So the New Consoles are finally here.
Whether you're a die hard Xbox or PlayStation fan, it's always an exciting occasion when the new hardware launches. To me, it feels like a real occasion, similar to when a huge game launches, but on a larger scale.
It's exciting to see that both consoles have been so well received (for the record, I don't have a favourite, I play both) and I look forward to being able to get my hands on both of them, although I have no intention of paying an extortionate price, nor do I intend to have to fight someone to secure a console, so I'll be waiting for the time being.
Well, in short, I think that this generation is going to be much like the PS3 vs the 360, one that is far far closer. Why? Don't worry, I'm gonna tell you.
Firstly, Game Pass
GAMES ARE EXPENSIVE AND THEY'RE ONLY GETTING MORE EXPENSIVE. Unless you're content playing the annual COD for a year and little else, gaming has always been an expensive hobby. Game Pass offers a very strong line up of games (that's only getting stronger *cough*Bethesda*cough at a very reasonable price (I am well aware that sounds like Microsoft pay me to say that, they don't but I wish they did, I just like Game Pass a lot). Yes I am aware that Sony do offer an 'equivalent' of Game Pass in PlayStation Now, but currently, it just doesn't offer the same kind of selection that Game Pass does.
Secondly, Xbox are closing the gap.
I think it's safe to say that a big reason that PlayStation have had such a strong generation is the hugely impressive roster of exclusives they have offered this generation, from Bloodborne to Ghost Of Tsushima, they've completely outperformed Xbox in terms of exclusive titles. BUT, Xbox have assembled an Avengers level team of developers in preparation for this generation. Alongside Obsidian and Double Fine, Microsoft obviously also recently acquired Bethesda and every other developer under the Zenimax subsidiary. Not only that, but we can expect a return to Xbox classics such as the long awaited new Fable title (I literally cannot put in words how excited I am for this) and Halo, which despite the initial presentation being somewhat disappointing and the development being somewhat...uhh... Nightmarish, let's say nightmarish, I cannot help but feel excited for, it is Halo after all.
When I first saw the announcement of the more affordable series S, I'll admit, I thought that would also make a big difference for Xbox, but honestly, after seeing the relatively small difference in price between the series S and the PS5 digital edition, I'm not sure how well it will sell. I'm surprised we haven't seen an all digital version of the Series X announced yet (yes I am well aware of the rumoured 'Series V' but that is fo course unannounced) but perhaps we'll see one announced further down the line.
Don't get me wrong though, the PS5 looks seriously impressive. The controller alone has me ready to give Sony all of my money, so PlayStation fans, please don't hate me, I'm a PlayStation fan to, I'm just an Xbox fan as well.
I think it's very likely that the first year or two of the generation will see PS5 leading in sales, but as the generation goes on, I'd be very surprised if Xbox aren't able to close the gap. I could of course be completely wrong, but isn't the whole point/fun of speculation?
Obviously only time will tell and I wanna make it clear that I'm incredibly excited for both consoles, (but I won't be picking up either until I can do so without having to take a mortgage out to pay a scalper) just thought I'd weigh in on how I think it's gonna go down. Anyway, thanks for reading.
Images from:
unsplash.com
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