So there we have it, Xbox's rumoured Project Scorpio is real – or it exists as a concept at least. Ever since the rumours regarding an upgraded Xbox One leaked, we've been discussing among ourselves how Microsoft would present it, and we wanted to wait and see before putting pen to paper. Our assumption, however, was that Microsoft would gamble and try to make Sony's upgraded model sound inferior before it's even properly been revealed. Mission accomplished?
Yes and no: there are a few points of discussion we'd like to touch upon if you'll indulge us for a few paragraphs. For starters, we distinctly got the impression that Project Scorpio is a concept right now and little more; Microsoft discussed specifications, but it also made wishy-washy statements about things like virtual reality – almost as if it hasn't determined how it's going to realise them yet. We're sure that it has a roadmap in mind, but it's clearly not ready to share that yet.
Which doesn't make it all that surprising that the system is an incredible 18 months away. The Redmond firm made it sound like it's announcing it now so that developers can talk freely about it, and we're sure that there's some truth to that – but we think that there's also an element of the manufacturer playing PlayStation at its own game. Sony, of course, famously crushed the Dreamcast by simply uttering the PlayStation 2's name; Microsoft may be hoping that the mere existence of Scorpio pulls people away from the PS4K.
But with Sony's upgrade rumoured to release this year, this could end up being a battle of the intangible against the tangible. Microsoft's talking about virtual reality, Sony has PlayStation VR ready to go in a matter of months; Microsoft's sharing new hardware specifications with developers, but Sony's got development kits in the hands of studios now. It's almost like the PlayStation maker's ahead of the curve, and its competitor's just trying to catch up.
And the first-mover advantage is always important with things like this. Project Scorpio may well end up the most powerful machine ever created, but if it doesn't have a commanding install base, how many developers are really going to leverage that? And if PS4K is a year ahead of schedule, who's to say Sony's box won't be better established and cheaper when Holiday 2017 eventually rolls around?
With the generation developing as it is, Microsoft's done the right thing by turning its attention to the future. But there's no guarantee that the gamble will pay off when Sony seems to be setting the pace.
Do you think that the announcement of Project Scorpio will detract from the eventual announcement of the PS4K? What do you make of the industry's shift to iterative hardware models? And do you think that Sony should stick with its current roadmap, or go back to the drawing board? Pull off a pincer move in the comments section below.
Comments 21
Good article !
@Joburn90 Thanks for reading, man.
There are a lot of people who claim that the reason Sony backed out on the PS4K on E3 was to tweak the console and bring it closer to Scorpio's specs. If Sony release Neo next year around Christmas, manufacturing it will also be cheaper compared to a few months from now.
But what's the point of all that horsepower if all the games will run on a regular X1/PS4? All that Neo power will go to waste unless you play on 4K or all future PS4 games will run at 60fps on the Neo version.
Didn't thay say they were not talk about the PS4K? So they upgrade Xbox One how will old Xbox not hold back the new one. I do not think people will buy a new expensive console for 1080p and 60 fps. But only the future will show us that us. But will the game run at 4K at 60 FPS or what?
to be honest i dont think sony will be able to match microsoft but that doesn't matter , sony have an awsome lineup of games , going on the rumored specs of the ps4k, its only slightly high spec than the current ps4 unless sony cancel it coming out this year and delay it to match when microsoft are bringing the scorpio out , then that could possibly hamper the ps4 vr stuff
So... People will now wait for Scorpio instead of buying an Xbox One?
I'm surprised Sony confirmed Neo as well.
Well, I know which one I'm more interested in, and even as somebody who heavily prefers PlayStation, it's not the 'PS4 Neo.' This to me actually sounds like it'll end up being the next Xbox, with MS cutting the Xbox One short at 4 years (which would follow the template of the original Xbox) to get a year, possibly two-year, headstart on Sony for whenever it decides to move onto the next PlayStation. If it is just an upgraded Xbox One, there is trouble with giving Sony anywhere from 8 months to a year ahead, as PS1, 2 and the Wii showed, you don't necessarily have to have the best hardware if you can find the right hook (Wii remote) or deliver easily the deepest, most varied library (PSone and 2). The PS4 isn't exactly Dreamcast in that the PS brand is strong and given the Xbox One S's existence I don't think MS is arrogant enough to think just saying 'Scorpio is one the way and it'll be the most powerful system ever' is enough to slow PS4's momentum. What I'm seeing from MS that I like is that it's being proactive in trying to catch up. The Xbox One S will still not match the original PS4 in terms of performance but for $50 fewer you can get slightly less, but still good enough, performance plus a much bigger internal harddrive and 4K video. I think Sony has some work to do tonight.
@get2sammyb How did you write that entire article without once mentioning Xbox One S w/ it's 4k streaming and HDR? Sure, Scorpio is still 18 months away, but the S model w/ it's bigger optional HDDs and 4k streaming is only 2 months away, I think it's more of a 1-2 punch on MS part, S now, Scorpio later.
