Why I’ve Still Not Bought A Next-Gen Console

In the first of a brand new series of video game columns, Mark Butler explains why he’s yet to take the plunge with a PS4 and Xbox One – and probably won’t for a good long while yet.

[csreynolds]

Because you can't get hold of one? :-P

[Saryk]

That's not correct. I can get XBone right now, PS4 is hard, but if you got the cash, anything is possible!

When consoles first come out it is best to wait and let the problems get worked out. Middle of the year would be a great time. Problem with most people is that they can't wait!

[csreynolds]

That's fair. I was referring to the PS4 with my tongue-in-cheek comment; I am aware the Xbox One is more readily available (but I'll leave it to the fanboys to argue over why that might be...)

As for problems, the PS4 (the only one I can talk about, as I don't have an Xbox One) has performed very well. Sure, some of the cool features announced at E3 still need to be patched in, but it plays games, I can access online, and I can stream. For now, that suits me fine.

[Albie360]

To Saryk
Yes all the rest of us will be the crash dummies for all the losers like you!!!

[NeoTribe]

Most of the time its because there broke. Not sure why you would wait for problems to be worked out when thats what insurance is for... my ps4 is flawless and fast with its sshd. If it breaks, i get a new one. Simple as that. Some peepa just cant admit there broke.

[Silly Mammo]

@Albie360- keep telling yourself that, if it makes you feel better.

[minimur12]

This article is a bit silly, I mean its only been 2 1/2 months, its hardly time for an article about why they still haven't bought one.

If it were march, I'd be expecting an article like this. But when your in the stages of a release where the manufacturers are still short on stock, in my opinion I think it's stupid :p

[starchild]

There are PS4s at my local K-mart. They aren't that hard to find. If you have the money I'm sure you can get one.

[Silly Mammo]

@Albie360- Apologies! I misread your post. It's so hard sometimes to keep track of who's replying to whom on my tablet. ;0)

[Chris_GTR1]

I think not buying a ps4 is a sign of maturity. I have more than enough money to buy it right now but there's just no games. I'll wait hopefully by Christmas time they'll have some good games for now I'll be playing dayz on my PC and ps3

[liquidhalos]

deleted comment, change of heart

[liquidhalos]

I think the truth is that december/jan is an expensive time of year for people and they cant afford it. Thats why its always best to preorder early i guess

[MysticStrummer]

I had to move to a new city first and now I have to buy a worthy TV, so PS4 being constantly sold out isn't driving me as crazy as it would be otherwise. I'll have both the TV and PS4 within the next few months.

[ALLWRONG]

If you want a PS4 just go to Walmart, whole stack of em at Sams sitting right next to the Xbones.

Sorry did I spoil something?

[BlackTar187]

Pics or it didn't happen.

[MysticStrummer]

You didn't spoil anything. Walmart and Sams Club are among the places I've been during my TV browsing, and what I saw didn't match your description. I saw lots of XB1s and very few PS4s over several days of looking through multiple stores, first in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and then around Austin.

[KEEPNITREAL]

@ALLWRONG
I agree with you , both are available in different locations , but xbox ones are easier to find. Seen more of both at Best Buy ,very few at walmart and hardly any at gamestop ( saw them these past few weeks just browsing around looking for new games , I already bought both at launch already ). I keep telling my peeps that if they really want one of these systems to try Best buy and ask a salesperson when the next shipment comes in and go early the next day !

[liquidhalos]

lets see the pics, im surprised more people arent going for your bubbles due to trolling

[Good-Smurf]

I just got one (It actually my sister who bought it) from ToysRus and I still wait for her to send more pictures to see if it's a Call of Duty Bundle or not.
God I don't want to play that shit!
Anyway it's good to know that finally I got PS4 the thing just got sold out all the time!
I'll receive the system in late February.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

I think last years hype really drove those millions of early adapters to buy one at launch. The excitement and the anticipation was through the roof.

Imo I think most of us just realized we need very compelling software to play these games. AC, COD, and BF are all known AAA's but doesn't really move the market to buy them on next gen systems for the simple fact that those games look similar on current gen consoles.

If I was you I would wait for the games to come out that are unique to next gen or that are only next gen. So March Titanfall (would recommend X1) or Infamous for PS4.

