Xbox Series X Review: The future is not here

Microsoft is ready to pull its next-generation console out of the oven, but the center is still frozen.

[Thump1967]

PS4 fan damn any Xbox user knows the interface I guess you don't games will come Click Bait your warned

[Jericho1337]

This is why reviewing a console at launch is a bit of a farce. Yes, as it stands right now Xbox isn't a particularly compelling purchase but their first party lineup over the next 2-3 years speaks for itself. Personally I think it's also a good entry point for people new to Xbox as they can subscribe to Gamepass and play through their back catalogue.

[Kaedro]

Oh yes, the same talk as ever: "The future will be better"; "The next 2-3 years will be amazing"; "Crackdown 3, Halo Infinite, Cloud Gaming, Kinect, and Hololens will all be amazing game changers". Keep dreaming... Oh, I mean: "Power your dreams".

[Army_of_Darkness]

"The reality is that, without backwards compatibility, the Series X is nearly a paperweight"

Someone speaks the truth.

[xHeavYx]

"Wait for E3"
🤣

[ABizzel1]

I somewhat agree.

PS5 2021
As I said before, the best time to get a PS5 if you missed it at launch would be next holiday in 2021. By then you'll have Spiderman, Demon's Souls, Gran Turismo, Ratchet and Clank, Horizon, and God of War (I still say Spring 2022) as far as exclusives go, and 3rd parties should have well-rounded offerings by then or rolling out early 2022.

Series X 2022
Series X should be a great buy holiday 2022, since Halo, Forza, Unreal Engine 5, and possibly Fable release in 2021, while 2022 should be a big year for since the vast majority of their games use Unreal Engine 5 and many have already been announced to be using the engine (which has been confirmed that games can be made in Unreal Engine 4 and migrated to Unreal Engine 5, where they can finalize development of the features exclusive to UE5).

[Stanjara]

It doesn't speak at all until games are reviewed and playable. Gow, Horizon, Demon Souls, and I don't know..Spiderman are sequels of fantastic games so yo do know what you're getting.
Medium can be great but can also be Blair witch, Godfall can be Anthem, Halo...well...who knows maybe gaas?

[Jericho1337]

Sorry but these Xbox ‘wait for the future’ comments are becoming a meme in itself. Microsoft has 23 first party studios and a bucketload of AAA franchises.

I get if you prefer PlayStation, but you’re in denial if you don’t think there’s a reason to buy an Xbox.

[Kornholic]

Ah, the classic Microsoft waiting game. Only on Xbox.

[bouzebbal]

They said it has the biggest line up in history.. Speaking of BC catalogue 🤣
I'm sorry but if you don't have games doing your console justice then no need to release a next gen console and try to sell it by promoting old gen.

[Darthpaul84]

23 studios and 35 teams making up the largest 1st party in gaming by a large amount says your right. Xbox is gonna clean Sony’s clock game wise this generation. Xbox has the better hardware and will have better games overall. More of them to

[The Wood]

Darthpaul

Face Palm

Produce over promise

Form over fallacies

New games focus over old games focus.

I mean the headline is harsh but the review is hitting a key issue and that is its customary to release new hardware with new software. Call it arrogance or being out of touch, whatever.... ms not releasing new games for up to 2 years isn't a compelling draw for those outside of the loyal fandom especially those on the fence or the hardcore gamer. Lets see if the buyers numbers will wipe the floor, me thinks you'll be in for a little surprise

[agnosticgamer]

Yeah... Lots of people forget the PS4 1p launch line-up was appalling... Not to mention PS5 isn't exactly stellar... But it looks terrific next to the non-existent Xbox Series X/S 1p line-up.

[Hedstrom]

Jericho1337: In 3 years time Xbox will probably have another more powerful console coming out.

[S2Killinit]

@Thump1967
Strange you say that, he seems very informative and factual. Im sure i will find an opinion in there somewhere but as im halfway through reading it, i thought about your comment.

Edit: yes at the very end he concludes with his only opinion that without software that is befitting of a next gen console, the xbox is a paper weight for now. The use of the word paperweight might be harsh, but he gave an honest assessment then concluded with his opinion supported by facts.

[Charlieboy333]

I agree the word 'paperweight' is a bit harsh. At the very least it would make a better footstool or doorstopper....

[PS4XBOXONEPC]

Yeah like they did for the Xbox one? LMAO 🤣🤣🤣

[Weapon_of_choice]

Truth hurts, I know, it's okay....You can always get a PS5 and improve your gaming experience 😎

[dumahim]

Had Xbox One since day 1 and I still struggle with the interface when I need something other than finding a game.

[CaptainHenry916]

😂😁

[jwillj2k4]

the hard to swallow scenario of turning off game pass, going to the store, purchasing a new console, coming back home and turning on game pass is almost upon us.

[CaptainObvious878]

"...compared to thin launches in the past, Holiday 2020 looks like a bonafide woofer for those hoping to dive into next-gen. I saw nothing running on the console that looked remotely next-gen or did anything other than match some older PC titles."

oof...

