The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2013, dubbed as the biggest gaming show on earth, that kicked off in Los Angeles, Monday, set up a game console war between Microsoft and Sony. First to announce, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One will sell for $499 and will hit the market in November this year. A few hours later, Sony countered by announcing that the PlayStation 4 will sell for $399 or a good $100 cheaper.
Microsoft delivered its keynote address at the Galen Center for the E3 games expo and also disclosed that the Xbox One will be on sale starting November, in 21 markets across the globe. As of reporting, the Day One Edition of the game console is already available for pre-order at Amazon.
"The price seems to be a real sticking point for many people, based on the comments I've seen on Twitter. But the Xbox One has so may unique capabilities over its rival, that it might just give them the edge," said Aoife Wilson, a writer for the official Xbox magazine, when interviewed by BBC.
"I think people will be willing to pay that price and I do think that price will come down next year," Wilson added.
When the Xbox 360 was launched in 2005, it sold for $399. For the new Xbox console, the package includes the Xbox One console, a wireless controller, the updated version of the Kinect, and a two-week trial subscription for the Xbox Live Gold.
Aside from the announcement of the official pricing and date of sale, Microsoft also showcased some new game titles, including the "Ryse: Son of Rome," a game created by Crytek that makes the gamer play the role of a Roman soldier. Other exclusive games such as "Forza 5" and "Killer Instinct" were also presented.
Sony outplays Microsoft, presents problems for the Xbox One
However, not to be outdone, Sony also took the stage during the E3 press event and announced what could be a problem for Microsoft's Xbox One.
The Japanese console maker said PlayStation 4 (or PS4) will sell for $399, or a good $100 cheaper than its archrival. Sony did not specify any release date but hinted that the PS4 will hit stores this coming holiday season.
According to The Verge, Jack Tretton, the CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, said that the PlayStation 4 will allow users to play games without the need for online authentication unlike the Xbox One that will require gamers to go online periodically to continue playing. PS3 games will also be playable on the new console.
The PlayStation 4 is now available for pre-order on GameStop and Amazon.
It seems Sony has outsmarted Microsoft at this stage but expect Microsoft to stage a comeback with guns blazing.
