With E3 a little over a week away, there is a vast amount of information needing to be released on Sony’s and Microsoft’s next gen consoles. Hopefully all of our question will be answered during each consoles’ showcase. Here is a list of key points both companies need to clarify before they can hope to see their consoles flying off the shelves.
Prices and Bundles
As of now, neither Microsoft nor Sony has released reliable Intel on prices for the Xbox One or PS4 respectively. Back in February, it was leaked the PS4 would be released in 2 tiers, one at $429 USD and the other at $529 USD. The reason for the price difference we can only speculate. For Sony, we need to know will the PlayStation Eye and Move peripheral come standard in the $529 USD system. Honestly, I don’t see it happening. I believe the different between the 2 systems will be a choice of 500 GB and 1 TB HDDs.
As for Microsoft, the Xbox One reveal showed us there will only be one console at release. Although it might be possible for there to be 2 bundles, no contract and contract system. Back in May of 2012, Microsoft released a 4 GB Xbox 360 for $99 USD, the only catch a two year Xbox Live subscription at raised price of $15 USD. At the time of release, it was thought Microsoft was doing this only to see how it would be received if used on the next gen console. But with many of Xbox’s core gamers upset with the always connected Xbox One, I don’t believe we will see this at launch. Based on past pricing, the Xbox One should undercut the PS4 with a probably Cost of $450 USD.
Used Game DRM
This is one area where both companies, especially Microsoft, need to choose their words very cautiously. At the reveal, Microsoft announced a used game fee and since then their stock has fallen. Last week, according to Polygon.com, there will not be any used game fee and an anti piracy checks system will be used. After talking with a few computer architect and software engineers, it seem that since the Xbox One installs games on the system to reduce load times, there is a real fear of hacker being able to spoof disc once the initial install is complete.
The truth about DRM is DRM doesn’t work. A locked door only keeps an honest person honest. If Microsoft or Sony were to institute some used game fee, the home-brew/jailbreak/rooting community would set their eyes on the console world. The Iphone is prime example of what happens when a company tries to lock down a device. So if either company want to spend countless dollar fixing every possible exploit as they appear, go forward with used game fees.
Required Internet Connection
Once again Microsoft needs to choose their words carefully when addressing internet connections. In the excite of showcase the all in one entertainment powerhouse the Xbox One can be, Microsoft failed to the need for a steady internet connection. It seems that in order to keep guide and other infotainment feature accurate and update a daily log on is require. Since the release, it has been leak that the daily log on is able to be bypass. If it is required, Microsoft needs to commit full disclosure as to why. Else we might see another reason for hacking the Xbox One. Sony pay attention and adjust accordingly.
Subscription Service
I have a love/hate relationship going on with Xbox Live gold membership. I am already paying $9 a month for Netflix and Hulu each and requiring a gold membership to use it on my Xbox that just ridiculous. That the equivalent of joining a gym and then paying extra to use a treadmill. If Xbox One is to be the entertainment powerhouse they are claiming, the Xbox Live Silver membership will need to be spiced up a little. I am just not going to play 10 buck a month for media capabilities.
The PlayStation 4 could offer gamers multiple subscription levels, Sony president of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida told The Guardian. The executive said that because services and content have become available digitally, Sony is in a position to act like a traditional cable TV company and offer multiple membership tiers.” As more and more services and contents become available digitally, we’ll have more of an option to create attractive packages. So hypothetically we can look at different models–like a cable TV company,” Yoshida said. “We could have gold, silver or platinum levels of membership, something like that. We can do subscription services when we have more content–especially now that we have the Gaikai technology available,” he added. “With one subscription you have access to thousands of games–that’s our dream.” Ever since the PS3 anonymous hack, paid online service has been a real possibility. I don’t think Sony will be able to maintain their servers without charging some fee.
Final Thought
As it stands, E3 is Sony chance to extend its current lead over Microsoft. As long as Sony doesn’t go retard on it consumers and demos are great, they will remain ahead. Microsoft needs to take the time and mend bridge with it community. Remind gamers why the chose the Xbox to begin with. Full Disclosure, no secrets or surprises. And most importantly show us some game to anticipate.
