Sony has finally shown its hand, revealing that the PS5 will launch on Thursday, November 12 for $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$749.95 (although some countries will wait until Thursday, November 19), while the Discless Digital Edition of PS5 will retail for $399.99 / £359.99 / AU$599.95 at launch. It's the end of a months-long cockfight between Microsoft and Sony, which has seen the two companies reluctant to raise the challenge when it comes to next-gen pricing. But finally, we now know that the Xbox Series X and PS5 will launch at the same price, with the Xbox Series X priced similarly at $499 / £449 / AU$749, but launching a few days earlier on Tuesday the 10th. November. This is in addition to the cheaper and less powerful Xbox Series S, which will cost $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$499. While the prices for its higher-end machines are fair and the performance differences between the consoles have yet to be determined, I think the odds are in Sony's favor at launch. This is why.
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(Image credit: Sony)
Value versus price
The PS5 showcase on September 16 proved that when it comes to showing what next-gen games really look like, Sony has the formula on a t-shirt. The gameplay trailers for Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon's Souls seemed like a huge improvement on what we're used to from the PS4, and I was excited about what to expect from the experience. PS5 (although the Final Fantasy 16 images were from the PC version of the game). Software has proven to be Sony's main advantage here, and the PS5 is undoubtedly leading the way when it comes to new games at the moment, although, price-wise, it's on its feet. Same as Microsoft. Sony has shown that it still has the upper hand when it comes to PS5 exclusives, and it's hard not to see potential buyers agree. While we won't see a Forbidden West or God of War Ragnarok horizon until 2021 or later, the PS5 launch lineup includes exclusives like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon's Souls, by comparison, the lineup of the Xbox launch. Series X is mainly based on third-party titles, which will also be available on PS5. Halo Infinite's postponement to 2021 really works against Microsoft in this regard. However, it should be noted that the approach of the two companies is quite different. Microsoft's main effort is to bring people into the Xbox ecosystem, dramatically increasing the value that comes with Xbox Game Pass. After all, Microsoft doesn't particularly care if you play on your PC, Xbox One, or Series X, as long as you play their games. But while Xbox Game Pass offers great value for money and will offer gamers a ton of games, it's hard to see it being a next-gen console seller in the style of new exclusives. And while we can talk all day about Microsoft's strategy of simply 'getting people into the ecosystem,' the company hasn't developed Xbox Series X, so it doesn't sell. And, when you're presented with the choice between an Xbox Series X and no exciting launch exclusives, but access to tons of other games through Game Pass, or a PS5 with exciting launch exclusives and access to a whole host of best PS4 games through the new PlayStation Plus collection: Sony has a pretty clear lead. While Xbox Game Pass remains Microsoft's golden ticket, the creation of the PlayStation Plus Collection suggests that Sony is taking steps to beat it at its own game.
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(Image credit: Microsoft)
The next-generation experience
That said, it's hard to deny the affordability of Microsoft's Xbox Series S - it costs less than a Nintendo Switch. The Xbox Series S is a true game changer for Microsoft, especially when paired with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which appeals to consumers simply looking for a next-gen console that doesn't cost the world a thing. However, while the PS5 Digital Edition costs a lot more than the Xbox Series S (Sony charges $100 £110 / AU$100 more), it packs a lot more power for that extra money. The Xbox Series S is weaker than the Xbox Series X in terms of specs, the PS5 Digital Edition has the same capabilities as the PS5, just without a drive tray and for $100 less. Opting for a PS5 digital edition gives you a full next-gen experience, if you can afford to spend more. With PS5 pre-orders already available ahead of Xbox Series X, many consumers will finally be forced to choose where to spend their money. And while Microsoft has the cheapest Xbox Series S console, that may not matter. With the PS4, Sony understood that having great exclusive games would ultimately win a console war. With the PS5, it uses the same playbook, and it's hard not to see it working again. Get the best Sony PlayStation 5 pre-order deals before everyone else! As soon as PlayStation 5 is available for pre-order, we'll send you an email with the best deals and bundles. The first wave of products may sell out quickly, so get your pre-order in before the queue! Please send me details of other relevant Techradar products and future brands. Please send me details of other relevant third party products. No spam, I promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we will never share your data without your permission.