New Xbox Console Expected to Cost Double PS6 with Better Specs

Key Takeaways

1. Xbox’s upcoming console is described as a “very premium, very high-end” system, potentially priced around $1200.
2. Predictions suggest the PS6 could be priced at approximately $600, making it seem like a better deal compared to the Xbox.
3. The Xbox console is expected to have 42% more silicon and 20% more memory, contributing to its higher price due to increased component costs.
4. The Xbox may run on a Windows operating system, allowing compatibility with third-party platforms, but this could affect Microsoft’s ability to subsidize its cost.
5. Despite the PS6 being cheaper and having less impressive specs, performance differences may be minimal, aided by advancements like Project Amethyst and AI technologies.

Xbox President Sarah Bond has mentioned that the upcoming Xbox console will be a “very premium, very high-end” system. This has led some gamers to guess that the hybrid console might be priced over $1000. This news has sparked worry among PlayStation fans, fearing that the PS6 could have a similar steep price. Nevertheless, a well-known insider suggests that Sony’s next console might actually seem like a deal in comparison.

Leaked Insights

KeplerL2 has previously shared information about systems being developed by Sony and Microsoft. Following the recent interview with Sarah Bond, he took to social media to provide another forecast. KeplerL2 predicts that the PS6 may be priced at around $600, while the next Xbox console could demand $1200.

Spec Differences

This prediction took some by surprise, yet KeplerL2 highlighted the differences in the specifications of the PS6 as a reason for this pricing. He anticipates that Microsoft’s console will come with “about 42% more silicon and 20% more memory.” Additionally, the increased costs of key components and cooling systems will further elevate the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

The upcoming Xbox console is likely to utilize a Windows operating system, similar to the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. This will enable it to work with third-party platforms, like Steam and the Epic Games Store. However, as KeplerL2 points out, there are drawbacks to having a more open ecosystem. Microsoft might struggle to subsidize the console’s cost. With the PS5 and Series X, the companies sustained losses on hardware, hoping to recoup profits through games and accessories instead.

Performance Expectations

Even though the PS6 may be cheaper and have less impressive specifications, the performance difference between the PlayStation and Xbox consoles may not be as significant as some think. Project Amethyst, a collaboration between AMD and Sony, is expected to enhance PS6 games. With the use of AI, upcoming systems should offer ray tracing and path tracing that ease the burden on CPUs. Upscaling techniques that improve on PSSR could also help make the most of a lower-priced PS6.

The rumored Magnus APU, which is said to power the new Xbox console, will boast advantages due to its RDNA 5 architecture. Nevertheless, with such a hefty price tag, Microsoft appears to be targeting the enthusiast market. In contrast, Sony seems to be preparing to mass-produce a system that could be priced similarly to the PS5.