Opinion: Can the Xbox Strike Back With Scorpio?

Sony has stumbled for the first time in four years. Here's how, in IGN Unlocked host Ryan McCaffrey's opinion, Microsoft can capitalize.

[Overload]

No, being more expensive isn't the answer to the problems of a system that can't sell itself without giving something away (like games and gift cards) or being on sale.

Let's get real here.

Scorpio is just next on the list of the moments that were going to turn everything around for Xbox and never did.

[Eonjay]

I could have sworn that he wrote an article like this two years ago. The problem with this article is that it doesn't address why Sony is number one. And what is the framework for striking back? He is asserting that its impossible to overtake PS4 but in the next breath says they could match them. Match them? So the problem with this is purely logistical. So, if Sony is planning to sell 20 million units this year and is already 20 million ahead... to match them, Microsoft only needs to sell 40 million units this year. Lol. so, obviously, he isn't serious. Even if Sony only sold 10 million this year, that would make 30 million ahead and that is far beyond the upper limits of production capabilities.

So, from my opinion, he is not serious so people shouldn't take this seriously.

[NewMonday]

by the time the Scorpio is out the gap could be 30-40 million

and the "stumbled" claim is nothing but the usual wishful thinking from fanboys in the bubble that gives the rest of us amusement.

it was getting boring when resignation began to sink in for the X crowd, but now we can have fun again XD

[fr0sty]

Scorpio is like a girl that goes out and buys the best clothes, spends hours getting her hair and makeup just right, and by the time she makes it to the party there's only a few people left cleaning up the mess and one guy out vomiting in the yard.

[freshslicepizza]

Why are those who are the least supportive the ones who seem to be the first to comment the most?

Scorpio can strike back for Microsoft who have been trying to build momentum a couple of years now. But they are not going to strike back on the PS4. Sony has done too good of a job this generation for the Xbox family to strike back.

[nix]

i've always said this... in times of doom if you need to speak to an optimistic person to cheer you up - look for xbox fanboys.

[bouzebbal]

they can release a console with 1000Tflops, if it's only to play halo and gears then there is no point really.
xbox problem is, on top of their inconsistency and their amateur PR, the variety of their first party games. No matter how good they are, people still prefer something new and fresh once in a while.

[UltraNova]

This is exactly why I firmly beleive that MS will go out of its way to convey the message that the Scorpio is the next gen. There is no conseivable scenario where MS ties or even surpasses the ps4 in sales, none. Its done.

Unfortunately, how do you cut ties from the xbox one without abandoning it ?

Tough times ahead for xbox owners who have a limited income.

[Haru]

This guy Ryan McCaffrey is the biggest xbox fanboy i've ever seen, he keeps kissing phil's ass in every interview and keeps praising xbox and downplay playstation with every chance he gets

[S2Killinit]

I think by the time Scorpio arrives people have already been used to Pro's graphics, which takes away the wow factor for scorpio. Its simply not that much more powerful than Pro.

On the other hand, im currious how MS is going to tell the xbox one and One S owners that Scorpio is a new generation and will have its own exclusives without pissing people off.

[Unspoken]

Ok, just like people who are already used to the Xbox Ones graphics see the PS4 graphics and are like, meh, it's not worth it to get it because it isn't that impressive.

Heh, if you pay attention your second question is already being answered now on PC, Play Anywhere, with 4K gaming on Windows desktop and a scaled down version for Xbox One. Then they will have 2 consoles, and a wide variety of settings on all ranges of PC. See, no need for the POS4

[miyamoto]

No.
Reason why?
Genuine Consumer Trust in Japan, Asia, Middle East, Australia, Europe, US,UK, exclusive games and new IPs.

Edit:
PlayStation brand's foundation is pretty much well balanced on eastern and western lands while the Xbox brand has always been standing on one foot.

[XbKiGaandMaar]

Yep, none of te regions you listed gives a toss about xbox. They simply don't care just like me. Xbox can be 100tf I still won't touch one.

[LastCenturyRob]

Could literally care less about Japan. They are the leaders of nothing these days when it comes to gaming. On top of that mobile gaming is taking over mainstream gamin in Japan. Middle east? That's just a joke. Asia? China and Korea have already shown they gravitate vastly toward PC gaming. North America and Great Britain alone can carry MS well past 40 million units in a five year period "if" MS locks up the best versions of COD and Battlefield. With the power of the Scorpio that seams very likely. Having Halo, Gears and Forza doesn't hurt either. So yes, the Scorpio will attract developers because developers want as much power as possible for their games. If that wasn't the case PC's would not have new and significantly more powerful graphics cards every six months or so. When developers make the best versions of their most popular games on a specific console gamers flock to it. That is what happened to MS when Sony had the more powerful system this gen. There isn't nearly the same amount of console loyalty as there was even a decade ago. If the Scorpio is priced anywhere from $399 to $449 when it is released next year, it won't stay on the shelves long at all. Even at $499 it will move fast. It will be a beast of a console.

[SniperControl]

Jesus Christ Rookie, give it up man, how many accounts is that? By the time you set up a new email account, new N4G account, you could have done something productive with your life instead of writing total garbage.

[XanderZane]

More like foreign loyalty to one brand. I'm waiting for the US to do the same thing. Wonder how that would turn out.

[DigimonMaster]

Well said overload

[LastCenturyRob]

What a load of crap comment. I got news for you kid... MS did turn things around with the X1. For each gen there can only be one number one and this gen/half gen it is the PS4...That said MS is at roughly25 million X1 units sold. That is excellent numbers. The fact the PS4 is at roughly 43 million just shows how good it is as well. That doesn't mean the X1 "failed" by any stretch of the imagination.

