This probably doesn't come as the biggest of shockers, but a new report from the International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts the PlayStation 4 will outsell the Xbox One at release this holiday season. The report cites a "variety of factors" for this, but price point being the most critical.
The PlayStation 4 will sell for $400, while the Xbox One will cost $500. The primary difference of cost can be attributed to the inclusion of the new Kinect with the Xbox One.
Despite the different in price, both Sony and Microsoft agree that price is just a small factor in the decision process. Last month, Microsoft Xbox director Albert Panello referred to the Xbox One as the "better system," while claiming that the $100 price difference between the PS4 and Xbox One won't be a "deal-killer" for consumers. He did, however, point out that it's up to Microsoft to prove that the Xbox One is worth the $100 more.
To that end, Microsoft has failed miserably. Following a miserable debut of the system, which was met with immense criticism from consumers due to strict policies, Microsoft has since sought to improve the Xbox One's overall image. Microsoft has already reversed most of its unfavorable policies, making the Xbox One even more similar to the PS4, so now it's a matter of changing the consumer perception of the machine.
Platform breakdown aside, the IDC report also indicates that the number of game consoles shipped worldwide in 2013 will be "marginally higher" than 2012's 33 million. The company also predicts that prepaid full-game, micro-game, and add-on revenue generated through Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network, and the Nintendo eShop will exceed that of worldwide PC-based digital sales. Backing its claim, the IDC pointed out that subscription-based PC game revenue is currently declining, while console subscription revenue (Xbox LIVE Gold and PlayStation Plus) is up so far in 2013.
The PlayStation 4 will be available on November 15 in the United States and November 29 in Europe, while the Xbox One will be releasing on November 22 in North America and the UK. Both systems have continued to sell out at retailers around the world, though it's unknown how much initial stock there was for each to begin with. All we know for certain is that over one million PS4 units have be pre-ordered as of mid-August.
[Gamespot]
