The Next Level
In just a few days, the next generation of gaming will be ushered in. After a strong run in one of the most rapidly-changing and experimental generations of gaming, the Xbox One, Playstation 4 and their respective upgrades will begin their transition into gaming history. When it comes to next-gen the hype is just too real to ignore thanks in no small part to Microsoft in particular. The impressive claims and acquisitions from the Xbox Series X|S camp can be heard far and wide across the gaming world, while Sony has been more than happy to let the demand for Playstation 5 speak for itself. Now that both consoles are out in the wild with various outlets having posted their reviews of the machines, we can finally peer through the bravado of these two titans and take a critical look at what the best choice is for the gamer looking for the best way to experience the new generation. The results of our investigation may interest you.
The Strong Starter
Without a doubt, both consoles are well-received pieces of hardware. A quick look at the headlines will show that someone just looking for their next gaming machine seemingly can’t go wrong with either one. While the prospect that both consoles are great is exciting and a good change of pace from the last generation’s collective disdain of Microsoft, the gamer looking for the definitive next-generation experience will find a clear winner after scratching beneath the surface. While the accessibility and raw power of the new Xbox series of consoles is a powerhouse, especially when combined with Gamepass and Xcloud, the experience of the Playstation 5 is reportedly an undeniably innovative one.
“While critics were certainly pleased with the Xbox Series X|S, the praise was carefully measured and weighted with a handful of caveats. With PlayStation 5, it’s unequivocal — if you’re looking for a taste of what the next generation of gaming will be like at this point in time, Sony is really the only choice.”
Matthew Handrahan, Editor-in-Chief, gamesindustry.biz
With such a definitive statement, out of the gate Sony’s machine is the choice for the gamer looking for something more. This isn’t without good reason, either. The new Dual Sense controller is lauded by outlets such as IGN, who praise the innovative new design choices. The two definitive game-changers being the “haptic feedback” and adaptive trigger features bringing the game to life in your hands. It details the dynamic feeling of authenticity these elements bring to the experience, from the feedback of the triggers changing depending on weapons to the shifting rumbles of the haptic feedback to put you into the scene you’re witnessing, which is nothing short of a breathtaking impression.
The Green Machine
With such strong impressions from various sources within the gaming sphere for Sony, you may begin to wonder what the competition has done to define itself this generation. Without a doubt Microsoft has taken a less hands-on approach when it comes to its gaming experience. With the breadth of its titles reaching outside of the realm of either console offering via Gamepass and Xcloud, one might wonder where the power lies for the flagship hardware. In this department, the idea of accessibility continues with the power of it’s functionality.
Smart Delivery, Quick Resume and unmatched social features ready out of the box is a solid list of things to look forward to with Gamepass tying it all together, comes an impression from Cnet. Along with a promise of virtually full backwards compatibility, some titles such as The Outer Worlds and Gears 5 are reported to be feeling great at higher framerates with virtually no load times. This allows you to hit the ground running if you are already in the Xbox ecosystem, making this offer extra tempting for the die-hard fan. Even with a fantastic host of attractions on this machine there is still the point of Sony having just as long a list for their controller alone. This creates a very real point of contention in trying to appeal to the gamer looking for the next leap forward in how they game.
The Microsoft Question
For the hardcore gamer, the tech junkie and even just the gamer looking to experience the next big thing, there is little choice. Sony has made it clear that they are looking to innovate on the way we experience gaming on a Playstation 5. The way their machine is built indicates that it is meant for gamers of all kinds, but the power and design of the machine specifically leans in the direction of the hardcore gamer. Liquid metal cooling for long gaming sessions, customizable faceplates to encourage individuality and expansion, along with a controller that has left a crater of an impression means that the Playstation 5 is the only console that will deliver a generation-defining experience from day 1.
So where does that leave Microsoft and their series of hardware? To the astute gamer seeking the most value, your best options do not point to these new console offerings. In addition to no title being exclusively built for the Xbox Series X|S consoles at launch, they also remain conservative on their approach to controls. Staying true to the versatility and reliability of the Xbox One controller comes with a feel of familiarity that only feels better this time around, according to Polygon. There is a noticeable line in these impressions that changes everything when put into the perspective of the buyer looking for the next great gaming experience.
“[And] after playing a wide variety of games with it over the last few days, I’m still perfectly fine with this measured approach. The question is whether “perfectly fine” is enough these days.”
–Russ Frushtick, Senior Editor and Co-Founder, Polygon.com
He goes on to note the absence of the technology present in the PS5’s DualSense makes this only feel like a modest upgrade from the one found in the previous generation. An early report from Twisted Voxel also notes an apparent overheating problem, which they described as “violent.” This isn’t a good sign to the gamer used to long gaming sessions with their friends or in their favorite immersive titles. This also makes Microsoft’s no-money-down payment plan idea feel more like a 360-style set-up than an honest deal.
The versatility offered by the Xbox brand is also a double-edged sword for their consoles. Some PC gamers may find themselves to have been next-gen ready last week, only needing a Gamepass subscription and the new controller to complete the Xbox experience while not owning either of the new consoles. This is also likely the better option for all but the most casual of gamers, especially for those who don’t want to go through any sort of pre-order hassle or holiday shopping shenanigans. This ultimately leaves the question in Microsoft’s court; why buy an Xbox SeriesX|S if I’m looking for a next-gen experience?
The Console of The Future
Ultimately, the choice is one of innovative immersion over reliable and accessible design. The Xbox Series of consoles offers a rock-solid and accessible means of continuing your Xbox gaming experience. Their acquisitions speak for themselves as Todd Howard boasts of new technology for their games as a new partner of Microsoft, and an eye on Japan continues to keep things interesting for fans of the Xbox brand. However, the lack of innovation to define their gaming experience is severely lacking in comparison to the Playstation 5. This edge cuts deeper when one realizes that the Xbox gamers’ leap into the next generation of gaming might not come from an Xbox console at all with how Gamepass as a platform is evolving.
This only leaves one choice for the gamer looking toward the future of console gaming. The Playstation 5’s hardware combined with the innovative way its controller not only brings you into the game, but connects you with others via the built-in microphone sounds nearly to good to be true. Combined with titles made to show off the power of the hardware itself only reinforces this idea. These features alone push it beyond anything offered in either new Xbox machine and it’s clear that the industry agrees. For those looking for the definitive next-generation experience, the Playstation 5 is the way to go.
