It’s just a few hours before Microsoft’s big E3 press event, but the answer to the biggest question on everyone’s minds might have very well been answered before it even begins: the price of the Xbox Scorpio.
Speaking on twitter earlier today, video game journalist/event organizer/host Geoff Keighley, the Xbox Scorpio will cost $499. “I can now say with confidence Project Scorpio is $499. Unless something changes today, that is what will be announced,” said Keighley
As with all rumors, this one needs to be taken with a grain of salt. That said, if anyone were to have knowledge about the subject ahead of schedule, then it would be Keighley. Furthermore, for him to go public with this statement just hours before Microsoft is set to make its announcement means that he has quite a bit of confidence in the price point.
As one might expect, the comments following his proclamation have left the gaming community in two main camps. Those in support of the price aligns with what they expected, and if anything, a pretty good deal, considering the specs and potential performance of the Xbox Scorpio. Meanwhile, those against the price note the price is far too high, even if the specs might warrant it, and if power is what you’re after, than you can simply build a Gaming PC.
All in all, $500 makes sense as a price point and is the one I considered most optimal in a previous article. As mentioned before, the price perfectly aligns to the specs and alleged features the console will possess. While it would be definitely ideal for the price to be $399 or $449 (for consumers, at least), it wouldn’t make much sense for Microsoft. Retailing it for the former would mean that Microsoft would be selling it at a loss, while the latter would an awkward price given the Scorpio’s advantage and Microsoft’s position compared to its competitors. A $499 price means that unlike with the original Xbox One (which only reached that price due to being bundled with the Kinect), the consumer is only paying for pure power this time around.
Of course, the validity of any ongoing discussion hinges on whether this proclamation turns out to be true, as even Keighley admits there might be a last minute change of plans. For example, though improbable, Microsoft could take note of comments and reduce the price.
For now, we’ll just have to wait until 2 p.m. PST / 5 p.m. EST and see what unfolds.
- This article was updated on July 30th, 2021
