PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are generating a huge amount of hype and expectation as the launch of both new consoles draws ever closer. While many hardcore gamers love to get into detail about hardware strengths and weaknesses, for the majority of gamers, their choice of new consoles comes down to games. For that reason, one of the internet's most well-known analysts thinks that Sony is going to outsell Microsoft for some time to come.
The occasionally controversial Michael Pachter has weighed in on the next-generation analysis, stating via YouTube that he believes Microsoft is lacking the big games for Xbox Series X, and that the company is still lacking big first-party titles and developers compared to Sony and PlayStation 5. Pachter added that the purchase of Bethesda was on the right path, but that it will take some time for Xbox Series X and S exclusive games to appear from the publisher.
The analyst believes that PlayStation 5 will outsell Xbox Series X and S by five million units in the first 12 months because of the stronger exclusive game line-up, and will continue to outsell it by similar margins in year 2 and even year 3, if Microsoft fails to add content of sufficient strength. The initial reaction to Pachter's video suggests quite a few gamers feel the same way, as do market research results that show higher interest in Sony's console.
Following the disastrous reveal and subsequent delaying of Halo Infinite, the reduced launch line-up for Xbox Series X and S has been referred to by many as weak, although similar comments have been made towards the PlayStation 5 line-up which saw Destruction All Stars delayed to 2021. Both companies appear to be hoping that excitement for new hardware, combined with third party software and enhanced editions of older titles, will be enough to entice gamers to splash out on the machines. This appears to be the case at least initially, with pre-orders selling out near instantly.
Microsoft has certainly stepped up its first-party program with the purchase of Bethesda, and has stated that the company could purchase more developers in the future if it makes sense. Both Sony and Microsoft have been pushing enhanced versions of recent titles as a major selling point, and with the again delayed Cyberpunk 2077 continuing to drive massive attention, launch exclusives may have found themselves swallowed up by that game's hype anyway. Strangely, Pachter himself has previously talked about how exclusives are less important than they used to be.
The other question is just how concerned Microsoft really is about selling more consoles than Sony. As the company's long-term goals appear to be built around Game Pass, it seems likely it would trade a hardware sales victory for stronger take-up of the subscription service.
PlayStation 5 launches on November 12, Xbox Series X and S launch on November 10.