So, I just bought a Series X this weekend from Best Buy. Couldn't just buy the system outright and the only way to get it was to do the $35/month deal that comes with two years of Game Pass Ultimate. So, I got the system, an extra controller, the 1TB memory card and rechargeable batteries for the controllers. As someone who has not had an Xbox system since the original Xbox, here are my thoughts after one weekend with the Series X. As a caveat regarding my impressions, I have been a PlayStation person every generation and have been very invested in that ecosystem. So, I think that my perceptions may be sort of clouded by that long-term experience.
Positives:
- The best thing that I can say about my purchase is GamePass, GamePass, GamePass. Holy Crap!! This is amazing. I can't believe the number of games on there that I have either previously purchased from PSN or have been on my list of games that I want to buy. New releases, classic games... all downloadable. Really amazing. I have played a bit of Forza Horizon, Flight Simulator and (I hate to say it) MLB: The Show. (I got a kick out of seeing the Sony logo and PlayStation symbols pop up on the screen!). (But, I have really been sucked into Ori and the Blind Forest. What a beautiful, amazing experience that game has been.) I never "got" all the GP accolades before. Now, I get it. The value here will more than make up for the cost of the Xbox just based upon not having to buy all of these games and future releases that I would have purchased on PSN.
- The ease of adding the 1TB memory expansion to the console. Just stick the little card in the back of the machine? Really? No covers to pop off? No screws to remove? No "spacers" to space? Really makes it simple.
- Quick Resume? Yes! Great feature! Hopefully, Sony adds this feature to PS5 in a future update.
- The Xbox app made setting up the Series X a breeze. Reminded me of how Amazon has you set up an Alexa device. Super easy.
Negatives:
- The controller. I really do not like it. For one thing, I am just used to having the sticks in line, with the D-pad being above the left stick. It is just my muscle memory, but I find that I am having trouble getting used to the difference. That may change in time, but for now, I keep missing the left stick and can't find the D-pad without looking down. The D-pad design itself is not great for me either and I don't get a good feel with it. I have seen posts from people about how the DualSense cramps their hands. Well, for me, the Xbox controller is not comfortable. Personally, the DualSense's longer handles and triggers feels better to me. The Xbox controller seems more compact. It is also much lighter than the DualSense, giving it a "cheaper" feel. The texture on it is nice, though. Finally, the regular rumble versus the haptics is the real killer. I miss the "full" haptics and resistive triggers on my DualSense. Hopefully, MS adds some similar features to a controller down the road.
- The Xbox interface. I am having trouble finding things and navigating the "tile" system on the Series X. I don't think it is as intuitive as the PS5 UI (Then again, I miss the PS3/PS4 cross-media bar, as well!)
- This is another controller issue, but I hate the small buttons for pausing and sharing . The DualSense "Options" and "Create" button are easier to find quickly without looking.
- Achievements vs. Trophies. Trophies win -- hands down. I am not a "trophy hunter" by any stretch. But, I do look at the trophy list and I enjoy trying to get as many as I can on games I enjoy. With Gamerscore, I just don't "get it." There is a maximum Gamerscore on each game with a running overall Gamerscore. But, I think the simplicity of the trophy system just makes more sense and I feel like progress in each game and overall trophy counts are easier to conceptualize for me. With the way Gamerscore works, I don't see going after those achievements in the same way that I do for trophies.
- As an aside, it seems that my XBox is running a bit "hotter" than by PS5 when I put my hand over the top vent. It is still whisper quiet though (as is my PS5, contrary to some reports out there of loud PS5s).
And... after one weekend, I am super happy I bought the Series X, but my experience so far is a bit more negative than positive. Again, this may simply be due to the fact that I am not used to the Xbox interface and system. But, comparing it to my PS5 (not taking GP into account), the PS5 comes out ahead for me for the reasons I listed above.
Not sure if anyone has any suggestions for me to make my experience better, but anything would be appreciated! :)
Also, for those of you who have sort of done the same thing -- gone from PlayStation (and PS5 specifically this generation) -- then bought an X/S, how have your experiences been?