The PS5 Pro is about to create a big headache for Microsoft
Microsoft will be faced with an awkward situation when the PS5 Pro is released
đ¤ The PS5 Pro presents a new problem for Microsoft
đł Now that Xbox games are on PlayStation, it could create an embarrassing situation
đ¤Śââď¸ Games that receive a PS5 Pro update will run better on Sonyâs machine
đ ââď¸ Microsoft also has no plans to release a PS5 Pro-like console of its own
Microsoft hasnât enjoyed the same phenomenal success as Sonyâs PS5 this generation, but at least itâs been able to say that the Xbox Series X is the most powerful home console you can buy. But those days are numbered.
Sony is set to announce the PS5 Pro during the first half of September, leaving Microsoftâs flagship machine in the dust from a technical perspective.
That might not seem like a huge worry â the Xbox Series X hasnât left PS5 in head-to-head comparisons behind like many predicted, and Microsoft having the most powerful console on the market has done little to change its fortunes.
However, the PS5 Pro will expose a new problem entirely of Microsoftâs making: the PlayStation 5 Pro could be the best way to play previously exclusive Xbox games.
Whoopsie
Microsoftâs strategy to bring its first-party titles to Sonyâs system has initially paid off, boosting the companyâs bank balance as games like Sea of Thieves found a new audience on PlayStation.
And more games are coming. Microsoft revealed that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is heading to PS5 in the spring of next year, shortly after it releases on Xbox Series X|S on December 9, 2024.
The problem is thereâs now a real chance that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will receive an update to take advantage of the PS5 Pro, which would suddenly make Sonyâs console the best place to play Microsoftâs marquee title.
The same could be true of the rumored Forza Horizon 5 port, and every other title Microsoft brings to PS5 in the future. Just imagine if Starfield plays best on PS5 Pro â itâs a rather embarrassing situation for Microsoft and a frustrating one for Xbox Series X owners.
Whether you care about graphics and performance, itâs not a good look for Microsoft and itâs unlikely we wonât see some PS5 Pro-enhanced versions of its games on Sonyâs system. Again, this is a problem entirely of Microsoftâs making.
No competition from Microsoft
Despite releasing the Xbox One X to rival the PS4 Pro last-gen, Microsoft is content to let Sony release the PlayStation 5 Pro unopposed as Xbox head Phil Spencer has all but ruled out releasing a mid-gen refresh of the Xbox Series X.
In an interview with IGN at Gamescom 2023, Spencer said âWeâre at the end of the beginningâ of the console generation for Xbox Series X|S. Spencer also told Eurogamer that new hardware ââŚshould have a reason to exist that is demonstrably different than what came before. I think thatâs important.â
Microsoft decided to release a digital-only version of its Xbox Series X and more storage options instead of an Xbox Series X Slim. It also hasnât released any game-focused accessories like the PSVR 2 or PlayStation Portal â though an Xbox handheld is rumored to be in development.
Microsoft has, at least, committed to the next generation and assured fans that a new Xbox console is in development. But if it continues to let Sony provide solutions to every problem consumers may have â like a more powerful console â why would anyone choose Xbox when a new system like the PS6 does come around?
PS5 Pro pre-orders could start in late September, and itâs expected to cost between $599.99 and $699.99. The design of the PlayStation 5 console also leaked, and it seems like it will be similar to the PS5 Slim. Itâs been a long wait, but all should be revealed soon.
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcutâs Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadarâs Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.