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 the last generation PS4. But almost five months later, I spend most of my time on the Xbox Series X and now I feel bad, like I’m ignoring my PS5.
I was lucky enough to hook both new machines at launch. I didn’t use any special connections or industry contacts to get them. I had just opened a lot of tabs and started searching for consoles as soon as the preorders went live. At the time, I mainly bought the Xbox Series X because I knew I would like to play Halo and a few other exclusive Microsoft products. Plus, for the first time in my life, I had saved money buy both new consoles at launchSo why not buy both if I had the chance?
After both machines arrived in November, I mainly played on the PS5. I have Godfall and Miles MoralesI beat Astro’s playroomI downloaded and played PS4 games like GTA Online and Red Dead Online. I had a good time. But things have changed in recent months.
In December I got one Expansion card for Xbox Series X storage, giving me 1 TB of additional next-gen space. This is very useful as it allows me to download and install more next-gen titles. On PS5, there is still no way to expand SSD storage, reducing the number of big games like Duty you can install in one go. I also started downloading more Xbox 360 and Xbox One games that I owned and found them playing great on the new machine. Game Pass started adding more games to my growing list of things to play. I also started taking advantage of the ability to bounce between my Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Series X, allowing me to play from anywhere with some games, without the need for a storage.
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For example, Gears 5I restarted playing the game on Xbox One, then moved to PC then moved to my Xbox Series X while my girlfriend was playing something on PC, then moved to xCloud on my phone when I was in my living room near our open wanted to play fire on a cold night. And it just worked. I didn’t have to manage saves, installations or anything else. It was seamless. This also happened with Check out Dogs Legion. I started playing on Xbox One. Then I got my new console and the game started on Series X. All my progress, achievements and saves were waiting for me. No hassle, no extra steps. Meanwhile on PS5 I was able to move my saved files from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla but I didn’t get all of my trophies. I also accidentally have it PS4 version the first time I went to install it, which was annoying and a waste of time.
Another major reason I’ve spent more time on my Xbox is backward compatibility. Sure, almost every PS4 game will work on PS5, but no PS3 or PS2 games will work on the new machine. On the Xbox, I’ve played Xbox 360 games, Xbox One games, and even an original Xbox game. They look great too, thanks to the Auto HDR feature built into the new Xbox. And recently older games have gotten even better on Xbox Series X with the FPS Boost feature. It’s still limited, but can keep playing New Super Lucky’s Tale at 120 fps was fantastic The Master Chief Collection also runs at 4K / 120fps and has become one of my most played games of 2021. It’s also handy that I can jump to the PC to keep making progress on my account.
Game Pass is another major reason why my PS5 is starting to gather some dust. I just downloaded Dirt 5 on my Xbox, which was recently added to Game Pass. I haven’t even turned on the console. I did it all through the easy-to-use Xbox app on my phone. In fact, I could just play it on my phone via xCloud, but I’m going to wait to play it on my big dumb 4K TV with 120fps mode enabled.
I guess as more big Sony games come out like Horizon Forbidden West or Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, I will find myself spending more time on the PS5. But if you’re currently trying to buy a next-generation console, first of all, good luck! Second, if you’re not super picky, I think an Xbox Series X is the best bet right now. Especially if you think it is important to play older games or are willing to pay for Game Pass.
Like I said before, I feel bad. My poor PS5 is over there but only used for a few hours RDO or GTA OnlineI want to love it. Loved my PS4 and even the PSVR headphonesIt’s one of my all-time favorite consoles. But I can’t stop playing on my Xbox Series X and I don’t want to. Sorry PS5. I’ll be right back Deathloop is from. Promise!