[Loktai]

fail no, no more so than gamecube failed or n64 failed or whatever, it's currently in second place.... there has to be a second place and wii U isn't in it, xbox one is.

the question of Scorpio simply isn't gong to dethrone Sony especially not a year away which is what people really mean when they say xbox failed, failed to overtake, failed to catch up or simply failed to meet certain vocal xbox fan's predictions. ... obviously it sells OK now after all the price drops, promos and so on, at least in a couple regions.

[nix]

LastCentury,

i think Xbox 1 has sold only 12 millions. i know you'll disagree with me and ask for proof. i would like to ask you the same about 25 million.

Project Scorpio is the result of failed Xbox 1 numbers. that's all. they're simply doing what MS is good at. Shut down and restart.

[trooper_]

Turn what around exactly? The XB1 is still getting hammered by the PS4. While the XB1 isnt a complete failure, Microsoft screwed up big time.

They're still making bad decisions even now.

[zeuanimals]

Oh God, there's two rooks. You guys should do what they did in the Jet Li movie, The One, and fight to the death. And to incentive you two, the winner gets the Scorpio early and Phil Spencer will marry you with the console at Microsoft HQ.

[Goldby]

@nix
take this with a grain of salt s it is VG Chartz , but they put xbox one at approx. 22.25mill copites sold, including the one s

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Considering MS shot themselves in the foot multiple times with X1 reveal MS would be wise to do everything right with Scorpion. All those free games and gift cards were shades from the negative reactions still. Again MS needs to be nearly flawless with the reveal of the Scorpio then they'll be selling on its own.

"Scorpio is just next on the list of the moments that were going to turn everything around for Xbox and never did."

Correction yes they did thanks to Phil Spencer not saying X1 is perfect but tell me what other glaring problems does the X1 have at the moment right now this moment?

Btw liking Overload's posts is basically liking aggressive cancer.

[Loktai]

lack of exclusive games, both 1st and third party, lack of international /varied games, inferior installed base, often inferior versions for many multiplatform games.... those seem like enough of a problem to point it out as not being as good a buy as the PS4

[IGiveHugs2NakedWomen]

No
No Exclusives
Releasing in a year
Higher price tag

[Unspoken]

Xbox/Windows brand has plenty of exclusives, are you dense or just a Sony fanboy?

[Perjoss]

judging by the specs it will only sell to 'enthusiasts' or if they sell at a big loss.

[DJStotty]

why how much is the scorpio please share?

[rainslacker]

It's possible MS could turn it around with Scorpio, but it won't turn things around with Scorpio alone. While power is a factor in people's reasons to buy a console, it's not the only issue that is making people choose PS over Xbox.

[343_Guilty_Spark]

You don't know the price. If it come in a $449 it's going to sell very well.

[IGiveHugs2NakedWomen]

Try $500 PLUS

[threefootwang]

I think it'll put a sizable dent into it, but realistically, no, it won't beat Sony. I do think however alot of Xbox fans that went over to PS4 after the initial disastrous release of the X1 will return (myself as an example). I owe my thanks to Phil Spencer for that.

As for all the Sony fanboys that are in full force on this article, you guys should be ashamed of yourselves (the same goes for Xbox fans). Stop with the fanboy crap, stop religiously devoting yourselves to a company that couldn't care less about you as long as you buy there product (and again yes Xbox fans are no different). Nothing wrong with enjoying video games, but don't willfully ignore when a company pulls stupid crap on you and you justify there actions rather then properly call them out.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Scorpio is a stopgap while Microsoft transitions out of the dedicated console market. It doesn't matter to Microsoft how it sells (they specifically stopped reporting worldwide sales and instead report stuff like 'MAUs') so why should it matter to the market at large?

Microsoft is done with console gaming. They couldn't buy their way to the top, and they're suffering in their core business areas (OS, business applications, enterprise servers) so that's where they'll focus instead.

[trooper_]

I've mentioned that power means nothing if there's no exclusives to show for it. You need to have enticing exclusives to make people want to buy your console.

[donthate]

I think this is the most positive MS in the press we have seen since the launch of Xbox One so I think MS can prevent the gap from growing. If they can do that, it would be a huge win for MS.

But that would depend on the price of Xbox Scorpio. Will MS take another page out of Sony's playbook? Will they price the Scorpio at $399 and be willing to take a small loss? That would really put Sony in the hot seat.

[RavishingSlick]

Couldn't have said it better myself Overload.

[iTechHeads]

Scorpio will be the ultimate console for Xbox fans, just like PS4 Pro is the ultimate console for PS4 fans.
This isn't a new generation, people aren't going to abandon their friends and entire game libraries for a few Teraflops lol.

[Foxhound922]

It's the same old song and dance from Microsoft and their fans.

First it was "graphics don't matter, launch games matter"

Then it was "sales don't matter, holiday season games matter"

Then it was "worldwide sales don't matter, US sales matter"

The it was "sales don't matter, but wait for it to release in more countries"

Then it was "wait for the secret sauce and hidden gpu"

Then it was wait for "Quantum Break"

Then it was "wait for dx12"

Then it was "wait for halo"

Then it was "wait for the cloud"

Then it was "wait for recore"

Then it was "wait for the slim"

Then it was "VR is a gimmick, it's DOA"

Now it's "graphics matter now, wait for Scorpio and VR support"

Microsoft's problem is, and always has been about games. They're inconsistent at best. They're variety, release schedule, and developer support has always been spotty and lacking. They should focus on building and supporting games studios into making the games they want. They need to give them the resources, freedom, time, and support that Sony and a Nintendo do. I thought Microsoft would've learned by now that power is useless without the proper game support and sweet price point. Don't they realize that Sony started off strong this generation because they had a very well priced system, paired with a well known and long lasting game support history. All of this flip flopping is getting old, and Scorpio will be no different. Do they expect gamers to flock to a system with the same limited game catalog, high entry price, and over a year away? Scorpio will appeal to first adopters, tech people, and maybe people who are interested in pc gaming. The problem with that is that they're trying to tap into this market that represents a very small amount of gamers. If they are having trouble selling systems @ $249 with a free game, how do they expect to sell a system for $499 or $599 in large numbers? The Scorpio won't even close the gap to PlayStation this generation, mainly because it doesn't have to. It doesn't need to beat Sony, or even come close for that matter. They can still make plenty of money and please it's growing fan base by giving them what they want. Give them games and lots of them. They media needs to stop this notion of "striking back" against PlayStation.

