Sony could be releasing a new PlayStation 5 Slim later this year priced at $399.99, reveals a court document filed by Microsoft.
Sony PS5 Slim Likely To Debut This Year, Claims Microsoft
The released document was submitted as part of the ongoing between Xbox parent company Microsoft and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to determine the fate of a proposed preliminary injunction against the upcoming US$69 billion buyout of video game maker Activision Blizzard.
In a paragraph focused on pricing, Microsoft states, “The FTC contends that Xbox and PlayStation constitute a market of two because they are offered at a similar price.”
Disputing this, Microsoft argues that the FTC’s analysis only considers the more expensive Xbox Series X and standard PS5 and that the Xbox Series S costs $50 less than the Nintendo Switch OLED model. It adds that Nintendo Switch should be considered in the same market as the Xbox Series and PS5 consoles.
“PlayStation likewise sells a less expensive Digital Edition for $399.99, and is expected to release a PlayStation 5 Slim later this year at the same reduced price point,” Microsoft said in the document (via IGN).
The Xbox manufacturer also believes that rival Sony is preparing to release a handheld version of PS5 later this year for under $300.
This is in reference to Sony’s Project Q, a handheld gaming device that wirelessly connects to the PS5 console via Remote Play or Wi-Fi. However, the information provided by Microsoft is outdated, as Project Q isn’t a portable PS5 since it only streams games.
Since Sony has not released an official statement on the matter, it is advisable to take Microsoft’s claims with a pinch of salt, as it has no proof to back them.
