How to Decide Which Next-Gen Console is for You

There has been a flurry of  reveals and news concerning next-gen tech over the last few weeks. Whether it be the leak and subsequent reveal of all the info on Microsoft’s offerings with the Xbox Series S and Series X, the reveal of Nvidia’s new beast of a graphics card in the RTX 3080, Sony’s PS5 showcase and price reveal or even rumours of a new Nintendo Switch on the way, it's easy to lose sight of the forest through the trees.

For many people considering purchasing a new setup there are plenty of factors at play when trying to make an informed purchase that will suit them, and with all the different technical upgrades happening it is hard to keep track of what is what. After all, gaming has come far from the niche industry it once was and while there are many that have invested 50 hours in Crusader Kings III and spend their weekends shucking hard drives, there are many more of us that hardly know what a Crusader King is but want to be part of the next generation of gaming, not to mention parents looking to give their child respite amidst everything happening in the world. With that said, let’s take a look at all the decisions and considerations you should bear in mind to give you an idea of where to invest. 

However, first things first, DO NOT feel that you have to get one.

If you are someone looking to purchase a new console, consider a few things before deciding to pre-order or buy in November. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the nature of the industry, both Sony and Microsoft have seen key games from their lineup face inevitable delays. Titles such as Halo: Infinite, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Deathloop and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 have all been pushed back into 2021 just to name a few. With this and the option to build some savings (maybe to help get a 4K TV or monitor in conjunction with the system), a wise option would be to instead wait for a while and allow each new system’s library to build up. Additionally, Microsoft and Sony will both be releasing many next-gen titles on their current platforms, with the aforementioned Halo: Infinite having an Xbox One version. Even more surprisingly after publicly stating its belief in distinct generations, it has now come out that Horizon: Forbidden West and Spider-Man: Miles Morales will have PS4 versions coming (it is worth know in all three cases free next-gen upgrades are offered too). So a perfectly fine option for those already with a console is to wait a year before investing in new hardware.  

Look at this little fella!

But let’s say you are looking to get a new system in November or don’t have a console and are interested, maybe to get titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Watch Dogs: Legion or any other holiday games available. Within the neverending news and numerous hardware specs floating around, the ultimate factors that matter are based on simple arguments and not a 0.2GB difference in CPU. For some (particularly those in territories where people have more diligent with their spending due to high taxes on consoles) cost is the biggest factor and in this case, if you are looking to get a good quality next-gen platform at the lowest price, the answer is the Xbox Series S. 

Whilst the Xbox Series S does lack in solid-state drive space with only 512GB compared to the Xbox Series X’s 1TB SSD and is designed to only display up to 1440p HD, it has plenty to offer in the way of value for money. For one, it's the cheapest at face value for £249/$299/€299 which is even less expensive than a Nintendo Switch bundle at some retailers. Also, being a part of the Xbox ecosystem gives access to the excellent Xbox Game Pass service which gives you plenty of options of games to play from day one, including access to EA Play (Electronic Art’s own subscription service). On top of that, there is the Xbox All Access option. Here you purchase an Xbox Series S with 24 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for £20.99/$24.99/€24.99 a month (for those 24 months), this is another economical option that provides a bit of flexibility. 

Additionally, the 1440p resolution won’t affect you unless you have already upgraded to 4K. Also, the console isn’t sacrificing speed as the Series S has the same CPU as the Xbox Series X, so reduced loading times and the quick resume option (an ability to switch between games within seconds without closing any of them) are all present here. Microsoft’s Xbox Series S is one to consider if you’re looking for a new console that is economical and, crucially, it’s a no brainer if you don’t have a 4K TV or monitor that can exploit the PS5 or Xbox Series X’s power.

Can’t wait for Gex to be added to Game Pass.

Of course for both of Microsoft’s consoles, the appeal of Xbox Game Pass is easy to understand. Consider titles like Psychonauts 2, The Medium and Tetris Effect: Connected all going on the service at the end of the year with all future first-party titles such as Halo: Infinite, Fable, Everwild and more all being available for subscribers. On top of this, Microsoft has made a concerted effort to load Xbox Game Studios (their selection of first-party developers) full of talented studios, including Double Fine (Psychonauts, Grim Fandango), Mojang (Minecraft), and most shockingly Bethesda and their multiple studios such as Arkane Studios (Dishonored, Prey), id Software (DOOM, Rage) and Bethesda Game Studio (The Elder Scrolls, Fallout) and more. Microsoft now has 23 studios in the Xbox Game Studios lineup, giving Game Pass an excellent back-catalog and in a few years time, there is potential for an excellent exclusive set of games all available on the service.