[FallenAngel1984]

Sony has stumbled? They still own over 55% of the 8th gen console market. There is nothing Microsoft can do to close the gap.

[Overload]

All PS4's are outselling the Xbox One S on Amazon's hourly chart, including the PS4 Pro preorders.
https://www.amazon.com/best...

Doesn't look like stumbling to me.

This is all of 2016 so far.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/b...

[Kiwi66]

Amazon charts can change from one hour to the next or day to day so one day or week it can favor ps the next it can be something else so is it the best source ? ........ What is wrong in asking a question ?

[DragonPaw]

If MS prices the "Scorpio" at the same price as the Pro next year, there will be huge repercussions. One, being the lengthening of this gen. If the Pro and Scorpio sell well, you can expect barebones games for the PS4 and XOne while their upgraded counterparts take the stage.

If this does occur: the popularity of enhanced consoles at a reasonable price. We can expect to see the "Scorpio" selling very well as well as the Pro. However, many will be enticed by the "Scorpio"'s power when it comes to third party games. The Pro will be an afterthought set aside for PS exclusives, while the "Scorpio" will take the golden cup of having the best of third party and its own exclusives.

I do think that it is a matter of price. If the "Scorpio" is selling for more than the Pro next year, I do not believe it will succeed. I think the NX will offer a different challenge to the gaming scene amongst this challenge between powered up consoles. If the NX proves to be more than interesting, it could be what kills the "Scorpio".

The Pro has the luxury of sitting alone above the others this holiday season, but this is not a luxury that the "Scorpio" will have.

We have no idea what the NX has in store.

@Loktai and Aenea It is just my detached point of view. The "Scorpio" will simply be better, but ... I think I said everything already. People will choose with their own biases but if you have two options at an equal cost, logically you might choose the better option if your personal biases are not strong especially if you enjoy every bit of better you can get. LOL (laughing at myself)

[XbKiGaandMaar]

Holidays belong to playstation. Demand for xbox S is already declining. Once the pro releases it's game over.

[Unspoken]

No Mans Sky is in the top 20. Consumers must never make mistakes on their purchases. /s

[Loktai]

dragon paw
... you're talking about this Power gap on third party games like it will make much difference. these 1.8tflops, less than 1/3 the scorpios power. 1/3 of 6tf is 2tf, only this is 1.8....

the PS4 is 1.8tf, 1/3 of that is 0.6tf. 1.8 minus 0.6...

look at that the gap between the Scorpio coming out in over a year and the PS4 pro coming out shortly is almost identical to the difference between the PS4 and the xbox one S....

would you call the difference between those two earth shattering?

[Aenea]

Funny how many an Xbox fan now suddenly doesn't like the Amazon numbers! Only in August it was proof for them that the Xbox One S was doing so freaking well!

Well, they were right, it did really well in August, so if that is anything to go by then this little list should tell you something as well:
99. Xbox One S Madden NFL limited edition
54. PS4 Uncharted limited edition
40. Xbox One S
37. PS4 Slim
26. PS4 Pro
21. PS4

[Aenea]

@dragonpaw

Why would the Pro be an afterthought? Why would everyone suddenly run out and buy a Scorpio for 3rd party games?

How many of the 20 million Xbox One owners ran out to grab a PS4 for the 3rd party titles? After all the PS4 is way more powerful than the X1...

It doesn't work like that and you guys know it, there's more than just power determining what console you prefer to game on.

Even if the PS4 would've been the weaker of the two I would still have gotten it first and would still be my main console.

----
PS. And don't give me BS about the 1.8Tf difference, 0.5Tf difference for 1080p content is like 2.0Tf difference for 4k content 'cos of the 4 times increase in pixels that have to be moved around, so it means there won't be massive differences for 4k content either. Besides, 3rd party games are the ones that won't be doing the massive optimising that Sony and MS first party games will do. Look at many games for both not even hitting 1080p while 1st party games usually do, same will happen with these mid-gen updates.

But I guess it's no use to say this sorta thing, some Xbox fans just want to believe in better times ahead even though it's all based on wishful thinking for now.

Just enjoy your system of choice, be happy both sell well and that great games are being made for them, you seen the list of games coming out in the next 12 months? it's insanity! We're all lucky to have bought a system that sells good enough to get this amount of support from both 1st and 3rd party devs! Think of that instead of meaningless sales numbers and possible performance differences!

[iTechHeads]

Not just Amazon, there's a similar PS4 > XB1 trend across all retailers right now.
Nothing new though, it's always been like this and that recent PS4 price cut will guarantee it is #1 for the rest of the year.

[OB1Biker]

They stumbled out of the starting block ahead.
Haha no seriously it's just IGN doing their thing for their enlightening comments. On another piece approved here Ms big advantage is 'watch and learn'. Haha journalists.

Also I got the feeling a lot of articles act as if it's the start of a new gen. It's not. Not at all

[Majin-vegeta]

Hey look its IGN MS mascot......Lol MS has no chance.

