I started this new generation of game consoles with the expectation that I would play most games on the PS5, like how I played most things on PS4 last generation. But almost five months later, I spend most of my time on the Xbox Series X and now I feel bad, as if I’m ignoring my PS5.
I was lucky enough to catch both new machines during the launch. I did not use any special connections or contact with the industry to get it. I just opened a lot of tabs and started hunting for consoles when the pre-orders were taken into use. At the time, I mainly got the Xbox Series X because I knew I would want to play Halo and some other Microsoft exclusives. On top of that, for the first time in my life, I saved money buy both new consoles at launch. So, why not buy both if I have the chance?
After both machines arrived in November, I mostly played the PS5. I have Godfall and Miles Morales. I live Astro’s playroom. I downloaded PS4 games and played like GTA Online and Red Dead online. I had a good time. But over the past few months, things have changed.
In December I had a Xbox Series X Expansion Card, gives me an extra 1 TB next generation space. This is very handy because I can download and install more next generation titles. On PS5, there is still no way to expand SSD storage, which is limited to how many big games it wants Call of Duty you can install immediately. I also started downloading more Xbox 360 and Xbox One games that I own and found that it plays well on the new machine. Game Pass started adding more games to my growing list of things to play. I also started using the ability to bounce between my Xbox One, PC and Xbox Series X, with a few games that let me play anywhere without transferring a savings transfer.
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For example, Rat 5. I started playing the game again on Xbox One, then switched to a computer, then switched to my Xbox Series X while my GF was playing something on the computer, and then moved to xCloud on my phone when I was in my living room near us fireplace wanted to play. during a cold night. And it just worked. I do not have to store, install or manage anything. It was seamless. It also happened with Watch Dogs Legion. I started playing on Xbox One. Then I got my new console and started the game on Series X. All my progress, achievements and savings were waiting for me. No fuss, no extra steps. In the meantime, I was able to transfer my savings to PS5 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla but I did not get all my trophies. I also accidentally had the PS4 version the first time I install it, which was annoying and a waste of time.
Another big reason why I spent more time on my Xbox is backward compatibility. Of course, almost every PS4 game works on PS5, but no PS3 or PS2 games work on the new machine. On the Xbox, I played Xbox 360 games, Xbox One games, and even an original Xbox game. They also look good, thanks to the Auto HDR feature built into the new Xbox. And recently, older games got even better on Xbox Series X with the FPS Boost feature. It’s still limited, but to play through New Super Lucky’s Languages at 120 fps was fantastic. The Master Chief Collection also runs at 4K / 120 fps and has become one of my most played games of 2021. It’s also nice that I can jump to the computer to let my account progress.
Game Pass is another big reason why my PS5 started collecting dust. I just downloaded Dirty 5 to my Xbox, which was recently added to Game Pass. I did not even turn on the console. I did it all via the easy-to-use Xbox app on my phone. Actually, I could only play it on my phone via xCloud, but I’m going to wait to play it on my big dumb 4K TV with 120 fps mode enabled.
I assume that as more major Sony games come out, such as Horizon Forbidden West or Ratchet and Clank: Rift ApartI will spend more time on the PS5. But if you currently want to buy a next generation console, good luck! Secondly, if you are not very picky, I think at the moment an Xbox Series X is the best option. Especially if you are interested in playing older games or are willing to pay for Game Pass.
Like I said before, I feel bad. My poor PS5 is there, only used for a few hours RDO or GTA Online. I want to like it. I have my PS4 and even the PSVR headphones. This is one of my favorite consoles of all time. But I can not stop playing my Xbox Series X and want to. Sorry PS5. I will be back when Deathloop come out. Promise!