Ahead of the next-generation console wars, a leading retailer has predicted that the Xbox One will be more popular than the PS4.
With both Sony and Microsoft set to launch new gaming devices within the space of a week of each other next month, retailer John Lewis has suggested that the Xbox One could surprise many and lead the way.
The retailer’s predictions go against the grain, with many reports and industry analysts suggesting that the PS4 is on track to steal an early advantage, with the Sony branded console said to have achieved higher pre-order interest thanks to its improved spec and lower price tag.
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“We are stocking both the PS4 and the Xbox One but if we were to back one, we are thinking that Xbox One will appeal a bit more to our customers in terms of the experience it creates.” He added: “If we had to edge one I would favour the Xbox One.”
Suggesting that the company has already seen a lot of consumer interest in both consoles, Marsh added that he believed the Xbox One could gain an advantage through its popular software and online platform.
“The software that the Xbox One launches with will really appeal to our customer base based on what we’ve experienced in the past,” he said.
Although John Lewis looks set to back the Xbox One, reports earlier this week have claimed that PS4 pre-orders have already topped the 1.5 million units milestone, with a raft of retailers having the PS3 follow-on atop their pre-order interest lists.
With the Xbox One release date having been confirmed for November 22 in the UK, the Microsoft branded console will hit retailers seven days ahead of its leading rival. Although the PS4 will land in the US on November 15, a UK PS4 release date has been set for November 29.
Although Microsoft will beat Sony to market, the Xbox One will be the considerably more expensive of the two next-gen consoles. While an Xbox One price has been set at £429, the PS4 price is £80 cheaper at £349.
Read More: Xbox One vs PS4
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