[Overload]

This guy gave Halo MCC a 9 while stating it's completely broken.

[Kingthrash360]

Ever since I seen the Quantum break ad starring ign o knew they were bought out.
They are like polygon to me now.

[Gyarados]

Woah really?

[SniperControl]

Oh yeah, i remember that, i stopped using ign years ago, so biased towards anything MS while masquerading as a professional site for everyone.

[Unspoken]

Aww, website doesn't like my console of choice. Must pout.

Why are their so many Sony fanboys in an article about Xbox, lol

http://www.relatably.com/m/...

[Stogz]

That review is what broke me on IGN. Yet they attacked DriveClub for the exact same reason. At least be consistent, that's all I ask for.

[Xavy]

Ryan McCaffrey? Biggest Xbox fanboy telling us that Xbox can Strike Back With Scorpio? damn this gen must have been hard on him and others like him. Xbone 2 aint doing shit PS will still dominate, No Xbox No cry.

[Gyarados]

Yep, what more can you expect from Ryan?

[XXanderXX]

I do look forward to watching it happen & it staying like that for many years to come .

[Majister-Ludi]

It got super defensive super fast in here lol.

[DJustinUNCHAIND]

Did you expect anything less?

The usual suspects are in here stroking off around the cookie.

[SniperControl]

And you guys on the other side are so much better....

[Aenea]

*rookie :D

[trooper_]

Defensive over something that's factually impossible?

Alrighty then.

Guess I'll wait until Microsoft 'strikes' back. /s

[trainsgofast]

It all ready has when you hear, " just wait for PS5." That tells you all you need to know !

And one day there will be a XB2 as well.

[OB1Biker]

All I hear everywhere is 'just wait for Scorpio'
Seems we r going to hear that a lot in the next 12 months

[trainsgofast]

Yes but MS did not put out a more powerful new system but Sony did!

[phoenixwing]

I don't think it can if I'm being honest. However, I think Nintendo has a shot at cornering the market with their hybrid. It should move a lot if the same number of handheld buyers buy into the NX. Then you add in the extra people buying it for a console and boom tons of people to get devs/publishers interested.

[Silly gameAr]

Seems like people are betting big on the Scorpio and buying into everything that MS says they're going to achieve. Just hope those people that are bragging, and thinking the Scropio is going to take the world by storm with its awesome power don't end up disappointed. It's great to be excited about something, but don't let your delusions get in the way of reality.

[Utalkin2me]

We will see in a year.......

[i3eyond the Circle]

The salted defense in here....it's astonishing lol.

People...there is more to a console than its sales.

The Scorpio will give a foothold. Touting the strongest specs on the arguably better and continuing to improve Xbox Live service will get it noticed as a premium product. Literally being able to say best place to play will prove useful especially if they utilize software.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

And here is... The xbox wishful defense

[kneon]

That's just not enough to get people to switch platforms, at best they will get some xb1 owners to upgrade.

And what happens when 12-18 months later Sony announces their next upgrade? You just can't win on power alone as the most powerful console is going to flip flop between the two with each new release.

[Red_Renegade]

when you say more than sales, you're right. there's also games. and that's where xbox is way behind. a forza every year won't change anybody's mind.

[rainslacker]

"especially if they utilize software"

If they did this to better effect with the current X1, then they wouldn't be in a position to have to try and sell their product off the notion of more power. Sony's, "best place to play"(or however they phrase it) isn't really about the power, it's always been about the games. Sony does tout power just like all the companies do, warranted or not, but Sony's marketing predominately focuses on the games and the variety and makes it so it is appealing.

Same with Nintendo. The Wii didn't market itself on power, it marketed itself on being a fun, and inclusive place to play. It never mentioned power, and it's mainstream marketing didn't focus on the controls. It was about it being fun.

In contrast, MS touts power with Scorpio. They dismiss the power difference with X1. But their marketing of "best lineup" isn't enough to really push the notion that the games are appealing, and a lot of that is due to their focus on their staple IP's, while pushing the marketing of their 2nd party games, which are fresh and new and actually could drive interest beyond the core Xbox fanbase, to the back burner. A prime example is Recore this past E3. It was a game they could have used to show that MS has games that would appeal to a broader audience. The kinds of audiences that brought up R&C in droves. But all it got was a short game play compilation video, which didn't do well to really show off the game.

The best way I can think to describe it is with the marketing of SSoD. Their marketing to try and appeal to non-core Xbox fans seems to be coming from a group of marketing professionals who are out of touch with the actual market they're trying to appeal to. They show some hip, quippy game play, which is great, but then have all this lame banter meant to appeal to an audience which is smarter than they are being given credit for. It's amateurish, like when we see any kind of ad for something that is supposed to appeal to younger people, and just shows them having fun regardless of if the product is actually compelling or not, in the hope that that will influence people to believe it's fun and dismiss all critical thought on the issue.

[trooper_]

First it was the clouds, now its Scorpio.

Microsoft needs a miracle at this point to trump Sony.

[Goldby]

DX 13 is the sony killer /s

[Cuzzo63]

Hold up.... Sony dropped the ball because they didn't wanna do a high end upgrade... A system that won't be out for how long... So when the PS5 come along wats gonna be the narrative then?

[trainsgofast]

The problem is that both Microsoft and Sony are buying their technologies from AMD so it's not like it's a technology war. At the end of the day Microsoft has more cash than Sony will ever have and therefore when the right people are in charge that's a key factor in Xbox they can always outspend Sony on hardware.
The PlayStation five could be 10 teraflops but Microsoft could spend enough money to go 15 Tflop.

