![PS5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EAdtAM8nAgMQNczSxfToBE-415-80.jpg)
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will soon be locked in a fight to dominate the news cycle as their respective "holiday 2020" release dates approach. With both consoles competing for gamer's affections, it's hard to say which will get the lead on the other.
However, several industry analysts have been consulted about the state of gaming in 2020. Among predictions about everything from cloud gaming to new releases, one analyst believes he knows which new release will win the console war's first battle.
- Nintendo Switch 2: Everything we know so far
Gamesindustry.biz spoke to analysts including Piers Harding-Rolls of IHS Markit Technology, a leading source of technology analytics. Last year Harding-Rolls made 11 predictions for gaming in 2019, 10 of which were proven right.
Harding-Rolls believes that PS5 will outsell Xbox Series X, at least at first. He claims "I expect PS5 to outsell Xbox Series X in 2020, but for both platforms to sell more consoles at launch than both the PS4 and Xbox One did back in 2013.
"One new factor for this upcoming generation is the impact of backwards compatibility on brand loyalty and audience transition. I think we'll see less brand switching as a result."
A price point higher than the PS4 and Xbox One launch costs are expected, but Harding-Rolls expects a similar price for both consoles, with no drastic differences. Other analysts, such as Dr Serkan Toto of Kantan Games, believes both consoles will cost around $499 in the US. That lines up with rumours we've previously heard, dispelling the myths of sky-high launch prices.
However, both consoles are set to be eclipsed once again by the Nintendo Switch, which will be the best-selling console of 2020 according to multiple analysts (including Harding-Rolls). Opinion is divided on the debut of a Switch Pro, given the improved flagship and the Switch Lite which only launched in 2019.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Will these predictions be right? We'll know more for sure once both consoles are out in the wild, and the buying frenzy begins. Which are you likely to snap up?
Liked this?
Matt Evans now works for T3.com sister brand TechRadar, covering all things relating to fitness and wellness. He came to T3.com as staff writer before moving on, and was previously on Men's Health, and slightly counterintuitively, a website devoted to the consumption of Scotch whiskey. In his free time, he could often be found with his nose in a book until he discovered the Kindle.
-
REM-Fit Tencel Cool mattress protector review: a waterproof protector with temperature control
This Rem-Fit mattress protector guards against spills while shielding you from allergens and wicking moisture away for a comfortable sleep
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless review: great mid-range earbuds
Sennheiser's Accentum range expands with new in-ears
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
PS5 gets a free upgrade with a couple of handy new features
Users will get new features as well as bug fixes
By Sam Cross Published
-
The new Deadpool Xbox controller has a unique, cheeky new feature
There's something altogether new on the rear
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
PS Plus subscribers getting hugely underrated shooter on PS5 for free
New collection of great games arriving 16 July for PS Plus Extra and Premium members
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS Plus subscribers get 91% award-winning FPS on PS5 and PS4 for free
Forget Fallout, here's the best post-apocalyptic shooter
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PlayStation Portal gets its biggest free upgrade yet – helps you play PS5 games on the go
New system software arrives with some neat new features
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox to revive classic with 97% Metacritic score – 25 years after landmark original
Perfect Dark returns at last
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Your PS5 can do some new tricks, as PlayStation releases a free upgrade
New PlayStation 5 System Software is now available with some key new features
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox surprise reveal of landmark game's return leaves fans confused – and I'm torn
E-Day looks great, but what happened to the ongoing Gears story?
By Max Freeman-Mills Published