If Microsoft is to be believed, Sony is preparing to launch a PlayStation 5 Slim games console later this year for $399.99.
As The Verge reports, Microsoft made the claim in documents filed as part of its fight to convince the FTC to allow it to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion.
In a section of the document focusing on price (page 45), Microsoft states that, "The FTC contends that Xbox and PlayStation constitute a market of two because they are offered at a similar price." Microsoft disputes this, arguing that the FTC's analysis only considers the more expensive Xbox Series X and standard PS5, and that the Xbox Series S costs $50 less than the Nintendo Switch OLED model.
Microsoft then concludes its pricing argument by stating, "PlayStation likewise sells a less expensive Digital Edition for $399.99, and is expected to release a PlayStation 5 Slim later this year at the same reduced price point." There is also a footnote where Microsoft claims, "Sony is also anticipated to release a handheld version of PlayStation 5 later this year for under $300."
Clearly, the information contained within this document is outdated because Sony has announced its Project Q handheld device, but it isn't a portable PS5 as it only streams games.
As for the PS5 Slim release claim, it seems likely Microsoft is referring to the rumored plan by Sony to offer the disc drive as an optional extra alongside a new $399.99 digital edition of the console. If so, it's far from being a "Slim" model. Microsoft has also previously stated that the next-gen Xbox and PlayStation 6 will arrive in 2028.
The FTC was granted a temporary restraining order last month to stop Microsoft closing its Activision Blizzard deal before the commission's review concludes. With the UK already blocking the deal, the FTC coming to the same conclusion could leave Microsoft with no option other than to walk away and keep its billions for other acquisitions.
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