Microsoft’s head of gaming has addressed the subject of whether The Elder Scrolls 6 will be an Xbox exclusive.
Xbox boss says current-gen console prices ‘won’t come down’ like they used to
24.08.2023 - 10:37 / videogameschronicle.com / Phil Spencer
Micorosft’s head of gaming has said the price of current-gen consoles won’t come down over time in the same way as during past generations.
While previously it could be relatively cheap to buy console hardware at later stages of its lifespan because reduced manufacturing costs might be passed on to consumers, Xbox boss Phil Spencer told Eurogamer that’s no longer the case.
“The prices aren’t coming down,” he said. “We see it now, and that’s why we did Xbox Series S. I know there’s a bunch of questions like, ‘what is it doing?’ We wanted to make sure we had a sub-$300 console because we want to grow, and we think an entry level price point for many new families or players coming into the market is going to be important.”
Spencer added: “For us, thinking about where our hardware is going and reaching more customers, price point is important. But you’re not going to be able to start with a console that’s $500 thinking it’s gonna get to 200 bucks. That won’t happen. Because the core components that you use – you’re used to Moore’s Law shooting up and to the right – but your components… you can’t buy them anymore as a hardware maker because nobody’s making that kind of RAM or other components.
“It’s not the way it used to be where you could take a spec and then ride it out over 10 years and ride the price points down. It’s why you see console pricing relatively flat.”
In fact, the price of current-gen consoles has increased since they launched in November 2020. Sony raised PS5 prices by up to 12.5% in numerous countries last August, blaming “high global inflation rates, as well as adverse currency trends”.
Microsoft followed suit a year later, raising Xbox Series X prices this month in most countries to be in line with those of PS5. It said the adjustments were made “to reflect the competitive conditions in each market”.
Over the last two months, however, Sony has introduced temporary PS5 price cuts, fuelling speculation it’s attempting to clear stock ahead of unconfirmed plans to launch a new PS5 model with a detachable disc drive.
In legal documents published in July, Microsoft said it expects Sony to launch a PS5 Slim console this year.
The new PS5 model will cost the same as the existing PS5 Digital Edition console, which is $100 less than the standard PS5, it suggested. The Xbox maker also said it believes Sony is preparing to launch a separate PS5 Pro console.
In June, Spencer said a potential mid-cycle upgrade for Xbox Series X wasn’t a priority for Microsoft, and he reiterated this in interviews this week.
“As soon as you start doing mid-gen refreshes, you’ve got a bunch of issues in front of developers, on what platform they target,” he told Eurogamer.
Spencer added: “If we get into a console world where,
The website gametalkz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Authors
Popular Topics
videogameschronicle.com
07.09.2023 / 10:27
Xbox says Starfield topped 1 million concurrent players on launch day
Starfield topped one million concurrent players on its official launch day, according to Microsoft’s head of gaming.
ign.com
07.09.2023 / 00:41
Do You Want a Mid-Gen Xbox Series X Upgrade? – Unlocked 611
After a quick update on how our Starfield adventures are going, we discuss Phil Spencer and the Xbox leadership team’s big decision to bend the Series X/S parity rules to get Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, Destin’s big interview with Phil Spencer — including whether or not Microsoft will produce a mid-gen refresh for the Series X — the sad closure of Volition, and more!
thegamer.com
06.09.2023 / 13:21
Todd Howard Says Starfield Xbox Exclusivity Made For "A Better Product"
Bethesda was acquired by Microsoft in 2021, which resulted in both Redfall and Starfield's Xbox exclusivity. Many have taken this to mean that The Elder Scrolls 6 and, when it eventually launches, Fallout 5 will also be Xbox exclusive, to much disappointment and even backlash. However, Todd Howard argues that this is good for the company and its games.
wccftech.com
05.09.2023 / 08:33
This Starfield PC Mod is a Must-Have for Phil Spencer Fans Who Like to Light Things Up
Starfield and Phil Spencer fans unite! A modder released a new Starfield PC mod that spices up the standard flashlight.
gameranx.com
04.09.2023 / 15:23
Phil Spencer Likes Super Mario Bros Wonder?
If the last six months or so of gaming have taught us anything, it’s that the “rivalry” between the three main gaming publishers is still going strong. That might be sad to say or hear, but it’s the truth. Sony sued Microsoft for anti-trust reasons basically, and during those proceedings, neither of them wanted to admit that Nintendo was a “true rival” for them due to the Switch’s price point, of all things. These three have been going at it for a long time, yet Phil Spencer found time to go and play Super Mario Bros Wonder at the recent Nintendo Live event.
wccftech.com
01.09.2023 / 12:37
Starfield Didn’t Receive Extra Pressure from Redfall, Says Xbox
Starfield is out and by all accounts, it is receiving a warm reception. It is currently sitting at 88 average score on Metacritic and OpenCritic, both of which include our review (scored 9/10). Here's what Francesco had to say in his final words:
gamespot.com
31.08.2023 / 15:27
Here's When Baldur's Gate 3 Could Come To Xbox
Fans might not have to wait much longer.
gameranx.com
28.08.2023 / 18:35
New Xbox Game Studios Graphic Highlights Upcoming Roadmap
There’s no shortage of upcoming video games to get excited for when it comes to the Xbox platform. We know that there is a push to see this platform receive more first-party video game titles. While the studios are still pushing through some incredible game projects, most of us might be eyeing the launch of next month’s Starfield. Bethesda is gearing up for their next big RPG to finally be in the hands of players worldwide. But there’s even more to look forward to playing after this game launches into the marketplace.
wccftech.com
28.08.2023 / 12:39
Baldur’s Gate 3 Split-Screen on Xbox Series S Might Still Happen, Says Microsoft
Last week, Xbox gamers found out they would get Baldur's Gate 3 this year after all. Previous news had pointed to the game being delayed to next year as developer Larian Studios tried to find a way to make the split-screen local co-op functionality work correctly on the Xbox Series S. That's the reason the game isn't launching on Xbox consoles alongside the PlayStation 5 launch (scheduled for September 6th).
pushsquare.com
28.08.2023 / 00:27
Baldur's Gate 3's Accidental PS5 Console Exclusivity Truncated as Xbox Backtracks | Push Square
Baldur’s Gate 3 will launch as a PS5 console exclusive early next month – but in a rare occurrence, there’s been no behind-the-scenes shenanigans from Sony to make that the case. The reason the game is coming to Sony’s system before the Xbox Series X|S has always been due to development issues with Microsoft’s machine, specifically it’s cheaper, lower-powered new-gen option.
destructoid.com
26.08.2023 / 15:15
Xbox’s Phil Spencer says Series S changes to Baldur’s Gate 3 aren’t about parity
The Xbox Series S is in the headlines again after Larian announced it would be shipping Baldur’s Gate 3 without split-screen co-op on the Xbox Series S.