Holiday 2020 is nearing and potential next-gen console buyers are increasingly curious about how much the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X will cost. Neither Sony nor Microsoft has confirmed when it will reveal the pricing for its respective console, though there are hints that pre-orders could open soon. But one reliable insider may have some surprising information for curious fans, ahead of any official announcement. They say that Xbox is planning to undercut Sony's PS5 pricing.
The information comes from insider Dusk Golem, who is well known for their leaks regarding the Resident Evil franchise and a currently unconfirmed Sony Silent Hill game. In a thread on ResetEra asking how Microsoft can realistically compete with Sony next-gen, Dusk Golem chimes in with "some murmurings" that they've heard. The most interesting detail that they've heard is that "Microsoft are [sic] ready to lowball Sony when it comes to price."
Dusk Golem doesn't cite any sources for the information and doesn't have any more specific information about pricing. They're known to have access to developers in the industry, particularly at Capcom, but those sources likely aren't the same as those providing information about Xbox Series X pricing. Without further evidence, however, the rumor should be taken with a high level of skepticism.
Later in the ResetEra thread, Dusk Golem even adds this message themself. They acknowledge that pricing for the PS5 and the Xbox Series X remains in flux and things can change. Though they still insist that Xbox will undercut the PS5's price with the Xbox Series X.
While Dusk Golem doesn't provide any further specifics regarding pricing, they do offer some insight into Xbox's strategy with regards to undercutting Sony. They say that Xbox's priority is getting users in the Xbox environment. They also say that Xbox "can more easily make a sacrifice and get back profits from Game Pass than console sales." Sony, on the other hand, doesn't have a similar opportunity.
When asked how Lockhart, Xbox's rumored less powerful next-generation console, fits into this idea, Dusk Golem explains that Microsoft is trying to compete in diverse ways. That's also partly due to Xbox only acquiring and pushing a number of new game releases since 2018. It's going to take some time before that first-party lineup is fully delivering in a way that can be competitive with Sony. As such, Lockhart can provide a way to help ease into the next generation of consoles.
Hopefully, both Sony and Microsoft can put all rumors to bed soon. Both companies are expected to share more information in August, but whether that includes PS5 and Xbox Series X pricing remains to be seen.
The Xbox Series X releases holiday 2020.
Source: ResetEra