E3 2017 is right around the corner; Nintendo is showing off all things Switch, Sony is bolstering their library of Playstation 4 games, and Microsoft…is showing off a beefed up Xbox One and treating it as their saving grace? That’s sure what it seems like to me.
Okay, so before I get into my thoughts, predictions, and strategy on Microsoft’s E3 and immediate future, here’s the breakdown. Last year, the company announced Project Scorpio, a new, updated version of their Xbox One console that boosts six teraflops and will run games natively at 4k. It’s set to be the most powerful console by far, and Microsoft is finally showing the piece of tech off at this year’s E3.
Internet chatter tells me that fans think this is Microsoft’s chance to get an edge over Sony and Nintendo in the console “war”, but they couldn’t be more wrong.
The last Xbox One sales data I could find stated the console sold 26 million units by January of this year. Assuming the system stayed on pace with that, let’s say it’s sold 30 million consoles thus far. Why would a high-in-price, beefed up version of the One boost sales by much? Scalebound is no more, the Fable series is dead, and Microsoft is seemingly scrambling for any 1st party titles they can get. The company already confirmed no Halo 6 at E3 2017, so that can’t be relied upon for a spike; Cuphead looks awesome, but it’s not exactly the game you’d want to see highlighted on a 4K console.
My point in writing this comes down to the fact that I want Microsoft to succeed. I enjoyed my Xbox 360, but sold my Xbox One two years after purchasing it. On the contrary, I picked up a Playstation 4 a few months ago. If the company wants to do well in the current gaming market, graphics can’t be the only appeal. As we’ve seen with Nintendo and the rising indie scene, graphics are not the priority for the majority of gamers.
Banking solely upon the Scorpio’s capability to run 3rd party titles like COD WW2, Destiny, and Star Wars Battlefront 2 in 4K will result in a sputter of sales that Xbox fanboys will have to accept. Throw in the fact that the console won’t be cheap, as stated by Phil Spencer, and I think you’ve set yourself up for mediocre sales at best.
With all this said, however, I go back to my original point: impress me, Microsoft. Although I have a preconceived opinion on their newest hardware, I’m keeping an open mind and am excited to see what they show not only at E3 2017, but in the months leading up Scorpio’s launch.
Are you excited for Project Scorpio? Do you think it will be a success? Sound off in the comments below.
