With Sony launching the PS4 Pro and with Microsoft getting Project Scorpio ready for a launch later this year, both companies have certainly changed the way new consoles are released. Prior to this, Sony and Microsoft would just introduce newer models that were essentially the same, but maybe with a slimmer design or more storage.
However with the PS4 Pro and Project Scorpio, both Sony and Microsoft are introducing consoles with upgraded hardware mid-way through the life cycles of their current-gen consoles. This has led to some to wonder if upgradeable consoles could be the way of the future, much like how PCs can be upgraded. However Xbox boss Phil Spencer doesn’t seem to think so.
When asked on Twitter if upgradeable components for components would be a good idea, Spencer replied by saying, “The idea that users will open up a console and change compute components inside seems like a stretch to me.” We’re not sure if he thinks it’s a stretch in terms of the average gamer being clueless as to how they might upgrade, or a stretch in terms of feasibility as it would mean having to create a console and think about using parts that the average consumer could replace and buy off the shelf.
It isn’t necessarily a terrible idea and who knows, it could be the way of the future, but for now maybe you shouldn’t get your hopes up just yet.
@HOLYFRIEDMONKEY The idea that users will open up a console and change compute components inside seems like a stretch to me.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) April 2, 2017