12-27-2023, 05:05 PM
Because of backwards compatibility I went with Xbox Series X upgrading from the Xbox One. The Xbox One was very dissapointing, while the Xbox One X was fantastic in terms of hardware but not a single game really took advantage of that hardware.
Especially by the end of the gen PS4 Pro and Xbox One X were punching above their weight, which made Xbox Series X and PS5 dissapointing as just the 'better' PS4 and Xbox One they were at launch. I picked up the Xbox Series X about a year after release when it was suddenly in stock right after Christmas.
Hardware wise the Series X packs a punch but often you can tell you're dealing with a system in a distant third place. The optimization just isn't there sometimes as it is for PS5. Microsoft first party is still a joke, much of what they announced at the start of the gen still hasn't shipped and what did like Infinite, Redfall and Starfield, didn't have much impact. Games are also starting to skip Xbox as Sony clamps down on exclusivity for the likes of Final Fantasy 16. But there is also the odd PS4/Steam/Switch combo which is getting more common. Some big features are also broken. Take quick resume, which is pretty much useless in the biggest 'always online' games like Elden Ring. The big graphics upgrade this gen, ray tracing, is also not utilized much on both these machines outside of select titles. I feel like we're in the same spot now as with the Xbox One X, great hardware but very few games take full advantage of it.
Apart from big third party games there just isn't a whole lot of buzz or excitement surrounding the Xbox ecosystem like there used to be. The rebel spirit is completely gone, it's all safe accessible and corporate now. As for the acquisitions, they have Machine Games(Wolfenstein) working on Indiana Jones, Crystal Dynamics(Tomb Raider) on Perfect Dark and rumor has it ID Software(DOOM) is working on Star Wars Mandalorian. Arkanes Marvel Blade game is apparently 3 years out. Hellbade 2 is out next year, which looks really good but that took 7 years after the first game.
If you're looking for a soulless machine to play the latest video games at decent settings without breaking the bank Xbox Series X is well worth it.
If you don't want to miss out on the odd Japanese exclusive title or future Switch2/PS5 weeb games the PS5 is your best bet.
Putting aside the woes about the corporate strategy this generation has seen some excellent games.
Especially by the end of the gen PS4 Pro and Xbox One X were punching above their weight, which made Xbox Series X and PS5 dissapointing as just the 'better' PS4 and Xbox One they were at launch. I picked up the Xbox Series X about a year after release when it was suddenly in stock right after Christmas.
Hardware wise the Series X packs a punch but often you can tell you're dealing with a system in a distant third place. The optimization just isn't there sometimes as it is for PS5. Microsoft first party is still a joke, much of what they announced at the start of the gen still hasn't shipped and what did like Infinite, Redfall and Starfield, didn't have much impact. Games are also starting to skip Xbox as Sony clamps down on exclusivity for the likes of Final Fantasy 16. But there is also the odd PS4/Steam/Switch combo which is getting more common. Some big features are also broken. Take quick resume, which is pretty much useless in the biggest 'always online' games like Elden Ring. The big graphics upgrade this gen, ray tracing, is also not utilized much on both these machines outside of select titles. I feel like we're in the same spot now as with the Xbox One X, great hardware but very few games take full advantage of it.
Apart from big third party games there just isn't a whole lot of buzz or excitement surrounding the Xbox ecosystem like there used to be. The rebel spirit is completely gone, it's all safe accessible and corporate now. As for the acquisitions, they have Machine Games(Wolfenstein) working on Indiana Jones, Crystal Dynamics(Tomb Raider) on Perfect Dark and rumor has it ID Software(DOOM) is working on Star Wars Mandalorian. Arkanes Marvel Blade game is apparently 3 years out. Hellbade 2 is out next year, which looks really good but that took 7 years after the first game.
If you're looking for a soulless machine to play the latest video games at decent settings without breaking the bank Xbox Series X is well worth it.
If you don't want to miss out on the odd Japanese exclusive title or future Switch2/PS5 weeb games the PS5 is your best bet.
Putting aside the woes about the corporate strategy this generation has seen some excellent games.