[OB1Biker]

I think it's more about timing than money. Ms are waiting one more year so of course the tech will be more recent and powerful.
Question is, can they afford to wait while it's not even the start of a new gen? If they got to catch up, time is not really on their side.

[bafa]

@train
You really think a company with shareholders would just let said company spend money like it grows on trees? Don't ever run a business.

[rainslacker]

I really hope MS doesn't outspend on hardware to try and beat Sony. That would be extremely desperate.

They won't do this though, because MS has investors that hold them accountable. Investors aren't looking at outspending the competition just to make Xbox brand succeed. They want the brand to succeed using the least amount possible to do so, thus increasing overall profits.

There are much more efficient ways to spend one's money when designing a console than throwing more money at it, taking more risks in the process, and making it more likely to flop or cause a negative gains situation which would put Xbox in a bad place with investors. Just making some great compelling games beyond what they've done so far will go much further to generate interest than a super powerful console. It will also serve them better over the long run, as they'll bolster their portfolio, and maybe even start to get more people to think that there will always be new and high quality IP's coming for the system. More money on a single system is a one time thing, and eventually, the hype from more power will be dispelled as competition can outpace it due to the nature of technological advances.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Can we not with these articles for the next 12 months?

[Redx165]

Anyone who thinks a $600 console is going to catch up with a $400 is a fool.

Do I need to remind you of the PS3 and 360?

[Elda]

Especially with no games.

[RaptgamersUnited]

All this will come down to pricing at the end. Sony will drop Ps4 Pro down to 349.99 when Msft releases Scorpio at $449.99. Lets see if the graphics justify the $100.00 difference plus tax a year down the line. The console msft fanboy that hasn't figured out by now you need to move to PC will always be in a battle to upgrade their consoles at a bigger loss then upgrading a graphics card. Have you heard of play anywhere? Where do you think Msft really wants to put their resources in with Vr and the Holo lense knocking on our gaming doors. I OWN BOTH Consoles but its time to stick with the PS4 as my SECONDARY mid range gaming machine and amazing exclusive games and just buy the graphic intensive games For the Pc that Msft will surely release.

[Elda]

Imo not if it doesn't have any games. I would have bought an XBO but to me personally it just doesn't have any games including the little games (1st to 3rd party exclusives) that are out just don't have any interest to me.They need to release a vast variety of exclusive games to make a come around.At this point imo only the fanatics will support the Scorpio even if it has a drought of exclusive games.

[OoglyBoogly]

Can it get great exclusives? Ya know, while the PS4 being more powerful was certainly an advantage the big deal here is the fact that Sony got them exclusives that MS just can't seem to touch.

Sure Xbox has some greats but not enough, even now (especially being a PC owner), that makes me come close to wanting one...let alone NEEDING one.

[DigimonMaster]

Only a fool can think that xbox is going to surpass PS.

[XbKiGaandMaar]

Thanks for the joke IGN.

[Gyarados]

Xbox ain't catching ps4, scorpio or not. IGN is being IGNorant yet again.

[Malice-Flare]

yes, they can, but they need GOOD EXCLUSIVE games, and a good price...

[Blubby]

Sony sold 40 Million ps4 Systems. This is funny because they said before that they sold 43 Million maybe next time we are at 37 Million.

But to be honest, everything is possible. Remember the 150 Million ps2 Systems sold and how big Sony dropped with the ps3?
Right now all we hear is negativ Sony News. They come out with a System that noone really likes (besides Hardcore Fans) and keep doing stuff like no Mods etc + have 0 games coming in the biggest selling time of the year.

[TheColbertinator]

Didn't know Call of Duty,FIFA and Battlefield were cancelled on PS4 this year? Must have not noticed.

[Blubby]

Which you can get with alot more games on the other platform

[ShadowWolf712]

Mods are a thing, the problem is with Bethesda.

PS games are still coming out this Holiday, that you haven't bothered to keep up with that is on you.

Good golly you suck at FUD.

[TheColbertinator]

I doubt PS4 owners care. Or Xbox owners for that fact. The majority of gamers buy COD,FIFA,Madden,Battlefield,Ne ed for Speed and Pokemon. Even high impact exclusives like Halo dont even pull those numbers anymore.

[Phill-Spencer]

I'm so looking forward to the damage control articles and comments on why Scorpio doesn't sell much even if it is the most powerful console in the market.. Oh yeah and ofcourse spencer stating that they are "happy" with the sales of Scorpio because it is a "premium" product so they "didn't" expect it to sell like hotcakes.

[phoenixwing]

Actually, I'm pretty sure Spencer knows it's not going to surpass the ps4 consoles anytime soon and will actually be happy with the sales they do get. It's the fanboys on the xbox side of things who are really being overly optimistic.

Not only that but the xbox brand has sold more at the pace they're on than their xbox 360 sales so I don't see how Spencer wouldn't be happy.

[rainslacker]

Scorpio to me seems more like a pre-emptive strike at the PS5. PS5 is likely to come a year or two after Scorpio's release, so I believe MS is trying to achieve a couple things with Scorpio.

1. Gain that next gen advantage based on when they think Sony is going to launch the PS5. Being a year or more on the market as the most powerful console gives it a better chance to have a better install base to combat whatever Sony does with the PS5, while they transition the Scorpio into a next gen system, and drop support for the legacy hardware. Being first on the market and having a good install base worked for them with the 360, so I think they're hoping to get that same effect against the PS5. If they can't, then they can wait a bit, and do a Xbox Two, and just continue to call the Scorpio a mid-gen upgrade like they're doing now.

2. Hoping to take some of the focus off their game variety while they spend some time to build a compelling release schedule for Xbox.