[csreynolds]

I'd disagree with you there (though I should point out I didn't 'Disagree' disagree).

AC and BF4 are very different on the now current gen. AC's load times and performance are comparatively better on PS4/XB1, the second screen function adds a lot to the gameplay experience, and PS4 runs at 1080p (I believe PS3 runs at 720p, but I could be wrong) with significantly greater draw distances, detail etc.

Re: BF4, that too runs at a higher resolution on PS4 (900p I believe), but more importantly runs at 60fps (PS3/Xbox 360 capped at 30fps). Plus, only on current gen and PC can you play 64 player matches; on past gen, you're limited to 24 players. It's just a shame the game on the whole is riddled with problems.

I appreciate that the new platforms cost a bomb, but to dismiss them for this reason isn't really credible. Yes, these games are bridging a gap, and thus future PS4/XB1 games will be more unique/attractive visually and feature-wise, but there are very valid differences between the versions of these games, and once you've played a past-gen game on current gen it's hard to go back. If you're going to avoid PS4/XB1 at all, it should be because of price, not software. I have six titles, and I'm enjoying all of them - maybe I'm in the minority here?

[liquidhalos]

LOL what a load of BS, You dont have one because you missed out, deal with it, dont pretend bud, its transparrent

[Fishy Fingers]

Not sure I would recommend going above and beyond to find one yet if your on the fence. Give it a few months and you'll have a much better selection of games/bundles to pick from.

[BlackTar187]

Yea there is no rush to buy either system yet imo. Bead Rising is a fun game but im bored and i just can't like Killzone it isn't for me. Outside those games i play BF4 and I wouldn't exactly be able to make a case for it being a must have title yet. Work out all the kinks and maybe ill throw some more love and support behind it to people.

[curtis92]

Everytime I see articles like this I'm not sure what the purpose is... Do you want a pat on the back? What makes your situation and decision more important than mine or anyone elses on this site?

@Nerdmaster no, I didn't. Because I'm not interested in someone else's reasoning for purchasing products. There are just a lot of these articles and I wonder why.

[BlackTar187]

people just like to pretend that others care about there situation.

[Nerdmaster]

Well... you clicked on the link, didn't you?

[BlackTar187]

Wow ALLWRONG,

You need to really evaluate your priorities here.

[MysticStrummer]

@Nerdmaster - I can't speak for BlackTar but I never click on opinion articles that start with the word "Why". It's just a personal policy.

@ALLWRONG - Good to see you still living up to your name, and it's very appropriate that you have it in all caps. What does your comment, or BlackTar's for that matter, have to do with Sony fans, exactly?

[Nerdmaster]

@MysticStrummer
I didn't mean clicking on the link to the site with the article, but the link in the front page of N4G to this page here. If you're commenting here, it means that you saw the title, and cared enough to click the link to end up here. If we really didn't care about other people's opinions, we wouldn't even be here in this page.

[RexFury]

Some people just like to share their opinions, which is why it has been put down as a opinion piece. That was the sole reason I created my own gaming site, so I can do that with my friends. I don't expect our site to get big as the competition is gigantic. So I can't see myself gaining anything (financially) out of it.

I don't know about the author of this article, but I just enjoy writing articles on games.

[Tru_Ray]

Agreed. These articles are pointless. The subtext is "Why I am So Wise for Not Being an Early Adopter". If you are not interested in the next-gen platforms, that is cool, but do we really need a dissertation as to why?

With that being said, I am itching to play the 2nd generation of PS4 games. Bring on Second Son!

Tru_

[frostypants]

You could of course say that about any editorial or blog post on any site.

[DanielGearSolid]

There really is no point to these articles...

Or atleast I don't see one

[RavageX]

I agree with Curtis here, I personally see these sort of articles as being very annoying.

I view this site as being for NEWS...and this certainly isn't that.

Even if the person were famous I can't really see me giving a damn as to why they have or don't have a next gen console, or wanting to know what they think about it.

And no, I didn't click the article, this post was made out of annoyance and to show my agreement with others who have similar feelings.