Again, MS clearly isn't ready to release a next gen console, but they don't want sony releasing uncontested.

If you're buying an xsx it's for a future promis from ms, but after so many lies and broken promises, you'd be a fool to buy an xsx now instead of waiting.

As for me? I'll be buying a PS5 and experiencing next gen day one, not some arbitrary date in the future that may never arrive.

Wait for E3 indeed...

[gamer7804]

Oh cmon both are next gen, they are both great consoles they both have plenty to play on day one then one month away is cyberpunk which lets be honest is what everyone will be playing... let’s stop the fanboying...

[Gaming4Life1981]

I think it is but the truth is nobody needs to go out and get a next gen console asap like in the past. That is true for both next gen consoles but for me im a early adapter so i will have both as soon as possible.

We all know that xbox games are coming and that they have been delayed due to whats going on in the world. Im looking forward to playing my entire enhanced library of games until some worth while games drop on both next gen consoles. The games start dropping in january which is only one month away so if people want to wait its not that long regardless. Ps5 has the amazing controller features and xbox has the amazing power and im excited for both.

[Kaedro]

"We all know that xbox games are coming" - This is looking a lot like Game of Thrones' "The dragons are coming".

[Gaming4Life1981]

Lmao. The games have been announced and will come out next year. I mean games get delayed all the time and yes it sucks but nothing new.

If no exclusives launch next year then i will apologize and admit i was wrong.

[SamPao]

You mean winter is coming?
And then 7 seasons later winter comes and it takes 1 episode and winter is gone again...

[Aussiesummer]

Demons souls, mile morales in 4 days.

[Gaming4Life1981]

I dont like demon souls but the game looks amazing but not enough for me to buy it. Ive played the original demon souls and the souls games are not my cup of tea.

I went half on spiderman miles morales with a friend i gameshare with so as soon as i get my ps5 ill be on it. I could play the ps4 version but i can wait since im playing thru at least 10 games at the moment.

[lifeisgamesok]

Fire lineup! I'm getting Sackboy and The Pathless too

[NEXUS-6]

I don't want to burst your bubble - but I think you'll be lucky to see halo next year.

I'm not sure what other 1st party games you're expecting.

They'd have shown gameplay by now if there were - and there's been none.

[NXFather]

Actually I think we will be unlucky to see a mediocre or Horrible Halo infinite next year.

Starfield maybe good and it does not make sense to put the prove developers they purchased in the same level as their own.

[Gaming4Life1981]

Halo infinite will launch next year and starfield maybe launching. The medium launches next year in January. I can name more thats expected to launch next year but the point is games are coming but i know n4g loves to hate xbox and their games.

[NEXUS-6]

The Medium is 3rd party and timed I'm pretty sure.

The games mist definitely are coming - but when?

Haven't xvmbox gamers waited long enough?

I guess ms gets another pass, really wish I'd see - just once - an xbox gamer get genuinely pissed off at ms.

You guys were promised new 1st party games every 3 months - remember?

Personally I would've gone with door stop as oppose to paperweight.

[Gaming4Life1981]

I dont get mad over video games and i never will. Im a gamer and i have tons of games to play so im good. MS has shown upcoming games so all this talk about no games is untrue. Halo was the big game that was supposed to launch with series x but it was delayed and yes it sucks but its coming next year get over it. Hey if you dont want to wait then dont move on play pc play ps5 or whatever.

People are excited for the games thats coming to xbox this year next year and beyond and people on this site seem to always try and hate and downplay xbox. For once i would like to see non xbox players or people who have no interest in xbox actually stop hating and just stick to what they enjoy.

[NEXUS-6]

But none of those games - 100% - are exclusive to series x/s. They can be played on the console you already own - no need to upgrade.

The point about being pissed off has to do with ms always seemingly stringing its fanbase along.

The spit out a lie and get a free pass, they're actually releasing a NEW console with no NEW games.

It's bloody embarrassing and sets the tone for the generation ahead.

Hope you enjoy.

[Gaming4Life1981]

So because games were delayed they should delay the entire console? Ps5 games are also coming to ps4 so whats your point. Demon souls remake is only on ps5 but its not a new game.

Im done going back and fourth but ill have xbox series x and ps5 and enjoy both. If you and others can only enjoy one console then do that and move on.

[Cockney]

Forgive me but I'm wary of any promises made by the xbox management team, I've been burned before

[SullysCigar]

It's not easy to believe, given their track record. How anyone still backs Phil is a mystery.

[NEXUS-6]

Your first comment was - 'we know the games are coming' - how long have you heard that?

Has a single xbox gamer called ms out - nope. Too busy defending them.

And yes - I think they should've delayed the console, they're clearly under prepaired.

It all makes sense why they've been waterboarding the consumer with gamepass.

Not a strong start for ms - and we all know how they finish haha.