I don't believe MS is thinking it will sell like hotcakes, but I do think they want to leverage the product to mitigate the power differences both now, and for the next gen, which could potentially put them in a position where they aren't having to react suddenly, and instead can allow them to see how Sony plays it's hand before making decisions about future products.

[Mrveryodd]

Well they have my money and a lot of others if its going to have a whole PS4 power gap to th PS4 Pro.

[phoenixwing]

I think people should just be happy with the rates both consoles this gen have done. If you're for xbox or for playstation it doesn't matter, both consoles have been outperforming their last generations which is all that matters. Even people who like nintendo can be happy that nintendo is posting profits and will continue to be in the games industry like it always has been.

All the negativity and infighting is really uncalled for and I blame the media for stirring the pot. Also the fanboys are partly to blame because they give the clicks, obviously, or else these articles would have died down eventually.

[TheColbertinator]

Microsoft needs a new IP. A new IP with the selling power and popularity of Halo. Something that only Xbox can do.

[rainslacker]

I agree with this. So far, MS hasn't had a single new IP which I feel will define the generation for the console maker, or is poised to define this generation for them. With OGXbox they had Halo. With 360, they had GeOW, Forza, Fable, and Halo also despite coming from the prior gen. Now, they have nothing but the same IP's which were already getting long in the tooth late last gen.

In comparison, PS1 had Crash, FF7, GT, and god knows how many more. PS2 had GOW, FFX, R&C, and god knows how many more. PS3 had UC, TLOU, Infamous, LBP, and a few more which slip my mind. PS4 hasn't really had a whole lot yet, if any, but Horizon is shaping up to be a generation defining game. Unfortunately though, there isn't a lot of change between game design from last gen to this, so it's harder to really put a finger on generation defining, as just having a good game doesn't actually define a generation.

[Jayszen]

Wishful thinking. If Ryan really thinks that the Scorpio which is at least a year away can result in Microsoft overturning what could be a 30 to 35 million deficit against Playstation, he needs to smoke something to get clarity. Even if Sony has stumbled (I don't think so) it appears that this misstep is selling well so perhaps Sony knows more than Ryan what consumers actually want.

[Stogz]

Opinion: aren't we all sick and tired of these same articles every day??? I know I am...

[LastCenturyRob]

If Activation and EA optimize their AAA games for the Scorpio and MS can get COD or Battlefield, or both to sign on with first offer or exclusive content than yes, the Scorpio will do beyond amazing.

[OsafuneKatana]

Activision is with sony this gen and that ain't changing soon.

COD and BF1 on ps4pro is going to sell loads this holidays when DF comparisons start rolling in.

[Blubby]

Yep that battlefield 1 Xbox will sell big time. But what ppl dont See is the Minecraft Xbox Bundle which will probably be the best selling Bundle this holiday

[Blubby]

Of course it sells more on the bigger installbase by default. But the marketing deal ontop of the bundle is still huge.

Minecraft is probably the biggest franchise in Gaming right now. Its still in the Top 10 selling games every month. Alot of Kids want to play this game and anything attached to Minecraft.

[Mr_Luke]

@Blubby
Right, the game that can save the Xbone is Minecraft.
PS4 Pro (Better system and better games) VS Xbox One/S (Minecraft)

Not saying that Minecraft is bad, absolutely, but... uhm... i don't even know what to say ^^''' Was it a joke? It was, wasn't it?

[OsafuneKatana]

Opinion: Can the Xbox Strike Back With Scorpio?

Answer: No.

[Ristul]

Ryan McCaffrey is a Xbox fanboy, and he doesn't even try to hide it most of the time.

[Xkiller]

Why do sites keep hiring biased people like Ryan mcCaffrey and Arthur Gies Is beyond me.

[Ristul]

Yeah, Arthur Gies is an idiot for sure.

[Blubby]

Ye ppl like Kinda funny that worked at IGN before werent Bias at all.

PS I love you xoxo

[Xkiller]

Hopes and dreams.

[corroios]

Stumbled? Sony sold in 5 days on japan almost the same has Microsoft sold on the states for one months with the slim...

Microsoft cant strike back, because the lack of worldwide appeal and because Forza, Gears and Halo are not enough. The gap is getting bigger by the minute.

The average consumer doesnt care or know about the power of consoles, just gamers like us.

The catch phrase of Microsoft this gen is wait for...

[menghina]

I don't think so since most of xbox exclusive games are going to PC whats the point of xbox scorpio but yea time will tell , also the price point will be most important factor.

[gigoran]

can scorpio beat the competition? sure, seeing as its a next gen system and their competitors haven't released their next gen systems yet. but when they do and they are twice as powerful as the Scorpio... well you get the picture

scorpio isnt next gen? just watch the devs talk about it at e3. it's gonna have scorpio only games. NEXT GEN

[Mr_Luke]

Uhm... maybe it's going to sell "a bit" like the S did when it came out, only because a lot of Xbone fans are waiting for it. Many people don't even know it's coming out, they don't follow the news. They just see another Xbox with some number on it, a bigger price than the other one and they're going to rely on the suggestions of the usual GameStop guy or so. But by that time the PS4 will be far away in sales (and exclusives).

[trouble_bubble]

Strike back with Scorpio? That thing that's over a year away? That's like CM Punk striking back after he's already been speared outta his shoes. Glancing blows, too little too late. First let's see what Nintendo weighs in at. Word is they've been bulking up for a rematch too.

[bu3ouf91]

People swtich to PC, It's too late for consoles to shine again, Both Xbox and PlayStation are planning to be a services instead of being computing machine.

[_LarZen_]

Most defiantly they can. Nothing is set in stone. Personally I would need Xbox to get a more wide range of exclusive games to get me really excited.

