount of retro games like you said, I think every gamer should be getting one.

It won't be just Mario and Zelda, but we'll finally get a Monster Hunter on a handheld that doesn't give you RSI, we'll get bigger and better Pokémon games and we'll see all kinds of quirky RPGs. The Switch might send my Vita in an early semi- retirement.

@Constable_What Yup, forgot about the fans. Yes, I was also really annoyed (and worried) by the fact that 80% of my PS4 library were giving me the impression they were driving the console to its limits and were halfway on the road to blow the machine up.

You can definitely sympathize with my satisfaction when I experienced how ultra-quiet the Pro is (which is another solid point for buying a super-mode console; the games just don't stress the machine, ergo, increase its longevity).

@Constable_What It's Silent Hills Quiet.

@Boerewors I wish nintendo make psvita, the exact same machine but with microsd as storage and remove the backtouch pad, can you imagine playing super mario 3d world on that vibrant oled screen.

Agree on 3ds, there are many great games for it but playing it is painfull, from the horrible screen and bad d-pad, I hate every minute I play games on it. On the other hand, psvita d-pad is my choice for playing spelunky till the end, I think it's even better than ps4 d-pad.

@wiiware
The Vita is such a wonderful device, especially for indies and classics! If you play the likes of Spelunky, Guacamelee, Super Meat Boy, Dead Nation, Resogun or Rogue Legacy on the PS4, it feels as if you're not using the hardware right, whereas with my Vita I get all caught up playing them and really appreciate what the devs were going for.

Just this weekend I bought a new Vita and Wii U, because I'm really afraid I won't be able to find one easily if something happens to my current ones. Every time I think I pretty much own every Vita game I want, I end up buying another one that's on sale to my surprise. It's a RPG powerhouse and hosts some pretty quirky games as well. Games like Danganronpa, Ys, Suikoden 2, Persona 4 Golden, Trails of Cold Steel, Dragon's Crown, Muramasa Rebirth, Odin Sphere or the beautiful Oreshika belong on the Vita and I can't imagine I'll ever get bored of them.

I like my PS4, I LOVE my Vita.

What I always appreciate about this site is there are very few rabid fanboys posting, and this thread is a great example, because most everyone gets it.

MS and Nintendo are going to be niche threats at best, and Nintendo at least isn't even trying to compete on the home console market, they are just trying to solidify another 5-10 years of handheld dominance. I really enjoy my PS4, and I'll pick up the Switch, and the only thing I'll be lacking is time to play all the great games the 2 systems have.

I think Nintendo isn't competing with Sony, different market. Microsoft on the other hand. I don't see them seriously taking on Sony this generation but it would be smart for Sony to stay on their toes and not get complacent. The occasional ps+ game that's a big retail release would help keep more customers satisfied and on side.

all great things but here's another one

ADD EXTERNAL HDD SUPPORT, they are the ONLY one of the 3 systems that DOESN'T support it and before someone say about changing your HDD, not everyone wants to or feels like they can safely and even 2TB is gonna run out pretty quick with games getting bigger and bigger with huge patches and DLC

@Constable_What "I don't understand what MS is thinking with the Scorpio. If I understand correctly it is poised to be an ultra high end console comparable(?) to a mid/high end PC. The big factor is going to be cost, and people that care about the best looking games, best running games, are going to be or already have a gaming PC"

not to mention the fact that most if not ALL XBOX "exclusives" are also coming out on PC so what is the point in owning an xbox at all right now

Nintendo Switch will be the competition in-terms of exclusives @get2sammyb
In-terms of being competitive on a hardware standpoint I don't think Scorpio will stand much of a chance due to its likely obscene cost.

@get2sammyb Also Persona 5 isn't PS4 exclusive! PS3 is getting the game as well despite what the image in your article suggests.

PSVR needs to die. If Sony sticks with PSVR, they're handing the game to Nintendo and to a lesser extent MS.

@LieutenantFatman I wouldn't be putting as much money and time into PlayStation games if Nintendo had produced a Wii 2 this gen. That's competition. They're competing for gamers' money and time.

Time to SWITCH it up.

Lots of PS VR in stock in shops in Belgium now (not in 2016).
I bought one and it's really amazing. Can't recommend it enough.
My investment in 2 PS Moves and a PS camera finally pays off.

I would buy Scorpio if it runs Microsoft Office and some Windows apps. I know it sounds crazy but it'd be a pretty cool feature to make it a compelling alternative to a PC.

Does sony really have anything to worry about? It's the games that people flock too and apparently, most are flocking to the PS4, not XBONE. As for nintendo, the ones that end up buying the Switch are the ones who want a secondary console (nintendo doesn't have the best relations with 3rd parties)...so I don't think sony has anything to worry about with nintendo (and I'll be one picking up the Switch, but that doesn't mean I'll stop playing the PS4). All sony needs is to keep the games coming (exclusive sony-made games), and stop the drought in them. Hot Shots Golf, Horizon and their many other licenses should be coming out this year, not waiting until 2018...they've had plenty of time by now, the system will be out for a while, let's get the games out that people were expecting! Other than that, there's too much love for the PS4, and I don't see it slowing down too much...maybe a tad when Scorpio comes out and the Switch comes out, but the system is too powerful right now!

I have a feeling MS have been feeding us a lie with Scorpio and it will not be an upgraded X1 but their new generation console, telling us otherwise in the mean time as to not harm X1 sales.

I just can't see how such a more powerful machine can be an extension of their current hardware and they totally hated being the "weaker" console v's PS4 with X1...

Would it not benefit us for Sony to have increased competition? Maybe we finally get external hdd, PSN name changes, ect.

The Switch seems to be a continuation of the slot the Wii and U occupies, and not in direct competion to Sony and MS.

The Scorpio could be considered next gen with new features and much higher specs than the xbone. The Scorpio could be the most pc like console ever which would make it more attractive than the PS4 in many ways. Backwards play of xbone and 360 games, external hdd, more mods, more pc like game settings like fov,disable blur, ect, and some pc games that are never ported to consoles.

Soon speculations and rumours will be replaced with the official release of specs, features, and costs.

@get2sammyb Hey Sammy, just wondering, could you clarify what you mean by the lack of games on the Switch post-launch and why that seems a given? We're having a little discussion on the NLife forums, and someone mentioned your name, thought it'd be better to ask you what you meant by that instead of trying to guess what you meant by that.

@Octane From what I saw, I think he meant that the Switch may not get as many exclusives as the PS4, which is a valid statement