I started this new generation of game consoles with the expectation of playing most games on the PS5, as I played most things on the PS4 of the last generation. But almost five months later, I’m spending most of my time on the Xbox Series X and now I feel bad, like I’m ignoring my PS5.
I was lucky to secure the two new machines at launch. I did not use any special connections or industry contacts to obtain them. I just opened several tabs and started searching for consoles at the time the pre-orders were published. At the time, I mainly bought the Xbox Series X because I knew I would like to play areola and some other Microsoft exclusives. In addition, for the first time in my life, I saved money to buy two new consoles at launch. So, why not buy both if I could?
After both machines arrived in November, I played mostly on PS5. i got Fall of God and Miles Morales. I won Astro’s Playroom. I downloaded and played PS4 games like GTA Online and Red Dead Online. I had fun. But in the past few months, things have changed.
In December, I received a Xbox Series X storage expansion card, giving me an extra TB of next generation space. This is very useful as it allows me to download and install more high-end titles. On PS5, there is still no way to expand SSD storage, limiting how many big games like Call to action you can install at once. I also started downloading more Xbox 360 and Xbox One games that I owned and found that they played very well on the new machine. Game Pass started adding more games to my growing list of things to play. I also started to take advantage of the ability to jump between my Xbox One, PC and Xbox Series X, with a few games allowing me to play anywhere, without the need to transfer saves.
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For example, Gears 5. I started playing again on Xbox One, then switched to PC, then switched to my Xbox Series X while my girlfriend played something on the PC and then switched to xCloud on my phone when I wanted to play in my room by the fireplace on a cold night. And it just worked. I didn’t have to manage rescues, facilities or anything. It was perfect. This also happened to Watch the Legion of Dogs. I started playing on Xbox One. Then I bought my new console and started the game on the X Series. All my progress, achievements and saves were waiting for me. No fuss, no extra steps. Meanwhile, on PS5, I managed to move my defenses from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla but I didn’t win all my trophies. I also accidentally downloaded the PS4 version the first time I installed it, which was annoying and a waste of time.
Another big reason I spent more time on the Xbox is backward compatibility. Of course, almost all PS4 games work on the PS5, but no PS3 or PS2 games work on the new machine. On Xbox, I have been playing Xbox 360 games, Xbox One games and even an original Xbox game. They also look great, thanks to the Auto HDR feature built into the new Xbox. And recently, older games just got better on Xbox Series X with the FPS Boost feature. It is still limited, but it is able to play New Super Lucky’s Tale at 120 fps It was fantastic. Master Chief Collection it also runs at 4K / 120 fps and became one of my most played games in 2021. It’s also cool to be able to jump to the PC to continue making progress on my account.
The Game Pass is another big reason why my PS5 is starting to collect dust. I just downloaded Dirt 5 to my Xbox, which was recently added to the Game Pass. I didn’t even turn 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 will wait to play it on my big dumb 4K TV with 120 fps mode enabled.
I assume that as more big Sony games are released, like Horizon Forbidden West or Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, I will spend more time on PS5. But if you’re trying to buy a state-of-the-art console, first of all, good luck! Second, if you’re not too picky, I think an Xbox Series X might be the best bet right now. Especially if you care about playing older games or are willing to pay for the Game Pass.
As I said before, I feel bad. My poor PS5 is there, only being used for a few hours of RDO or GTA Online. I want to love this. I loved my PS4 and even the PSVR headset. It is one of my favorite consoles of all time. But I can’t stop playing my Xbox Series X and I don’t want to. PS5 Sorry. I’ll be back when Deathloop leaves. Promise!