[LexHazard79]

No!

[WMANUW]

stumbled? WHAT? why? ahah ridicolous.

sony has chosen to arrive earlier , lowest cost and most best games . (Which is still what matters ) . I think it's ms that is stumbled . without ideas focuses on tflops.
no console won with power . Enough with these stupid articles

[feraldrgn]

No.
In a years time that 20+ million gap will be even larger, which will mean they'll struggle to get attention.
They'll still get a little attention mind you, but not as much as the PS4.

[Donnie81]

I wonder how a lot of these die hard pro Sony guys find time to game. Every xbox article you see the same people saying the same stuff. I'm not talking about just n4g either. I see the same names on other sites and even on metacritic writing bad user reviews on xbox games. Your system of choice really must not entertain you that much. Scorpio will be a great system and will do very well if it is everything its touted as. Plenty of people around the world will be happy to pay for the best console gaming has to offer.

[chris235]

you know, as a ps4 owner i had not the slightest incentive to buy a bone, too. i really wanted to for i am in the position now where money doesn't matter anymore. but to this day i am not convinced that buying a bone will add anything worth the while to my existence as a gamer. so no, buying a scorpio would be cool but without the games i'll stay with the ps4 and a proper pc (where most bones games get released anyway). so i think microsoft is onto something by slowly abandoning the consoles approach and making their pc platform another bone-playground where bones games get released. i don't really see the point why they are still pushing their bone-brand.

[n1kki6]

I'm not sure this is really a console vs. console war MS is fighting moving forward. If they create xbox branded systems where games can be purchased and played on PC or console they then can then leverage there 300+ million windows installs on PC in addition to those who want to purchase a console.

[trueganesh]

I find it utterly absurd that anyone could believe that the Scorpio can win a console war, it's simply not going to happen. The Scorpio will be a brilliant piece of machinery no doubt, the promise of 4k games running natively on a console is truly impressive however, the main reason as to why the console won't win the console war is due to the inevitable pricing of the product. The Scorpio will be the strongest console ever, but it will also be the most expensive console ever and that is all, I am really interested in the Scorpio but can it win the war? Probably not it will appeal to a small percentage of consumers, majority people who buy consoles will not care for native 4k especially at such a high price.

[Sm00thNinja]

This argument is so ignorant. If it was coming out this holiday great but IT'S COMING OUT NEXT HOLIDAY and Playstation fans are talking pricepoint. You must know something I don't know about how Microsoft is going to price this thing and all 4 of your agree voters too

[n1kki6]

Is it ok for me to buy them all and not worry about sales numbers or pick a side?

[KakashiHotake]

It is intriguing how so many people automatically know that Scorpio is gonna fail and it's still a year away from release. The same could be said of PS4 Pro succeeding which hasn't been released yet. If anything people are more skeptical of the Pro being that it's been advertised as a 4k game console that can't actually play games in 4k or play 4k movies. They were borderline false advertising if it wasn't for 4k streaming which really isnt nothing, because chances are if you have a 4k tv it already has Netflix and Amazon streaming apps. Furthermore the performance will be held back because Sony wants to maintain parity with PS4 so games will still be 30fps. It honestly doesn't make much sense for anyone to get a Pro if you already have a PS4 unless you just got money to blow. No one knows for certain what price the Scorpio will be because truthfully Microsoft is such a wealthy company they could sell it at a loss if they wanted too. I know the average gamer would then say why would they do that, but the reality is that consoles have always made more money from software and services. I'm a PS4 gamer but all I'm saying is I'm keeping my options open and others should do the same rather than automatically pick a side, monkey see monkey do, etc. Don't always be so quick to follow the pack, make your own decisions and judgements. Really Playstation exclusives hasn't even been all that great so far this generation. The best PS4 exclusives are all PS3 remasters.

[Spectre_StatusN7]

"all I'm saying is I'm keeping my options open and others should do the same rather than automatically pick a side, monkey see monkey do, etc"

So if a gamer is playing on PlayStation it's automatically "monkey see monkey do" but if a gamer chooses Xbox it's a well informed decision.

You realize how fanboyish that sounds?

[KakashiHotake]

Thats not what im saying at all. It just appears to me that some people have already counted Xbox scorpio out of the equation without even knowing much about it. For all you know it could very well blow your expectations out the window, but a lot of people arent even giving it a chance, just read all these comments. And how does saying keep your options open sound fanboyish? What i'm saying is i'm currently a PS4 owner but i'm at least willing to see what Microsoft has to offer before i automatically dismiss them like others are doing. the same goes for anyone thats gaming on Xbox. thats the biggest difference I see between this generation and generations past. Even though you had an Nes you always were interested in Neogeo and Turbo graphics. Even though you might have a super nintendo you were always curious about Sega genesis. Even though you had a PS1 you were always curious about N64. Even though you had a PS2 you always kept tabs on Xbox, gamecube and dreamcast. Now this generation is all one sided and that appears to be acceptable for a lot of people.

[MCTJim]

Think I won't worry about sales and who wins what month or striking back....Think I will just play the games instead of concerning myself with things that do not matter to the majority of the gaming public.

[PendingDoom]

Scorpio may do alot better than most people think especially if they have a trade up program for your old Xbox one. Let's face it though, even if the console is the most powerful, people are going for price not specs. Sony has been successful only because they sell cheap hardware. Let's get real here, the exclusives aren't much better and the PSN isn't worth what it costs. Cheap hardware wins and that's sad.

[KakashiHotake]

It is sad. From a business perspective I understand what Sony's doing, but from a gamers perspective I don't see how people can praise them for it. Sony is doing exactly the same things Microsoft did with the 360.

