PS4 PlayStation 4 Pro Sony 1

Sony released the PlayStation 4 Pro last year, and it's a good iterative console. Designed to take existing PS4 games and push them to the next level, the system has generally achieved its aims by bumping resolutions, effects, and other features depending on the developer's decision. The manufacturer's goal was never to change the base experience, just elevate it to the next level for people who demand more or already own a 4K television screen.

But the company's approach to the console has been odd, albeit understandable. Cast your mind back to September's coming out party: a traditionally turgid press conference where the firm learned that it's perhaps impossible to demonstrate the advantage of iterative hardware via a low-resolution stream. The presentation was muted and without fanfare: it turned many people off the platform before they'd even had a chance to see it in action.

It's hard to shake the impression sometimes that Sony's scared to talk-up the advantages of its supercharged system: it doesn't want to upset or irritate owners of the base model. The company's made very clear that the PS4 Pro is an iterative step-forward – an optional purchase that's desirable but ultimately unnecessary. And in doing so it's almost undersold the appliance at times – it's given the impression among consumers and the media that it's not a big deal.

Which is fine, but with Project Scorpio its competitor is going the other direction. Despite constant reiteration from Microsoft that there'll be no exclusive content on its own mid-generation play, there's been plenty of confusion from consumers and press members alike that it's a new generation; the specifications are certainly a year more advanced than those in the PS4 Pro, but it's not enough to reset the gaming clock – and nor do the people at Redmond want it to.

PS4 PlayStation 4 Pro Horizon Zero Dawn Sony 1

The difference, then, is in approach: Phil Spencer and his team – perhaps with their backs against the wall – have painted the new console in a different light to how Sony did with the PS4 Pro; where the latter almost embarrassingly launched its own device, the former is eager to make the largest splash imaginable. You could argue that, with sales trends the way they are, Microsoft has nothing to lose – but it begs the question: when is Sony going to take its own console seriously?

Consider the upcoming E3 2017, where the battle lines between mid-generation boxes will certainly be painted. Sony, for the most part, has continued to show games running on base hardware; Horizon: Zero Dawn's trailers were generally restricted to the core console experience, and even pre-release there was a big embargo restricting the media on how much PS4 Pro footage could be shown. Does that mean that June's convention will follow a similar format?

Here's a question to consider: the Japanese giant will show God of War during its press conference – but which version will it plump up for? Common sense suggests it'll demo the best version, but that's not how it's handled the PS4 Pro thus far. The question becomes more interesting when you consider that there's absolutely no doubt – whether it's the inevitable Forza 7, Crackdown 3, or any other game – that Microsoft will always show the Project Scorpio version moving forwards.

So what does Sony do? Does it continue to stick with its current strategy where it's almost embarrassed to show the PS4 Pro in fear of frightening those still playing on the base unit, or does it go toe-to-toe with its rivals in Redmond and always put its best foot forward? It's an interesting dilemma, but one that needs to be resolved. In our opinion, with stern competition on the way, it needs to stop purposely underselling the PS4 Pro's potential – and start talking it up a bit.

But is it too late to change a perception that it's already mistakenly established?

Do you think that Sony needs to start taking the PS4 Pro a bit more seriously now that there's competition around the corner? Do these mid-generation boxes appeal to such a small subset of hardcore gamers that it's not a big deal? Which console will the company use to demo its E3 2017 titles? Come to a resolution in the comments section below.

Which console will Sony demo its E3 2017 games on? (157 votes)

  1. It's definitely going to be the PS4 Pro36%
  2. I actually think it'll stick with the base PS411%
  3. It may use a mixture of both machines36%
  4. Do you think I'm psychic or something?17%

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