Wedbush Securities Analyst Michael Pachter Says Xbox Will Win Next Gen Struggle

Michael Pachter is back, and he apparently has next gen all figured out. Recently at SXSW Interactive 2013 the Wedbush Securities Analyst made some bold predictions about the next generation of video game consoles.

Pachter has picked the next Xbox as the winner of the console war that’s yet to be waged. I find this particularly interesting for a few reasons. The first being that the public has little to no actual knowledge about Microsoft’s next console. I’m sure Pachter knows a bit more than we do at this point, but he can’t forecast (successfully at least) how consumers will react if certain rumored features are true. What rumors you ask? (although I doubt you’re actually asking if your reading this) First off rumors of the next gen Xbox suggest it will feature always on DRM, watermarked discs , and Kinect 2.0 as a necessary piece of hardware.

If said rumors are true they’re going to have a very adverse affect on the sales performance of the next gen Xbox. If you frequent any gaming forums you’ll see the firm stance against always on DRM coming to consoles. Recent mishaps like EA’s SimCity launch show just how unstable said practices can be. Not to mention the fact that most core gamer’s aren’t crazy about the Xbox Kinect, and making it a necessity may enrage a good percentage of prospective buyers. Don’t even get me started on the console gaming communities stance on watermarking discs.

Any one of above discussed rumors could spell disaster for Microsoft next gen. A combination of two or three of said features could sink the ship, and I think Pachter needs to hold his horses a bit on such bold predictions. At least until next month when Microsoft plans to Reveal it’s next Xbox at a scheduled event.