[TitaniumExposed_VIP]

You seem like true gamer, and yet your comment got so many disagrees just because you mentioned xbox, the mental age in this website must be pretty low i take.
I don't play on xbox but i think they did a masterful job on their backwards compatibility going back three generations as i'm all for game preservation, i can definitely see the appeal of that added to the modern stuff.

[talocaca]

They were clearly not ready to launch.

Surprising since it really felt like they gave up on the XBox one years ago....I really expected them to have a killer line up ready for their next gen system.

Then Halo was shown.....and delayed.

What have they been doing for the last 3 years?

[Kaedro]

"What have they been doing for the last 3 years?" - Brainwashing the fanbase that GamePass is the best thing since sliced bread.

[NEXUS-6]

Bingo. Seems to be working too.

[Yppupdam]

Software as a subscription has been a Microsoft wet dream for a number of years now, They even want to move Windows as well as Office ect.. to a subscription model. Imagine having to pay monthly or annually to keep using your computer OS?

[turd_ferguson74]

What has Sony been doing the last 3 years? Miles Molrales DLC? Delays to sackboy, Destruction All Stars? Is that the same delayed shit with Microsoft going on with Sony? Seriously, the fanboyism on this site fucking pathetic.

[TheGreatGazoo30]

Right. MS wasn't ready for launch but PS5 is a compelling buy? What Exclusives do they have next week? A remake and more pretty versions of games available in PS4. Sounds similar to Xbox. The reason to get these systems at launch is if you care about playing the best versions of games. Xbox will be the best place to play 3rd party titles like Assassins Creed and Cyberpunk while also having great next gen version of 1sr party games. Personally I can't wait to play Gears Tactics too and that a new system launch title.

[Aussiesummer]

Um demons souls

[Nyxus]

Aside from the PS5 games, they also released titles like The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima this year. So it's pretty clear what they've been doing.

[S2Killinit]

What have Sony been doing the past 4 years? Really? How about kicking MS back side and dragging it through the mud by innovating both hardware wise and games wise?

[Gaming4Life1981]

Yea fanboys on n4g are the worst and are so hypocritical its unreal.

[elazz]

I played God of War, Spider Man, Horizon Frozen Wilds, the wonderful Dreams, The last of us Part 2 and busy with Ghosts of Tsushima.... Yep... I'm buying PS5 knowing that spree will continue this fall and in 2021

[PS-Gamer-1986]

@ turd

Team green never ceases to amaze me. Denial in perfection.

Comparing microsoft who didn't release worthwile AAA games in ages AND also releases series x with no system seller at the launch of their new console to sony who released top tier games all gen, the last of us 2 and ghost of tsushima this very year and managed to release miles morales, demon's souls, sackboy along their new console is pure craziness . And all this just to avoid admitting that ms dropped the ball again

[Teflon02]

You know GoW, Shadow of the Colossus, Dreams, Spider Man (OG), Medevil, Concrete Genie, Days Gone, Ghost of Tsushima, Last of Us Part 2. As well as Sackboy (just Online coming later and yes that's annoying, I was pissed at this. But the whole game is done otherwise), Miles Morales isn't DLC and you know damn well it ain't. Xbox fanboy talk right there. A standalone game isn't a DLC because it's shorter. Miles is an entirely different spiderman. Demon's Souls, Ratchet coming very soon, Destruction is clearly ready and being held back for Plus in Feb. They've been clearly moving alot and that's all games Sony published. You'd be delusional to think that's some point because PS has been making moves non stop to the point people really didn't expect Sony to be ready with multiple self published games for launch lol. X guys lying that Spidey will be delayed because Halo showed gameplay before it lol. To find out Insomniac may drop back to back before halo lmao. To be real though, MS needs to Drop a new Banjo that's actually Banjo and a New conker that's actually conker. If they can do that. I'm on those

Now that whole I'm hyped for Gears tactics lol. The Niche genre ppl rarely play? Ain't even to say thats a bad game. But there's games on PS5 at launch that aren't on PS4 that are important and not optimized for PS5 lol. We're not going to add Days gone and Ghost to the PS5 launch list just because they got optimization patches for PS5 like Gears and such lol

[BehindTheRows]

I cannot believe someone would ask this ridiculous question. Truly. Review from 2017 till now and tell us what Sony has been doing. Review what their nearest competitor was doing (or, rather, NOT doing).

This isn’t a Sony Too. Microsoft needs to get the games in gear. No amount of “but Sony” will change that.

[NEXUS-6]

turd - did you really just ask what has Sony been doing? Haha

Releasing GOTY contenders consistently, prepping for a new launch of a console.

Has Sackboy been delayed? Destruction All-Stars moving FTP and a PS+ game is the best thing for it.

Now cast that ever seeing eye over ms - chalk and cheese - simply no comparison.

[outsider1624]

"What has Sony been doing the last 3 years?"

What had MS been doing this whole gen??

