User warned: platform warring
Now that the dust has settled on the next gen consoles, I think we can all agree on one thing: it has been anything but a normal year in general, but also a weird console reveal cycle. What has become more apparent as we learn about both consoles, is that the Xbox brand has become extremely consumer friendly while Sony is...not.
Xbox Series X|S
-Forward compatible controllers. They have perfected the controller at this point and it just makes sense to allow people to use their old controllers if they want to, especially the Elite controllers which are pricey. The cost of controllers during the lifecycle of a console is almost an unspoken thing in the gaming industry, To buy a Switch and then purchase enough controllers to play 4 player Mario Kart is EXPENSIVE.
-Still no word on whether or not games like Halo Infinite will cost $70, but one thing we know for certain is that Gamepass will allow you to have the entire library of Xbox games for $15 a month. I will not go on about how incredible GamePass has become, even in the last month with games like Wasteland 3, Battletoads and Flight Simulator, but GP is still in its infancy and I cannot wait to see it truly blossom. It reminds me of when Netflix first started its streaming platform and there was a good show every once in awhile, now every month there are a plethora of amazing shows that span so many different genres. I expect GamePass to reach these heights within the next 2 years.
-Cost of console. The $300 entry point of the S into the next gen is a brilliant move, especially for what you are getting for that $300 (not to mention you get a $60 controller with it). Series X for $500 is an incredibly solid price for the power it provides. But what is even better is the financing options which in this economy is a really incredible opportunity for people to get a next gen console AND gamepass for $25 (S) or $35 (X) per month. As a teen I would have jumped on this in a heartbeat and as an adult I will probably be going with this option because why not? I am going to get a new gaming monitor that will run around $700 so now I don't have to spend over $1000 for my console and monitor all at once.
-Pre Order plans: So far so good, messaging has been on point and a time will be announced soon.
PS5
-No forward compatible controllers due to the new features, yet cross gen games like Miles Morales and Horizon will be able to use the PS4 controller...but only on a PS4. This is by far one of the most ridiculous things they have done and hopefully they walk it back. I currently have 3 PS4 controllers and 6 Xbox controllers (including 2 elites). The fact that my PS4 controllers are now obsolete is a slap in the face to fans.
-$70 games. We knew this was coming but I think due to the lack of a true gamepass alternative on the Playstation and the fact that this $70 is becoming over 80 in the UK and even higher in other countries is just really shitty. Yes games are becoming more expensive, but so many games are making massive profits off of battlepasses and cosmetic items. I have personally spent about $150 on Warzone.
-Cost of consoles, the $399 for the Digital is a great price and I would imagine many people will be opting for that. Between the digital and the S, we are seeing the end of physical copies, I'd expect the next gen to omit discs all together.
-Pre Order situation...Ok so you have me sign up to be the first to get in on the new console..but then you don't send me anything and then you let Walmart completely decimate your pre order plans. EPIC FAIL.
-Jim Ryan, the new Don Mattrick? Honestly Jim should just fuck off as he does more harm than good. His whole "we believe in console generations" comment is really biting him in the ass as we learn that several BIG games will be on the PS4 and then they doubled down on it today saying they plan to support the PS4 for years. Will be interesting to see if God of War is also cross gen. I personally don't have an issue with cross gen, but the messaging was all about shitting on Xbox for doing it, yet you knew the whole time you would be doing it as well. Also..who holds a controller like this!?
Xbox Series X|S
-Forward compatible controllers. They have perfected the controller at this point and it just makes sense to allow people to use their old controllers if they want to, especially the Elite controllers which are pricey. The cost of controllers during the lifecycle of a console is almost an unspoken thing in the gaming industry, To buy a Switch and then purchase enough controllers to play 4 player Mario Kart is EXPENSIVE.
-Still no word on whether or not games like Halo Infinite will cost $70, but one thing we know for certain is that Gamepass will allow you to have the entire library of Xbox games for $15 a month. I will not go on about how incredible GamePass has become, even in the last month with games like Wasteland 3, Battletoads and Flight Simulator, but GP is still in its infancy and I cannot wait to see it truly blossom. It reminds me of when Netflix first started its streaming platform and there was a good show every once in awhile, now every month there are a plethora of amazing shows that span so many different genres. I expect GamePass to reach these heights within the next 2 years.
-Cost of console. The $300 entry point of the S into the next gen is a brilliant move, especially for what you are getting for that $300 (not to mention you get a $60 controller with it). Series X for $500 is an incredibly solid price for the power it provides. But what is even better is the financing options which in this economy is a really incredible opportunity for people to get a next gen console AND gamepass for $25 (S) or $35 (X) per month. As a teen I would have jumped on this in a heartbeat and as an adult I will probably be going with this option because why not? I am going to get a new gaming monitor that will run around $700 so now I don't have to spend over $1000 for my console and monitor all at once.
-Pre Order plans: So far so good, messaging has been on point and a time will be announced soon.
PS5
-No forward compatible controllers due to the new features, yet cross gen games like Miles Morales and Horizon will be able to use the PS4 controller...but only on a PS4. This is by far one of the most ridiculous things they have done and hopefully they walk it back. I currently have 3 PS4 controllers and 6 Xbox controllers (including 2 elites). The fact that my PS4 controllers are now obsolete is a slap in the face to fans.
-$70 games. We knew this was coming but I think due to the lack of a true gamepass alternative on the Playstation and the fact that this $70 is becoming over 80 in the UK and even higher in other countries is just really shitty. Yes games are becoming more expensive, but so many games are making massive profits off of battlepasses and cosmetic items. I have personally spent about $150 on Warzone.
-Cost of consoles, the $399 for the Digital is a great price and I would imagine many people will be opting for that. Between the digital and the S, we are seeing the end of physical copies, I'd expect the next gen to omit discs all together.
-Pre Order situation...Ok so you have me sign up to be the first to get in on the new console..but then you don't send me anything and then you let Walmart completely decimate your pre order plans. EPIC FAIL.
-Jim Ryan, the new Don Mattrick? Honestly Jim should just fuck off as he does more harm than good. His whole "we believe in console generations" comment is really biting him in the ass as we learn that several BIG games will be on the PS4 and then they doubled down on it today saying they plan to support the PS4 for years. Will be interesting to see if God of War is also cross gen. I personally don't have an issue with cross gen, but the messaging was all about shitting on Xbox for doing it, yet you knew the whole time you would be doing it as well. Also..who holds a controller like this!?
