Phil Spencer thinks it's "important" the Xbox Series S exists

gamedeveloper.com:

For Xbox boss Phil Spencer, the Xbox Series S is important to have out in the market. Talking to Eurogamer, Spencer was asked about that specific system and its place in both the console space currently and the game industry at large. 

In his words, Microsoft needed a console that would specifically target those who couldn't (and possibly still can't) afford the $500 Xbox Series X. Thus, the Series S fills an important need as an "entry level price point for many new families or players coming into the market."

"Having an entry level price point for console...is a good thing for the industry," he continued. "The [Nintendo] Switch has been able to do that, in terms of kind of the traditional plug-into-my-television consoles. I think it's important. So we're committed.

To Spencer, the Series S also allows Microsoft to get avoid price drops at a similar pace as earlier generations. He was candid in saying that with the components used to make systems these days, "you’re not going to be able to start with a console that’s $500 thinking it’s gonna get to 200 bucks."

In 2021, the Xbox Series X|S line (and other consoles like the PlayStation 5) were hit with supply issues due to component shortages. Spencer noted that, pointing out that "you can’t buy them anymore as a hardware maker because nobody’s making that kind of RAM or other components."

"It’s not the way it used to be where you could take a spec and then ride it out over 10 years and ride the price points down. It’s why you see console pricing relatively flat."

During the Eurogamer interview, Spencer was also asked about the possibility of leaving the Xbox Series S behind and focusing on the Series X. It was pointed out that, in recent years, developers have voiced some mild