[P_Bomb]

Xbox has been cheaper than PS in Canada for a decade now so no, price isn't the "only" thing that makes something successful. It's one thing, but not the only thing.

"Better" can be subjective. Gold wasn't worth it to me last gen cuz I wasn't about to pay twice for the same damn thing (need an additional subscription for each additional account to play online on the same 360).

[drunkenspy007]

Honestly, I think it's too soon to tell. There may be a lot of other goodies that could make the scorpio irrelevant by the time it comes out.

[john416]

I see so much hate on here with the last 2 console generations can't we all just remember what's important in all this the games and enjoying them that's why I'm a gamer I own both XBO and PS4 do I have my favorite yes but at the end of the day they both have their good and bad what I truly enjoy is the games witch is all that should matter quality games!

[ShadowWolf712]

I love how almost every Scorpio article's preview image is just that picture of a chip on a motherboard. lol

[jojo319]

Not on N4G it can't. It could be 4K, 60FPS, $99, and come with 10 free games. It would just be seen as "desperate".

[Red_Renegade]

that really would be desperate, though.

[Sm00thNinja]

I thought Xbots were bad with bragging about a system that only exist in theory and on paper. You Sony fans are hyping this more than anybody! Like yall feel threatened when nothing will change for at least another year lol

[jznrpg]

Xbox stumbled midway through 360s life, they thought they did enough to please everyone and could just stick with same old games and that has been the case this gen as well. Releasing new consoles won't fix their problem. I know xbox fans think the games are great and plentiful but if that was the case they wouldnt be 20 million behind. The consoles arent that problem, its the people running the business and their narrow minded view of games.

[lastking95]

That moment you realize ps has 3 exclusive franchises that do big numbers. That moment you realize most console gamers barely play exclusives. That moment you realize xbox has the top selling exclusive. That moment you realize ps been around longer,in more countries and better support outside of english speaking countries than xbox.

Is the moment you realize why xbox is 20 million behind and that exclusive honestly plays a smaller role than most think.

[iTechHeads]

No. At this point int he cycle, price matters the most. A $399-$499 console isn't going to move the needle at all.
A $199 Xbox One S has a better chance of actually doing something.....

[SynestheticRoar]

Sadly no.

[ITPython]

I have been thinking about this lately, but what if the Scorpio could also play PC games? IMO that would actually be a really smart move for MS, especially if they could somehow get Steam support (this would be huge).

The console is running off Windows 10, so it shouldn't be much of a stretch to allow it to play PC games. And with 6Tflop it would have enough power to run most PC games fairly well (about as well as a lower mid-range build).

If MS could pull this off, then the Scorpios worth will skyrocket. As $550-$600 for a console that only plays XB1 games with improved graphics is not exactly going to be enough for many people. But if the Scorpio also gains access to the wealth of PC games as well, then that price tag doesn't seem as bad.

[alfcrippinjr]

hmmm i got into my time machine went ahead two years to see what happen
and the answer is NO

microsoft need to pull its fingers out of its arse and start to bring more games out for the xbox one
there is hardly any good games out and the library suck

[1Victor]

If Microsoft wants to close that gap all they have to do is a buy a Scorpio get a 1S free 😱
Now think about that one while you get back to reality

[PoSTedUP]

It can try. This was a good move by MS to TRY to keep up with the success of the PS4. It was the only thing they could have done. Will it be enough? Hell if I care..

[Petebloodyonion]

All companies can bounce back.
The real question is what is considered bouncing back?
making more profit?
selling more consoles?
beating expectations from share holders?

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Scorpio is so ridiculously powerful that the difference between it and the PS4 Pro is almost like the difference between this gen and last gen. With that said, PS4 will remain in the lead for the rest of the gen. Sony has the better selling console, but Microsoft has the better system.

[P_Bomb]

Unless they make exclusives for the Scorpio, all its games still have to run or be optimized for the OG Xbone which from a power standpoint is still less than the ps4. Unless they wanna throw away the millions in attach rates they already have, I don't expect anything earth shattering software wise until publishers see it sell through.

If the Xbone S remains Microsoft's strongest selling unit, that's their audience regardless who has the better specs. Might as well start a new gen otherwise.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

You don't understand how PCs and specs work do you?

[P_Bomb]

Consoles aren't PCs.

The 20 million install base on Xbox and 40 million on ps4 aren't all gonna buy mid-gen upgrades just for resolution. This is still uncharted territory for console. Not every ps4 game is getting a ps4 pro patch. Witcher 3 isn't. The jury's out on how much customers and developers will embrace this. I keep hearing this isn't a new gen. Lemme know when it is.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Yes, they are. That's a poor deflection. Consoles have been nothing more than stripped down PCs for the last two gens.

Better start saving for the Pro now. Or you could wait and get the Ultra in two years.

[P_Bomb]

Meh, I have little to no interest in the Pro. Until games become seriously gimped on OG platforms or hardware failure forces me to upgrade, I'm good at 1080. Don't have a 4K tv anyways.

[Officialxandr]

The Xbox Scorpio has the better hardware -- fact. Hardware doesn't mean anything if you can't back it up. I'll always stick to PlayStation (and sometimes Nintendo) because of their diverse line-up of games. Love me some Quantic Dream, Naughty Dog, Santa Monica, and etc.

[Saito]

Prediction? Hmm... It'll do well, but not One well I feel.

[Cohagen420]

Yea, they're going to erase a 60 million sales deficit, absolutely genius, LMAO.

[daynnight365]

Wow, I guess we can expect a trove of these articles for the next yr
Has anyone experienced problems with logging in here

[ScorpionKing]

Only time will tell. I still believe they have what it takes to snatch the number 1 spot from Sony.