Console Wars Heat Up as Supply Chain Issues Subside | Opinion

The current generation of consoles has had an unusual start, with the launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X hindered by persistent supply shortages. This has led to a period of faux-competition, where neither company could fully engage with consumers due to the inability to meet demand. The shortages have had a profound impact on the industry, causing publishers and developers to revise their plans and extend support for older consoles, such as the PS4, while also leading to the rise of lower-powered systems. However, with supply chains finally stabilizing, the console war is set to intensify. The end of supply chain disruptions will allow companies to firm up plans for dropping support for older consoles, with Sony's decision to make the Burning Shores expansion for Horizon: Forbidden West a PS5 exclusive being a significant indicator of this shift. While the industry is not out of the woods yet, with potential geopolitical shocks still posing a threat to supply chains, the current situation presents an opportunity for companies to promote and support their consoles effectively. The competition between Sony and Microsoft will now truly begin, with both companies vying for consumers' attention and seeking to demonstrate the superiority of their console. The first quarter of the year will still be affected by the supply chain issues, but as the year progresses, the market is expected to become more demand-driven, allowing for a clearer picture of consumer preferences and the performance of each console. The platform holders will need to make aggressive pitches to consumers, highlighting the unique features and benefits of their consoles, and effectively promoting their service offerings, such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, to appeal to a broader audience and drive growth.