And then customizable controllers are kinda cool.
I don't think it's going to help Microsoft's case. Just my opinion, though. Sony's way ahead of the curve in sales.
@get2sammyb Just noticed in my active offers on the GameStop app, they are offering an extra $100 when you trade a PS4 in on an "New PS4". Wonder if that's the new console. It would have to be coming soon if they are offering trade ins towards it.
I can't stop thinking this will be a really hard sell for MS. I mean, the ps4 has about 50% more raw gpu power than the xbone, but that rocked as hard as it did because they released at the same time. Now, if the ps4 had released a whole year later, things would have been quite different!
Yeah, kinda clutching at straws but they have to try.
Its been rumoured that MS will partner up with Oculus Rift so this console certainly has the power and potential to run VR. A number of developers have already stated that they are making a VR gme tat will release on Xbox consoles so its nor exactly a 'wishy-washy' statement. A few weeks ago, these 'specs' were leaked but I must admit I was sceptical until they were actually mentioned by MS themselves - in a similar way to how I am still slightly sceptical about Neo's specs even though Sony have only just confirmed its existance.
I know its not releasing for 18 months, but IF Sony announced a new 4x the power console that would play VR games that the PS4 certainly won't - some of the fears people have about the Neo and released it this year, people would rightly be upset. The fact the Neo is going to sit alongside and play the same software etc, means it could release this year. MS are essentially saying we are giving the XB1 one more year before replacing it as the lead console. The Scorpio will be able to play XB1 and XB360 BC software but its the 'next' generation of Xbox for the future.
I think if they hoping to pull people away from the Neo or PSVR with any real intent, they would have released it this year (or at least within a month or two). At best they are hoping to take the sting out of Sonys Presser. They probably wanted to mention it so that they are not accused of a knee-jerk reaction if/when Sony announce there Neo. The indications were there months ago that MS was planning on this and I have no doubt they 'could' release this Holiday, certainly by Q1 but that could impact on their 'loyal' fanbase who bought an XB1 certainly recently. It gives them time to come to terms with the fact their console is underpowered.
If Sony were 'almost' replacing the PS4 - games would run n Both but some games certainly won't and releasing 3yrs after that launch, you and the 40m others would be very annoyed - 4yrs isn't quite so bad is it... People expect 5 so its only a year early...
I really don't think Sony or fans of it should feel threatened by MS's Scorpio. I don't know many that would wait a year when the Neo and PSVR are available and giving at least 1080p on all the games that are likely to run better on the vanilla PS4 than anything MS has available. I know that I will buy the Neo this year (if available) the multi-platform games on PS4 and next year get Scorpio. I would rather play TF2, BF1, ME:A etc at 1080p+than 720 (on XB) or 900p (on PS4)....
I love that while the author has to be professional, and can never admit to it, this article was basically a big "at least you tried" bye bye wave to Microsoft! haha I do hope that the new xbox in a few ways matches or even betters the ps4/neo, just so Sony doesn't rest on its' laurels, continues pushing forward etc. I'm really holding out hope for a ps5 in two or three years where Uncharted 4 style graphics and gameplay are seen as a bare minimum!
It's all a fallacy for Microsoft, if they want to make a super machine just so they can say "most powerful hardware" they'll be in for a shock when they discover that people with such money to buy said machine just get a PC anyway, especially when most meaningful xbox games are on PC too.
They need games first. A console needs many audiences. Not just one.
Well I barely play my xbox one so by the time I upgrade my telly I will be wanting to get the ps4k but I can't imagine wanting to buy the xbox scorpio just to play my small library of exclusive games. Who knows though maybe by the time it's released I will have a change of heart but for now my attention is still on playstation just as it was leaving last gen and entering this gen
@rjejr @GraveLordXD
Personally, I've found the PS4 controller to be the worst of the lot. Not to say I don't like its design- I love it's design. It's just cheap as heck.
My analog rubber already tore and ripped less than 2 years after purchase. (edit and the sticker on the back just peeled off over time leaving a sticky rectangle of adhesive) I've been playing my Wii U longer, and the gamepad is just built like a brick. There's no destroying that thing lol. And the X1 controller, that is by far my favorite. No issues with X1 controller whatsoever.
But I do take issue with the design of the X1 controller. I don't like how awkward it is to hit the LB/RB bumper triggers.
@JaxonH Ha ha! I Love my Wii U gamepad! It's AWESOME! ( hey! what am I doing on Push Square? Hello guys! )
@Neolit "Both xb1 and ps4 had the option to do 4k video since day1."
Well, then why haven't they applied that option yet?
http://www.inquisitr.com/2666427/ps4-and-xbox-one-netflix-4k-streaming-movie-videos-require-a-xbone-or-playstation-4-update-in-2016/
If you really want to know what Scorpio is about you'd better read this:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-06-15-xbox-boss-phil-spencer-the-big-interview
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