[boing1]

Dude... were you living under the rock all year?

[Charlieboy333]

Wow. Ok, we don't even have to go back 3 years.....let's just look at what those useless Sony bastards have given their customers THIS year. Ghost of Tsushima, FF7R, Last of Us 2, Persona 5 Royal, Demon's Souls, Spiderman MM ( I know you find it difficult to read.....so the reviews for the game are just a bunch of confusing symbols to you. But that's ok because your xbox channel boyfriends told you it's 'DLC' and those 3 letters are all your brain can retain without hurting ). So now we have covered the last year a bit, would you like to discuss the upcoming year? Cos the only liferaft that I see for you to cling to is a watered down Halo....meanwhile Sony has more killer games lined up than you've had wet dreams. I used to get frustrated with people like you, but now it actually makes me HAPPY that you are such a sucker for Xbox. Why? Because I see another whole 7 years of disappointment, jealousy and lying to yourself ahead. It's going to be SO exhausting for you...but hey....no one's fault but your own.

[Chevalier]

You mean how Sony released MLB 20, Dreams, Ghost of Tsushima, Dreams, TLOU2? Then add Miles Morales and Demon Souls? Not evening adding 3rd party stuff like FF VII Remake, Persona 5 Royale etc

Its crazy you idiots can exclude such amazing games that happen to he playable on PS5 yet have the gall to go on about Gears 5? Lol. That's truly sad. Playstation and Nintendo have amazing games this year in general. Take off your fan goggles and you'd see.

MS has been constantly delay this, wait for this, its literally a wait simulation. Its night and day. Sony killed it this year with 3 record breaking games between TLOU2, Ghost of Tsushima and FF VII Remake

[dekke]

@turd_ferguson74

jesus u must be so stupid "What has Sony been doing the last 3 years?" what ?

[potatoseal]

Talk about the dumbest and most uneducated comment in the history of N4G

[CaptainObvious878]

@turd

You know the worst thing about your completely divorced from reality rant? That you had the gall to call others pathetic fanboys. The levels of lack of self awareness you displayed in 3 short sentences is beyond my comprehension.

[Z501]

MLB, Dreams, GoT & TLoU 2 to name a few. What's MS's excuse?

[ocelot07]

What has Sony done for the last 3 years you asked? Ok at the top of my head:

Released Spiderman on PS4 with a score of 88 on open critic.

Released God of War on PS4 with a score of 95 on open critic.

Released shadow of the Colossus on PS4 to a score of 92 on open critic.

Released Dreams on PS4 to a score of 90 on open critic.

Released days gone on PS4 to a score of 71 on open critic.

Released Concrete Genie to a score of 77 on Open Critic.

Released Blood and Truth to a score of 81 on open critic.

That's what Sony has done over the last 3 years and that's without me including the last of us 2 lol.

I await your goal post moving next question.

[Hellcat2020]

Gamepass

[Rhythmattic]

SPC
(Subscription Playable Content)

[derek]

What have they been doing? Alot of talking, good guy Phil is the master of talking big and making promises. Microsoft is also the master of talking trash about and taking cheap shots at Sony that earn praise from their fanbase. Still through it all they consistently fail to put out compelling games.

[Chevalier]

But but Gears 5!!!

s/

[moriarty1889]

worried more about gamepass than actually keeping on top of game development like Halo Infinite in this case. They have been screwing around too much and Bonnie Ross needs to go with most of her woke staff.

[Charlieboy333]

What were they doing? They were 'preparing' for next gen. Well next gen is here and it is clear to everyone with more than one working brain cell what they have 'prepared'. I'll give everyone a clue......it rhymes with 'duck call'.

[anast]

more like the last 20 years.

[gold_drake]

one of the many reviews who says just that. i dont think MS was anticipating this. but they dont care if we buy it anyways.

[GaboonViper]

Wait til' E3.

[ILostMyMind]

" ... "

[ecchiless]

what year? not sure about e3 2021... maybe neva

[Deathdeliverer]

Yoooooo damn.... we just going to start shooting like that? No warning?

[Echone1]

A new Nintendo will come out (of course with own games), and the xbox will be the third in line again. But that's all right, as Phill would say, Sony and Nintendo are no competition to them :D

[CaptainObvious878]

Long as their fanbase spoon feed themselves gamepass, phil the lying messiah won't care.

[Sirk7x]

Amazon and Google are the competition for MS. The reach those companies have, and power over many people's daily lives is absolutely staggering. As long as Windows is around, and gaming is profitable, MS isn't going anywhere. Just try to imagine the tech we'll be using, and internet speeds that we'll have in 15-20 years. That's why they don't see Sony/Nintendo as direct competition, because MS is one of the companies trying to shape these entire markets into what their vision of the future is. Basically all information and software on the cloud. Scary shit, because you can be damn sure all of the other big tech companies are never going to back down from creating that future either.

