Project Scorpio Specs and Predictions
- info25421
- Apr 7, 2017
- 4 min read
Yesterday, Eurogamer's technical deep-dive department Digital Foundry released an exclusive look at the hardware specs for the next Xbox iteration, the Scorpio (or to give it its proper name, Project Scorpio).
To those of us who have never really ventured into the realms of self-build PCs, the information contained within their article can be a little bewildering (although they have thankfully created a special guide for us dummies here), but what does seem to be clear is that this console will be something of a powerhouse (at least in comparison to other current consoles on the market).
As was predicted when Microsoft first announced the release of a new iteration on the Xbox One back in E3 2016, the Scorpio is not aiming to simply emulate the PlayStation Pro (Sony's mid-console cycle update), but blow it out of the water. Having been usurped by Sony as the home of the most powerful console on the market with the release of the PlayStation 4, Microsoft clearly felt that it was incumbent upon them to respond with something that would leave little room for doubt over who really held the lead in this tech race.
But, the problem Microsoft are bound to face is how do they convince the masses that the Scorpio will be a worthy purchase?
The problem they face is three fold.
Firstly, they need a reasonable price point. Various estimates are doing the rounds with figures ranging anywhere from $399 to $599, but the smart money seems to be falling somewhere in the middle with $499 being the most likely. This sounds like a lot of money for what is essentially a mid-cycle update, but the power jump that you are getting for it is certainly not insignificant and anyway, it's the same price the Xbox One released at in 2013. Releasing at $499 would very much set the Scorpio up as a premium console, but let's not forget that this was the approach Sony took with the PS3 at release and that did not go down well with the public at all (we all remember Ken Kutaragi's quotes about having to work to be able to afford their precious machine). There are certainly people out there who would think nothing of splurging $499 on a new console, but I think that will be a tougher sell for the general public.
Secondly, Microsoft need to come with games. While neither Sony nor Microsoft's first party output has been spectacular this generation, the past year has seen a steady increase in the number of must-haves coming out of the PlayStation 4 stable. Uncharted 4 not to your taste? Then why not try Horizon Zero Dawn? Fed up of open worlds, then why not try Persona 5? JRPGs not your thing? Then why not go beat up some goons in Yakuza 5? The obvious choice at the moment seems to be to stick with Sony, but then who knows what deals Microsoft are working on behind the scenes. While some will flock to the Scorpio for the power, others might not be so easily convinced.
Thirdly, there is the issue of broader customer perception of the Xbox brand. While those who keep up to date with gaming news know that Microsoft ditched the always online shtick before the Xbox One was even released, there does still seem to be a section of the market that think those DRM restrictions still apply. Even for those who are aware that the console that is on the market now is a far cry away from the one that was announced (in terms of functionality and general purpose of use), there are still many out there that feel a little burned by Microsoft. Having taken the 360 to dominance in the previous console generation, many of Microsoft's loyal fan base felt a little betrayed by Microsoft's sudden U-turn in focus with the Xbox One, and in many cases ended up flocking to Sony's offering. If Microsoft want to win back the hearts and minds of these people and the broader public alike, they are going to have to work on their PR. They have a charismatic lead in Phil Spencer (not of Location Location Location!) and you would expect that the release of the Scorpio will be preceded and accompanied by a barrage of advertising and promotional activity, but they will have to work hard to reverse the negative perception of the brand that was brought about with that infamous 2013 E3 press conference.
For what it's worth, I am quietly optimistic about the console's chances. Having made the jump up to a 4K TV last year, I am very much looking for a console that will be able to take full advantage of this bump up in resolution. The PS Pro has certainly done some impressive things on what is significantly less powerful hardware (than the Scorpio), but I have been yet to be convinced that the Pro is worth the extra €400 over my base system. Can the Scorpio fill that hole for me? Well, as long as Microsoft are able to offer a broad range of games and not price it too high, then I can see myself succumbing to temptation and buying myself one for Christmas 2017. But then, I am a fool for such things, and I would not at all be surprised to find myself on here in a year's time writing another article about what a waste of money the console was…
So are Microsoft primed and ready to wrestle back control in the console wars (cringe)? At this point it's impossible to tell, but one thing is for certain, the console game has been changed forever.
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