Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently took a subtle jab at Sony's pricing strategy for the PlayStation 5 Pro, arguing that expensive consoles hinder market growth.
During an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer discussed the importance of accessibility in expanding the gaming market:
I feel pretty good about where this industry is going. To reach new players, we need to be creative and adaptive of new business models, new devices, new ways of access. We’re not going to grow the market with $1,000 consoles.
While the base PS5 Pro is priced at $699, adding the optional vertical stand and disc drive pushes the total cost beyond $800. This is double the launch price of the PS4 Pro.
Microsoft has not announced any mid-generation refresh for the Xbox Series S|X. While they released the Xbox One X after the PS4 Pro, current market conditions and rising manufacturing costs likely make a similarly priced Xbox refresh less appealing.
Microsoft's current strategy seems focused on a multiplatform approach, prioritizing cloud gaming and expanding to other consoles, rather than solely relying on hardware sales.
