The year 2016 has brought many interesting things in the gaming industry. However, mobile gaming saw more increase this year compared to console gaming. With this new competition, the gaming landscape is changing forcing the big three - Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft - to reconsider their strategy. Here are their plans for the year 2017.
Sony
This year, the PS4 Pro was launched placing game consoles into another level. With the PS4 Pro, players get a taste of more HD gaming. In the coming year 2017, Sony will focus more to strengthen its VR plans. In fact, Sony plans to have 50 more VR titles hit the shelves in time for the holiday shopping. Shawn Layden, chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, said that the company is planning to develop more launch games for VR. In addition to that, game titles similar to Batman: Arkham VR will have enhanced modes and levels making it possible to play them on PS4 VR.
Microsoft
Unlike its competitor, Sony, which launched its PS4 Pro, Microsoft is waiting until next year to launch the Xbox Project Scorpio, which is its answer to Sony's PS4 Pro. Many are already speculating that it is more powerful than the PS4 Pro. On the other hand, there are also rumors that it will have a very expensive price tag. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, said the Xbox Private Scorpio is targeting a different demographic - those who are willing to pay more for a much higher quality.
In terms of VR, Microsoft said that it has no plans yet to develop their own virtual headset. However, Windows 10 is said to have partnered with Acer, Lenovo, Dell, and other tech companies to develop VR headsets for Windows 10.
Nintendo
Nintendo has a lot of wins this year with the launch of Super Mario Run and the mini NES Classic Edition. Then, there's also the launch of Pokemon Sun and Moon and Pokemon GO. Although Pokemon GO was developed by Niantic, the title is still Nintendo's. These wins have sent a strong message that Nintendo is getting more aggressive in capturing the market once again.
Next year, Nintendo will launch the Nintendo Switch, which hopefully will cement Nintendo's reputation as a market leader after several failures in the past.