[Stanjara]

I'm gonna get spam alert again but I found this funny.
Sony exclusives loads in 4 sec.
Xbox exclusives loads in 2021.

[S2Killinit]

😂 You made my morning. Not sure if its true but they really need to show up with games instead of focusing on PR. At some point people see through that.

[ILostMyMind]

I think 2021 is just to show the games.

[CaptainObvious878]

That was hilarious!

[TheCaptainKuchiki]

Savage headline

[TheDarkArtisan]

What a ridiculous and poorly thought out review... can't wait to read his review of the PS5... anticipating it's going to state that it's better than sliced bread. Both consoles are out pretty much at the same time, both don't exactly set the world alight with their initial game releases... it will be next year when all the next gen games finally arrive and both Microsoft and Sony will have big hitters. I hope this reviewer pays the following in mind when he reviews the PS5. It's fact that the PS5 has it's issues as well... 664GB of usable SSD space v 802GB on the Xbox X. Install the upcoming COD and COD Warzone for starters and that significant difference suddenly becomes a bit of a concern when installing other games. Xbox are already supplying an SSD 1TB expansion if needed... Sony, no... sometime next year. Yes the PS5 SSD is quicker but how much quicker do you want a game, say The Witcher 3, to load up or when you fast travel in a game... a few secs difference at most. If you want to play co op games on the PS5 then you'll have to pony up more money for another controller... Xbox X... all controllers from past machines work. Mind you, you can use that PS5 controller on a PS3... nice touch. Yes, the PS5 controller is a great new controller with Xbox going for the 'if it ain't broke no need to fix it' approach, with some subtle additions... a seperate share button for starters. Want to use a 1440p monitor with your PS5... sorry no.... Xbox X... all resolutions are fine. Xbox X brings backwards compatibility to most games plus enhances them with an HDR algorithm. Xbox X supports Atmos and Dolby vision. To enjoy Sony's new 3D sound you'll have to pay for a new Sony headset, your current one won't work with it sadly... another £130+ please. You get gamepass on the X, a huge back catalogue of games, as opposed to what Sony currently offer. Xbox X supports an instant resume game function even if you turn the console off. Want your PS5 to fit in your existing entertainment stand, you might have some problems there. We get down to the games on release day... exclusives wise not really any big hitters on both systems. A remastered Demon Souls is nice, but it's an old game many have played before. A remastered Spider Man with some additional content, with a spurious excess charge from Sony if you want to get it on the PS4 then upgrade to a PS5 later. And look at the prices for these PS5 games... Demon Souls, Spider Man, Godfall going for £69 here in the UK, compared to cheaper third party game prices such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla £49, Fenyx £49. It's early days, next year when all the delayed and planned released games come out will be a better time to review these consoles. Just be grateful that during this pandemic that they came out at all and that games can still be played on them, better than on the last gen as well. I have both current gen consoles, exclusives on each made them both desirable. I'll end up getting both next gen consoles too, I'm in it for the games and the quality of gameplay.

[wiz7191]

💯💯 the realest comment I seen so far

[potatoseal]

You might be the only one who read it

[RazzerRedux]

You don't have to agree with the author, but your defense can be summed up with the typical "what about PS5?" nonsense. Why don't you actually respond to his points rather than doing the typical console war bullshit tap dance? Your post is incredibly slanted towards Xbox and downplays every single possible PS5 advantage.
I'm not going to go through all that shit you wrote because it has all been rehashed over and over, but where does this come from?

"To enjoy Sony's new 3D sound you'll have to pay for a new Sony headset, your current one won't work with it sadly... another £130+ please."

No, you don't have to buy a new Sony headset for 3D sound.

"On the PS5, you’ll be able to experience 3D Audio with the headphones that many of you already own, either through USB connection to the console, or by plugging your headphones into the DualSense wireless controller’s 3.5mm headset jack. "
https://blog.playstation.co...

[SmokinAces]

You were spinning so hard you forgot to use paragraphs.

[thornintheside]

While the PS5 is in a better position at release gamewise, I agree that that in general this new generation is hard to get excited about. If you're into spiderman and demon souls, this comming generation is great, however I will problably just be working thru my backcatalogue until the new year.

[GOULDYBOBS]

Both consoles look meh to me in my opinion. I am interested in the dual sense controller and that is it. Nothing "next gen" other than that

[nickanasty206]

Xbox is only compelling at the moment for those like me who have a huge physical collections of BC games with a backlog that seems endless. If you want to play those the best way they can be played, Series X is the only way to go. Have always purchased my third party games for Xbox, since thats where all of my buddies play, and because in general all third party games on Xbox One X performed better than PS4 pro with higher resolution, so to me Series X is a godsend. My playstation has always been my single player exclusive warrior, so my collection only consists of all the first party exclusive games, which are generally one and done for me. Both consoles are incredible, but i will get a lot more use out of my Xbox for third party games and online multiplayer games since that is where all my friends are at. Most of my buddies who also have playstation don't buy PS Plus because they just bought a Playstation for the exclusives as well and don't have a reason to spend 60 dollars for PS Plus when all of the good first party Sony games are just single player experiences that don't require a PS Plus subscription. Each console has its purpose, and its purpose can only be determined by your personal situation which includes where your friends play, if you care about BC etc.

