3.) New Console Generation for Xbox and PlayStation?
This year, both Microsoft and Sony upped the ante in the console wars with announcements that new Xbox and PS4 consoles would be on the way. Sony’s PS4 Pro arrived in November with 4K and HDR capability – but some questioned the necessity of such an upgrade when the current PS4 still looks pretty damn good as it is. Plus, while there was no doubt that games did look frickin’ awesome in 4K, that was still only possible for those lucky few with a 4K TV. Nevertheless, the PS4 Pro still sold well at launch, giving Sony a ridiculous 204% sales boost of its consoles – in fact, the new unit sold an astounding 3.5 million units in Japan alone. It all helped Sony finally end Microsoft’s 4-month reign in console sales in November.
Not to be outdone, Xbox unveiled its long-rumored Xbox Scorpio at E3 2016. Xbox’s Aaron Greenberg stressed from the get-go that the Scorpio would be different – a “Premium Product,” it would boast 6 TFLOPS of horsepower that would “natively render 4K.” It would also have a higher price-point than the PS4 Pro’s $400 – but it would be worth it for what he touted as “the most powerful console ever made.” In answer to the huge sales of the PS4 Pro at launch, Xbox began to market their upcoming machine’s ability to “natively render” what it called “true 4K,” which was a shot at the PS4 Pro’s upscaling to 4K, which disappointed some. While we wait for the Scorpio, due next year, Microsoft has already brought out the Xbox One S, a smaller version of its current flagship and with 4K video support. It also brings with it a redesigned controller. It has sold well, but hasn’t stopped Microsoft from seeing its revenue decline in recent months.
For both Sony and Microsoft, the Holiday buying season has proven to be the real test of whose console is the King. While the Scorpio may blow the PS4 Pro out of the water when it arrives, Sony will have a crucial head start, being already in stores throughout this Christmas season. Stay tuned to this latest round of the ongoing Console Wars Saga.
2.) Nintendo Switch is Revealed
For a long time now, rumors have been flying about a new console under development by Nintendo. For much of 2015 and 2016, the unannounced project was code-named the NX. But in November 2016, we finally got an official reveal from Nintendo in the form of a video – the new console will be called the Switch.
Fans rejoiced at the news, and we got a flurry of new information soon afterwards: the Switch would be powered by NVIDIA, and have 4GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage, according to insiders. Later reveals indicated that the Switch might not be as powerful as some had hoped, due to the decision to apparently sacrifice performance in favor of battery life in its portable mode. No word was given about the price, but we got an idea when Toys ‘R’ Us leaked a document that seemed to put the Switch at $249 US. Regardless, we’ve been told that a January 12th presentation will officially reveal everything – including price and specs.
As for games on the Switch, third-party developers have already lined up to make titles for the new console – including Capcom, who have plans to bring Xbox and PS4 titles to Nintendo’s new unit. Other than Capcom, there’s Ubisoft, who are working on a “surprise” project, as well as the much-anticipated Zelda: Breath of the Wild. That one looks good enough to justify buying the Switch just on its own – but sadly, it won’t be available for the console’s launch in March. If you’re curious about the long list of other studios working on Switch games, here is a full list of them.
Click on through to PAGE 3 for the biggest story of the year…