[Mega24]

Stepping into the new generation is the way to go forward, last generation still needs to be supported for those who can't upgrade, but by doing this, it holds resources for game to have more features in the new gen, and most games will not be the complete experience in the last gen. Destiny will definitely won't play the same or look the same in ps3/360, then on ps4/x1.

Also, why are so many people tying to voice their personal opinions on why they don't think a new console is not needed for them now?

[supes_24]

They have to give reasons to why the didn't but next gen yet because they're procrastinating. Anything to make themselves feel better as to why they don't have the latest and greatest. I find it foolish for a gaming journalist wiring a piece on why he hasn't made the switch yet, he should be the first to want to try it so he can comment on it. Personally I'm tired of the argument "or had no launch games". Well technically yes it does, they both did and pretty darn good ones at that. If all you're waiting for is AAA titles, then isn't that saying you're spending $500 just to play that game? He makes that comment in his article but contradicts himself.

[HeavenlySnipes]

I've only not bought one yet because I want to hold off til the Winter semester of UNi is over so I can play without the nagging feeling in my head that I should be studying

Plus InFamous is coming out in March anyway

[I_am_Batman]

I had a PS4 preordered but had to cancel my pre-order because of unforeseeable expenses. But I'll probably get one when the Infamous bundle comes out.

[Meltic]

in my country its full boked until oktober 2014. So i bought my ps4 as fast i could...

[RedSoakedSponge]

im really sick of all these opinion pieces on this site recently. cant we just keep it factual and news related?

[The_KELRaTH]

I've not bothered either.

The games I'm enjoying most "that this time" are either on PS3 or PC.

The games that I could have opted for instead of playing the PS3 or PC versions are twice the price - and there's also the cost of the console too.

Some games like GT6 are exclusive to PS3

I would have probably adopted early if it wasn't for the artificial hike in game prices. It suggests that if I'm happy to be an early adopter I'm dumb enough to accept stupid price increases - well that gets my 2 fingers up and my PC gets a new GPU card!!

[N311V]

Game prices didn't change in Australia. If anything they've been on the decline.

What country are you in?

[The_KELRaTH]

UK, PS4 games went up by about 30% and in many cases much higher ie. CoD Ghosts Hardened is £44.99 on PS3 yet it's more like £95 on PS4, Assassin's Black Flag £21.99 PS3, or £49.99 for PS4, same with BF4 etc

[N311V]

Wow that is a big jump but is £22 typical for a new release PS3 game over there? We're paying the equivilant of around £40-£45 now days regardless of whether it's last gen or current gen. Not too long ago £50-£55 was quite normal here.

[supes_24]

@The_Kelrath

Wow! That was dumb. I'm dumber from reading your post. You should take those two fingers and do something else with them.

[theshredded]

SCHOOL/WORK!!!!it's best experienced first in a vacation with no disturbance
More better games than launch titles which will be the first to drop in price,traded,sold used or be in the IGC section someday.And finally more updates

[snookiegamer]

PS4 is my next console of choice, but I want the games I want to play to come out first.

Not buying a new console just for the sake of having a new console.

PS3 is still killing it with games..PS4's new and I don't mind waiting ;/

[BlackTar187]

Yea im still playing Ni No Kuna and i just finished Xcom Commander edition. Once Dark Souls 2 comes out and i beat it i'll retire my ps3 and Xbox 360.

[Ashby_JC]

I'm thinking of getting xcom. Loved the last one..enemy unknown.

[Tzuno]

Because you know that Pc is the way to go this gen. Sorry console lovers but this gen is not worth. Just my opinion.

[gamingisnotacrime]

Pc better specs
Console: easier to access a better experience with exclusives and brand support.

Pc gaming has an identity crisis. Is all about specs

[Sirgougealot]

Your opiinion sucks ass...

[Miraak82]

Alot of people haven't gotten thier W2's yet :p

[gamingisnotacrime]

Kz shadow fall showed me what is uponus and is good
Bf4 on ps4 is awesome

Love the ps4, the ps3 still has more games but that is all fun

[Perjoss]

It might even be worth waiting for the first hardware revision. Launch consoles almost always have technical issues that are ironed out in the first revision. Apart from Nintendo consoles of course, they are usually pretty bullet proof as they are usually not very advanced.