[FGHFGHFGH]

But every 3rd party multiplat has a much bigger player base on ps4. Usually around 2x-3x bigger on ps4. If you like playing with the same people all the time I guess xbox is better for you though.

[nickanasty206]

Definitely why I have both, but yeah i do enjoy playing with my real friends who regularly play over randoms.

[FGHFGHFGH]

@stormrage
Install base matters for multiplayer games. My point was that people that say ps is only for single player games don't know what they are talking about since practically every 3rd party multiplayer game has more players on playstation. In other words, ps4 has dominated multiplayer and single player games

[glopez]

I don't see how that's possible as every ps fan on here only play Sony's exclusives. Or do you mean to say the 3rd party is king?

Fortnite, Apex, COD, Madden, ect.

But those games don't get bought because "Exclusives!!!"

[nickanasty206]

But when you play those third party exclusives, you want to play where your friends play right? I mean i guess the difference for me is that all of my real physical friends that i used to see on a regular basis weekly before covid, play on Xbox, and that is who i want to play with over randoms. If my friends played on Playstation in other words, that is where i would buy third party games, but they don't, so Xbox is my third party machine. My friends that do have PlayStations won't even buy PS Plus, so playing with them online isn't even an option. They see the value in Playstation exclusive single player experiences, so they use it for what they think is its purpose. By no means am i bashing Playstation here, its just where my friends play third party games, so that is where i play. If Sony ever make compelling first party games with excellent multiplayer experiences, perhaps this will change, but until that happens, third-party games will be played where my friends play. Also my Klipsch surround sound system is guaranteed to work as expected for my Xbox with Atmos support, so that is compelling as well. I picked up a pair of the Steelseries Arctic 7p's to enjoy 3d audio on my Playstation to see how it actually performs, but haven't been given any evidence that it will work well on my surround sound system i shelled out thousands for last year before covid struck. Dolby Atmos is universally supported on most modern mid to high range modern receivers, so i know for sure my Xbox will shine when not using headphones.

[Challengerscatpack]

Same here! PS for my exclusives and Xbox for my multiplats. I have game pass so why would I buy the PS5 version of a game so I can pay for PS plus also? Waste of money. My biggest thing is Dolby Atmos, Xbox has it, PS5 doesn’t. My theater room is set up for it so I’m not going to play the inferior version and not have Atmos. I bought the PS4 first and left the Xbox for the first few years this time and I have a huge backlog of Xbox games from this gen I’ve been waiting to try on the X. Gears 5, Forza Horizon, Doom.

[Challengerscatpack]

Lmao you don’t even know what you’re talking about! 🤣🤦🏻‍♂️ “Lies” hahahah.

It’s cute and admirable you’re defending a company and a plastic box. As a consumer who will have said plastic box this week from both Sony and Microsoft I have a staked interest in their features. It is inferior and it 100% does not provide true object based audio for home theater systems. It’s all over the AVS pages with screengrabs of the audio menus, 5.1 and 7.1, no overhead. I don’t care how many Cerny interviews you can pull up, that was headphone nonsense. So for those of us that have a true theater 7.1.4 system in our homes, we are being left out. So yes, Sony’s option is INFERIOR to the Xbox that will have Dolby Atmos for receivers. I’d love for you to go find me some FACTS about how the PS5 will provide object based audio for receivers since you know I’m spewing lies here and all...

[Challengerscatpack]

So you’re admitting that the Xbox can produce true 3D audio for everyones setup but Sony’s solution isn’t inferior even though it doesn’t work in every situation? Interesting.

That sounds a lot like the PS fans argument when they make fun of Xbox for a lack of games with sayings like, “potential, secret sauce, next year, 2 years, few years.”

So I should ignore the fact the PS5 doesn’t support my theater room NOW because it has the “potential” to be better in the long run if and when Sony gets around to supporting it? That’s a lot of conjecture.

3D audio> no 3D audio, I’d say that’s pretty clear cut that having something is better than not having it, wouldn’t you? Don’t worry, I’ll still enjoy my PS5 games, I just won’t buy the multiplatform versions on my PS5 until Sony gives me the audio I want. I don’t want their Z9F virtual surround sound, I want true discrete channel audio. It’s not that much to ask for and I’ll choose my games based on the one that gives me that.

[Plagasx]

No point buying either next gen console now to to be honest... gonna wait for some real next gen exclusives.

[Ulf]

This guy should just stick a PS5 next to his Xbox Series X, if he's having trouble keeping it warm.

[potatoseal]

That's fake news you're spouting there buddy. Go watch DF foundry video review

[Thundercat77]

The UI and controller are practically the same from old gen plus there are no killer app or any wow exclusive next Gen.

