The price is great but the console is ugly as hell. We need to know more about the hardware but judging by the price I think is just as the rumors said it is. To me it feels bad even though I understand because of the pricing.... why not just make a digital XSX?
FUGLY!
The rumors had the S at 300$, the X at 500$, and the ability to pay a game pass + console combo of 25$ a month for the S or 35$ a month for the X.
I find the game pass combo to be an interesting opportunity for Microsoft, I see that as a great way to offer a different way to reach new gamers, but I'm still not sold on the S model.
It still seems a bit of a mixed message to me. It feels like they're competing against themselves in a way, trying hard to push the mighty power of the X as a selling point, but undercutting it with a cheaper model S. If the PS5 is sold at 500$, this should be a big win for Microsoft. But if the PS5 is sold for 400$, I think that having the model S might work against Microsoft. The pass+console combo is already making the model X very affordable for people, which makes the model S feel a bit redundant.
To try and explain what I see, if the PS5 is 400$ (no guarantee):
Scenario 1-
High tier - Model X: 500$ or 35$ a month
Low tier - PS5: 400$
Scenario 2-
Higher tier - Model X: 500$ or 35$ a month
Mid tier - PS5: 400$
Low tier - Model S 300$ or 25$ a month
I find scenario 1 to be more impactful for Microsoft, with scenario 2 making it easier for gamers to "compromise" and go for the PS5.
If I'm a casual buyer, in scenario 1 I think to myself "damn, there's a strong and a weak console, but if the difference is only 100$, and I can get it for a low price every month, it might make more sense to go for the powerful one".
While in scenario 2 I'd think "well if power isn't that important, I might as well compromise and buy the middle one with the exclusives".
But if the PS5 is 500$, I think that's a killer move. Either get a more powerful console for the same price, or a weaker but less expensive console for 200$ less.
From a buyer point of view, I think that having more options is a great thing, makes it better for us. Just more alternatives. I'm just uncertain of whether it will pay off down the road, it might muddy the waters for Microsoft and hurt their messaging/marketing.