[InTheLab]

Gonna write an article on why I chose to support the industry and be apart of the millions that are excited for the next generation of consoles.

Surely that's more interesting than another article like this

[Bonerboy]

...because after one has shelled out for the console, and expensive games, and expensive peripherals, and paying for online services over the years, it is MORE expensive than building a gaming PC that is equal to if not more powerful than one of these highly restrictive, non upgradable consoles that ultimately becomes obsolete as well as the large pile non backwards compatible games and sits in ones closet collecting dust, or is sold off for pennies on the dollar, not until of course, one becomes star struck and dazzled over the next "big (expensive) thing" they get suckered into buying from Sony or MS, when one could simply buy a new video card for the same price or even less than the sticker price of said new console and all its related overpriced crap.

Never again will I buy one of these things. Utter waste of money....and to top it all off the online console community sucks.

[HeavenlySnipes]

Maybe people want to play more than multiplats at 1080p 60FPS

The major PC exclusive games honestly don't interest me at all, and most are coming to consoles already (lots of indies moving in that direction). Add to that people like games like God of War, InFamous, Killzone, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts etc that won't be on PC

[ShaunCameron]

You know there's more to video games than hardware specs, right?

[Bonerboy]

You've clearly missed my point Mr. Cameron. You didn't do very well in school did you? What I'm saying is... it's much MORE EXPENSIVE in the long run. One pays MORE for LESS when buying into consoles.

If you like the console exclusives and enjoy having nothing but expensive "forever-vanilla" games that become obsolete when a new system is released then by all means, be my guest.

[KratosSaveUs]

These articles were so 2 months ago. The real reason they don't have one is because they didn't preorder and can't find one or can't afford one. They're just trying to get people to agree with them.

[Mithan]

I have not purchased anything yet either and probably wont until Destiny comes out, as that is about the only game coming out this year that excites me so far.

Halo 5 does as well, but I am not sure I want to buy a system JUST for Halo 5 until the price drops about $200 and there is a few more killer games available on the Xbox One AND they shrink it.

[desolationstorm]

This article would be more interesting if you know these systems had been on the market for more then 2 months.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Cause I own something better.

[Oh_Yeah]

Because I have a pc that's been kicking out next gen graphics for a while and because there's not really any exclusives worth playing, and from videos and reviews I've seen the ps4 runs relatively louder than my pc...I hate electronics that make annoying noise that take away from the gaming or movie experience. I'll wait for the inevitable ps4 slim.

[jacksjus]

Hey writer. Who gives a fuck? I got mines and I am happy.

[DualWielding]

buying consoles at launch is never a good idea unless you have money to burn

[ShaunCameron]

And a lot of patience between worthwhile releases.

[CLOUD1983]

Because it's not worth it yet I guess not enough game for specific tastes to make the purchase worth it especially for JRPG/Survival Horror fans there is absolutely nothing for ppl like me to play on next generation consoles maybe in 2-3 years I didn't buy a PS3 until late 2009 no reason to rush just to play a game & then have the console collecting dust for years until the next game who interest me released.

[Ashby_JC]

I did the same thing last gen. I was happy with my Xbox and ps2. I waited until close around gears of war before I jumped on.

But this time...that eight years was way way to long. Bioshock infinite imo did show signs of aging. I loved the original bioshock. But aside from the story I just felt I was playing the same game.

I was just ready to move on.and I felt that there was isn't of launch titles to hold my interest.

But I can see anyone holding out until THAT KILLER game hits. Plus there are tons of me games as he listed still coming for last gen.

Destiny...is that coming in last gen?? (He mentioned it was)

Edit. Just checked..releasing on all platforms

[Paul0035]

I agree with the article, I don't see the rush neither, I don't see the need to upgrade yet. I mean, I'm not seeing a huge gap especially in the graphics department. Im sure I will upgrade down the line but I'm just having too much fun with my PS3.

[tweet75]

the new consoles just dont seem to have enough improvements changes over current gen consoles to justify a purchase. with sony especially ive learned there consoles dont hit there stride till about 2 years into the life cycle. Thats the time to get one.

[Run_bare]

Dark Soul 2 mainly and FF X HD