Xbox dropped the ball

[nibblo]

To be fair that site pretty much says the same about the PS5 in that review

[potatoseal]

It's Xbox One X 2.0 that's it.

[kryteris]

A worst case scenario resolution target/tricks will hit 1080p and the series s will be non option compared to ps5. This likely will make the series x also a non option because they will force compliance.

[Sirk7x]

By that logic, you could say the same thing about every multi-platform game that will exist this entire generation, which is what, 99% percent of games? So either it's not that big of an issue, and can be resolved with dynamic resolutions, or the Series S is literally going to kill this generation of gaming lmao. The truth is, that not many studios are going to innovate on game design philosophies this generation, probably for a few reasons. For one, games are incredibly expensive to make, and no one wants to take the risks involved, including unfamiliarity with new concepts, and lack of market research to guarantee returns. I would love to see a myriad of new ideas, and things that were completely impossible before, but let's face it: We're mostly gonna be playing the same old shit with new, shinier graphics outside of some truly spectacular exclusives.

[airforcex]

Horizon ZD is my favorite in the last 10 years. That being said, the thought of playing CP2077, CoD and AC Valhalla on the best performing console is enough for me. Add to that Game Pass and, frankly, these writers/reviewers need to catch up with the times. It’s not just about the exclusives. Even without Halo, it’s an excellent product and a compelling gift during the holidays. Miles Morales can’t make up for 100+ games plus all the EA content.

[Challengerscatpack]

Lol it’s all PS fans in here. You guys need a life, go play some games.

[anast]

good news actually. This means the SX will be at a nice price when they drop ES6. Their sense of timing is kind of comical.

[helicoptergirl]

Definitely not for me

[Petebloodyonion]

Don't you love a review from a guy that already had is mind made up before making the review.
Here's the Ps5 review from the same guy
https://www.shacknews.com/a...
And quite strange that despite a lot of similarities in both experience the reviews are quite opposite at the end.

Microsoft Xbox Series X review: The future is not here
"As it stands right now, anyone who is angling to pre-order or buy a Series X console for launch will be investing in a promise from Microsoft that things will get better. Earlier in the year, I felt like the push for backwards compatibility was going to be a nice bullet point for the Series X to go along with fancy new games. The reality is that, without backwards compatibility, the Series X is nearly a paperweight."

Sony It's what's on the inside that counts
"As there are other titles promised for the PS5 launch that have yet to come across my desk, I can’t offer a comprehensive take on everything the PS5 is or could be for Holiday 2020, but what I was given did inspire some confidence. The PS Plus Collection will be invaluable to anyone who missed out on the PS4 lifecycle and Mile Morales is sure to delight most folks as a launch companion. Still, nothing about my short time with the PS5 offered anything that felt next-gen, much like the Xbox Series X"

And just a reminder that he complained the whole review about backward compatibility on Serie X while suddenly becoming invaluable on Ps5.

[RazzerRedux]

"And quite strange that despite a lot of similarities in both experience the reviews are quite opposite at the end."

No, they are not at all. Did you read the last sentence? I mean, you quoted part of it.

" Still, nothing about my short time with the PS5 offered anything that felt next-gen, much like the Xbox Series X. Sony’s track record with exclusives helps to ease some of my concerns, but this package is still tough to recommend to casuals, at least during the initial launch window."

Why are you pretending that is a glowing review for PS5?

[Petebloodyonion]

Check the title for both reviews.
Microsoft: the future is not here
Sony: It's what's on the inside that counts

Also, go check the title of both conclusions.
MS: When will this console make sense?
PS5: U R not Red E

And check the vibe of both complete reviews and it doesn't take a genius to know exactly that he doesn't like MS.

Comments like: "Xbox Game Pass is integrated into the UI pretty cleanly, which is a good thing because at launch it will be about the only way to get games to play if you aren’t bringing an established digital Xbox game library with you."
What? I can't buy games?

Or why is the guy trying hard to downgrade Backward compatibility on Serie X
(Forza on Pc looks better, Auto HDR is nice but.... none patch game offers no improvement or slightly none"
But the tone change when talking about PS5 BC
(Uncharted 4 plays the same but it's ok so no harm, no foul. and the rest is basically positive)
ETC.

The same applies to SSD
On Serie X
"Load times seemed solid across the board, but I saw nothing that lined up ... The load times still fell short of the NVME SSD in my gaming PC,"

On PS5
" Loading in and out of games felt a bit snappier than PS4 Pro, thanks to the included SSD. It also allowed for near-instant fast travel in Miles Morales. I did not personally see much else during my time with the PS5 that gave any indication that its SSD was going to have a monstrous impact on day to day use."

So no mention of the Yakuza near-instant loading on serie X but he sure loves to downgrade improvement by comparing it to PC
But on PS5 wow Spiderman is fast and the rest nevermind and let's sure not compared vs PC

Actually why the needs to always compared to PC in the Serie X review and not in the Ps5 review?

