Everyone is talking about the PlayStation 5, but Microsoft's upcoming next-generation console, Xbox Series X, will also be launched later this year. We're looking at 5 reasons which might make you choose it over Sony.
Sony may have won the current generation of consoles with the PlayStation 4, but by the end of 2020 the cards will be reshuffled with the launch of the next generation. The Xbox One X is already technically superior to the PS4 Pro, while Microsoft has recently been working hard on unique features for the Xbox family. Here are 5 reasons why the Xbox Series X could be your new console.
5. More Hardware Power
If we look at the hardware specifications of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 in direct comparison, it quickly becomes clear that the upcoming Microsoft console has more power under the hood.The CPU cores have higher clock speed, the GPU performs more teraflops and most of the memory works faster on the Xbox Series X than on the competitor. In addition, the built-in SSD hard drive of the Microsoft console is slightly larger, but the PS5 hard drive is superior in terms of speed. Purely on paper, the Xbox Series X is the stronger console, but what the developers do with it is on a completely different page.
4. Better Ecosystem
For the Xbox Series X release, the next-gen console fits seamlessly into the rich ecosystem of the Xbox family. For example, if you buy a Halo: Infinite with the release, you can play it on Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Series X and access your game progress. That sounds tempting.
There's also cross-play between PC and console which should again be one of the most important features of the first-party titles. Not to mention that the interaction with your own computer should be very interesting for PC gamers. Thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere, the version for the respective other platform is available for free on top of the (digital) purchase of the most important exclusive titles. And there is also Xbox Smart Delivery for a free update to the best possible version.
Oh yes: let's not forget xCloud. Game streaming on all supported smartphones, tablets, and devices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members at no additional cost. Which brings us to the next point.
3. Better Online Service & Game Pass
It is well known that Microsoft's online service Xbox Live is far superior to PlayStation Network. How often has PSN been the target of hacker attacks? Connection quality, friend list management, download speed - Microsoft has been ahead of the game for years.
Not to mention the Xbox Game Pass flat rate game, which has been a stroke of luck for Microsoft since its launch around three years ago. More than 100 changing games in the subscription and that for 9.99 Euro per month? Exclusive member discounts and offers? And perhaps the best argument for the Game Pass: All Xbox Game Studio titles are included in the subscription directly with the release without additional costs. Halo: Infinite, Hellblade 2, Forza 8, Gears 6 - just to name a few.
2. Better Backwards Compatibility
Yes okay, the PS5 can play games of the current console generation, but so can the Xbox Series X. While rumors at Sony say that backward compatibility with the predecessors will probably still only be possible via streaming, Microsoft has already confirmed that the Xbox Series X can play thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Xbox titles.
The fact that most of these will also be technically improved is a very nice bonus. For example, Red Dead Redemption (the first part) looks much better than the original thanks to backward compatibility on Xbox One. Microsoft has already promised resolutions of up to 4K and 120 FPS for some titles, so your favorite classic games will shine in new splendor.
1. The Better Games?
There's a question mark behind that. A relatively thick question mark, we freely admit. While the majority of modern games appear for PS5 and Xbox Series X anyway, a console still stands and falls with the exclusive titles. Microsoft has been able to show better racing games for years. Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon (for us the best modern arcade racing game) are way ahead of the Gran Turismo series. Microsoft has also long been ahead in terms of shooters (keyword: Halo and Gears).
If you're not a fan of racing or the Halo/Gears series then the choice is clear? The point goes clearly to Sony, so far. Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, The Last of Us 2 are only available on PlayStation and there are also several exclusive highlights among the PS5 games.
We mentioned it at the beginning: With the launch of next-gen consoles, the cards are being reshuffled and Microsoft has done a lot to ensure that it doesn't fall behind again with Xbox Series X. In the past months, the Redmond company has bought up numerous developer studios, which will work on new games exclusively for Microsoft in the future.
Obsidian (The Outer Worlds), Mojang (Minecraft), inXile (Wasteland series), and the former Nintendo developer Rare (Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie) - just to name a few examples. 15 developers are now working under the umbrella of Xbox Game Studios and more could be joining soon.
The potential for outstanding exclusive titles is always there. Tonight we'll find out what the studious are working on as Microsoft wants to unveil the new Xbox Series X games during the Xbox Games Showcase. It starts at 18:00 CET.
You can read more about the world of gaming and esports on EarlyGame. We'll tell you which next-gen games Ubisoft has unveiled and show you the Nintendo Direct Mini Presentation.
