Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has spoken out against overly priced gaming consoles, especially those approaching or exceeding $1000.\r\nDuring a recent interview (via Tech4Gamers), Spencer discussed various aspects of Xbox business, focusing on the need to expand the console market in creative ways.\r\nSpencer believes the Xbox video game industry is healthy, but needs further growth. \r\nTo achieve this objective, Xbox is also focusing on the development of portable devices, trying to channel its creativity in this direction.\r\nRegarding overly expensive consoles, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming declared: «We will not make the market grow with consoles costing 1000 dollars”.\r\nThis comment seems to be a veiled criticism of Sony’s recent PS5 Pro, launched at the price of 800 euros but which can cost almost 1000 considering the additional expenses (see reader disc).\r\nSpencer highlights how such high prices go against one of the main strengths of the consoles: affordability.\r\nMicrosoft has in fact decided to skip a mid-generation update for the Xbox Series focusing instead on other strategies.\r\nOne of the aspects that Xbox is focusing on is the development of portable devices. Spencer has in fact expressed great interest in this sector, seeing it as a way to grow the console market, which has remained stagnant for years (sales of the Xbox Series S|X are not particularly encouraging).\r\nSony recently launched the PS5 Pro (which we reviewed here), admitting that it is designed for a specific audience, while the base PS5 remains the main option for most gamers. \r\nPhil Spencer’s position suggests that Microsoft will continue to focus on more compelling offerings that leverage other strengths beyond raw hardware power. However, it is also true that the biggest Xbox games could also arrive on PS5.