By the end of the year, Sony and Microsoft will release their new next-gen consoles. Between the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, the data sheets and the performances seem fairly close, but some already predict the dominance of the PS5.
The two next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft are not yet out, but hostilities already seem to have started between the two giants. Sony is very confident and assures that its machine will be the fastest in the world. The Japanese manufacturer also implies that the PS5 will be sold at an “acceptable” price. On the competition side, the speech is again very similar. Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox, promises not to repeat the mistakes of the past and to offer the Xbox Series at a more affordable price.
Will this new strategy allow the Redmond company to finally make a difference and dethrone its historic competitor? Nothing sure. According to analyst Piers Harding-Rolls at IHS Markit Technology, Sony is not about to lose its leadership position. He predicts that the two manufacturers will both experience a better launch with their next-gen consoles than with the PS4 and Xbox One, but remains convinced that the PS5 will outperform the Xbox Series X.
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PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Loyalty and backward compatibility will give Sony preference
This domination will be explained by two major factors, explains Harding-Rolls. The first is the loyalty of PlayStation players to their favorite console and its exclusives. The second is backward compatibility. The PS5 will indeed be backward compatible with PS4 games, or even more. Recent theories, taken up by YouTuber HipHopGamer, indicate that backward compatibility would go as far as PS1, but this information remains to be verified.
Microsoft has also confirmed the backward compatibility of the Xbox Series with the Xbox One. So the two manufacturers will fight on equal terms on point. Therefore, the analyst believes that there will be little “brand change” among consumers, which will allow Sony to maintain its advantage.
Harding-Rolls adds that the popular Nintendo Switch could also explode the market this year. Until we can take stock of 2020, we will soon discover all the details of the PS5. Which should be unveiled in February. Unless Sony offers us a surprise presentation at CES next Monday.