Look at this BIG BOY.

If one still wants the service whilst upgrading to a console with 4K capability, the Xbox Series X would be a more preferable option. The additional graphical fidelity that 4K provides and the Game Pass service on top makes the Xbox Series X ideal for those looking to balance a high-end console purchase with the high quantity and good value of games on Game Pass. Of course, for those more invested in physical media, the Xbox Series X has a disc tray for 4K UHD Blu-rays and a full 1TB solid-state drive. For anyone looking at the Xbox Series X, it’ll run you £449/$499/€499 (plus more if buying a new 4k TV or monitor).

However, with all this chat on Microsoft’s offerings, we are neglecting the other box in the room. Sony’s Playstation 5 has a digital-only version (i.e. no disc drive) for £359/$399/€399 and a disc version for the same price of the Xbox Series X. With similarly strong graphical fidelity and a sizable internal storage of 825GB with space for external storage, there is plenty of potential for some games which will truly be next-gen. Whilst Xbox Game Pass does guarantee plenty of titles at launch, the exclusive and immediate lineup is where Sony shines. 

Look at this THICK LAD.

There is no secret that whilst Microsoft’s strategy is framed around creating the ‘Netflix’ of games, Sony is placing its bets on its exclusive lineup, capitalising on goodwill from their incredible previous generation. One of the few value-adds Sony has been pushing is that by getting a Playstation 5 you will get access to the PlayStation Plus collection. This is an instant catalog of PS4 hits playable on the PS5, consisting of numerous classics from the previous generation including Bloodborne, God of War, Persona 5 and Monster Hunter: World. Whilst there aren’t many new exclusives available immediately, only Destruction Derby, Demon’s Souls (which may make its way to PC) and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, many will be coming over the next few years and look like barnstormers. Whether it be Horizon: Forbidden West, Deathloop, Final Fantasy XVI, the untitled God of War sequel or Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Sony has already shown an incredible library of exclusives. Whilst the PlayStation 5 may not necessarily be a must-buy at launch and Sony has confirmed that titles could be retailing as high as £69.99, it's hard not to envision a future in which it becomes a truly heavy-hitter. For those looking for a next-gen console with a strong exclusive lineup and are willing to shift a bit more in money, the PS5 disc version is your best bet. 

So to recap, for those looking to delve into Xbox Game Pass to exploit that Netflix-style appeal of a streaming service, the decision then comes on how much you’re willing to spend and whether you have a 4K setup, that determines if the Xbox Series S or the Xbox Series X is for you. But for those enticed by Sony’s magnificent previous generation, willing to spend a bit more on their titles and aren’t as interested in the subscription service model, the PlayStation 5 would be more up their alley. 

However, let’s also consider Nintendo’s offering. I know, before you suggest anything about how there isn’t a planned new Nintendo console, the Nintendo Switch has become a valuable piece of hardware, particularly over the pandemic period with the increased demand for entertainment creating a need for Nintendo’s premier device. Whilst there are no confirmed plans from the company themselves, numerous reports have indicated that an upgraded version of the Switch may be coming next year and more first-party titles will be made for the platform. (Including a story which we ran back in April)

Given the calibre of the Nintendo Switch’s first-party titles over the years, the strong indie selection and the ease of local multiplayer compared to other inconsistent console offerings, an investment in the upgraded Nintendo Switch should be on the mind. Of course, doing this may come with the issues of a lack of any subscription offerings or a strong online service, as well as the notably unreliable Switch joy-con controllers, but this could be a potential alternative option for those looking for a more portable option that still has a varied and quality library. Going forward, Nintendo are working on titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, Metroid Prime 4, No More Heroes 3 and this holiday’s release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is one to get excited for.

So what is this all to say? When it comes to making decisions around new consoles we should consider all the factors. The upfront cost, the games available in both the short and long term, the choice of the subscription service model, whether you want to go digital-only or still have space for a disc tray, the amount of native storage space available and whether you are willing to invest in the 4K setup or not. Hopefully reading this, you have an idea as to where you’re leaning when it comes to making those decisions.