[Sirk7x]

"Still, nothing about my short time with the PS5 offered anything that felt next-gen, much like the Xbox Series X. Sony’s track record with exclusives helps to ease some of my concerns, but this package is still tough to recommend to casuals, at least during the initial launch window."

He's saying they both suck right now, and outside of better performing games for BC, has either company REALLY given people a good reason to upgrade? I mean, Demon's Souls looks great graphically, but damn, I've beaten every Souls game so many friggin' times now.

[Petebloodyonion]

So why 2 different tones?
One review feel optimistic despite the flaws
The other feel meh
And thus my initial point about the reviewer's stance.

[RazzerRedux]

"Sony: It's what's on the inside that counts"

lol....he is talking about the size of the thing which he did not like at all. The fact that you read that as somehow complimentary is funny. Add that to your nonsense that the ending commentary was "opposite" and it is clear you are reading what you want to read. In the PS5 review, he dumps not only on the size but downplays the controller as well. I know you just want to whine about it so I'll just let you.

[Petebloodyonion]

I didn't mean to say that the conclusions are differents I meant to say that the vibes of both reviews are different despite having a lot of the same complaints from the reviewer.

Like I said: why the need to downgrade any positive with a PC reference comment in the series X review?

And I actually agree with the review of the Serie X (and PS5) that it's great for early adopter but you can easily wait until new next-generation experience arrive

[jznrpg]

Miles Morales & Demons Souls Astro Bot Godfall etc loads 15-20 seconds . The Medium will take months to load , Halo and anything else could be a year or 2 or more . Basically what Fake Kaz Harai Twitter account posted .

[RgR]

You were supposed to review the console a not the games or games to come.

It seems this guy did not know what he was supposed to do.

I agree that it may not be that exciting of a new console in terms of changes but it is at least a well manufactured console.

The future of the console will depend on the exclusives that it releases...and you can't judge that today.

It seems to be these journos would be better served to review the current gen consoles, taking into account all the exclusives and the evolution that each platform underwent.

[Charal]

How can you review a console without games?
You turn it on and that’s it?
Even for thermals you need to run games.

It’s like saying you can review a car without gasoline.

Serie X launch lineup is the weakest ever, that’s a fact deal with it.

[RgR]

Yes. You can review most of a car without gas as long as you have all the spec details....but nope.

Your comparison is flawed. A car needs gas to turn on. A console needs electricity to turn on. Obviously that comparison means you can't review the console since you can't turn it on.

They have back compat games they can use for the thermals.
In this case I'd advise you to check my comment history since I get the feeling you assume I'm defending their lineup...I'm most definitely not since they don't have one.

The console has specs, performance, ui, settings, design, peripherals and overall feel that you can review on release. Adding their launch games in the mix is in addition to the console because games are created separately. They get their own reviews and nothing stops a game from being poorly optimized which could then affect the review of the console

[Charal]

@RgR

And what if a console have marvelous specs on paper, but shitty OS that makes all games crash?

With your reasoning it is still a great console.

You do what you want, on my side, especially knowing how MS handled the One X, a console without games is a paper weight, whatever the tech specs are.

[Good-Smurf]

A lot of waiting going on Series S/X side,and I'm so tired of that bullshit they came out outgunned and only have BC and Gamepass to hold it up more powerful hardware became moot at the moment due to complete lack of games that takes advantage of it.
No other way around it.

[TheTony316]

The waiting game is the only true xbox exclusive

[Emme]

Not having compelling launch titles but marketing it as a retro console is a big disappointment.

[Dragonscale]

This is what you get when you decide to release an itirative console and get rid of generations and have no launch lineup to speak of. Xbox One mk2 incoming.

[FanboysKiller]

The wording is superficial, just made in response to gamespot review.

[KingofBandits]

You know, look I'm not buying a Series X at launch as I could only afford one and choose PS5 since I have a lot of PS4 games. That said I feel some of these early reviews are unnecessarily harsh. Yes the XSX is a bit light on software both now and what we know is coming. and yes the OS is the exact same thing with cumbersome tiles and a 1080p interface, but its still a big improvement over the XB1 and XB1X. Reviewing a console is a odd thing to me always has been, but I guess MS should have anticipated some of this

[TheHan]

This is click bait at its finest

[Thump1967]

https://bethesda.net/en/art... Reason enough Nuff said

[Rikimaru1977]

As a gamer, you'll have to wait and see what good quality AAA games they have coming.

[Tyrant 8 RDFL]

I'm getting the XBOX but this is true. The fact that we don't have that next gen game at launch is a bummer. IM happy to read that the system performs great. I know many in here are crapping on the future for XBOX , and I would have agreed, but they bought Bethesda. The future will definitely be different this time.

[Notellin]

Everyone knows you only buy the console for the launch lineup. It won't play any future games or ever get any better. Great article. So informative!