In Fact, Maybe You Shouldn’t Rush Into Buying the Latest Next-Gen Console
PS5 and Xbox Series X | S has been around the world for over a year, which means we’re firmly in the era of next-gen gaming, and if you don’t already have one of those systems, you might seem to be missing out. But is it really so? I am wondering when is the best time to buy the newest game console?
The elephant in the room is obviously both PS5 and Xbox Series X | S is incredibly difficult to find. Many of us would have bought these consoles by now if they were as easy to buy as their games. But let’s pretend you have the option to buy one of these consoles. Today . Should you do this?
Why aren’t we talking about Nintendo Switch
Switch is a bit removed from this conversation. There is no doubt that this is the third option in the current gaming era, but unlike the PS5 and Xbox Series X | S, this is a well-established console at the moment. Switch is fast approaching five years on the market; during this time, its library has expanded to include a wide variety of exclusives, Wii U-ports, third-party AAA apps, and indie games.
Not only that, the console is now available in three different flavors; OG model (now with extended battery life), OLED Switch and Switch Lite. In many ways, the Switch story is an argument that waiting a bit to usher in the newest gaming era is probably a safe move. (Plus, if you’re in doubt about whether to buy the Switch, do it! It’s great!)
You can wait for the console update
Consoles are usually upgraded while on the market. The first model released (or models in the case of this generation), if you will, are “prototypes”; expensive, bright, something that the company intends to capture in the minds of people, presenting something new to the world.
However, after a while, the company releases an update. Think PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro – you either have a less expensive version of the original console or a more expensive, upgraded version. It’s nice to have a choice as some of us value power and performance above all else, while others want to play without breaking money.
Of course, there are no promises that Sony and Microsoft will release updates for their consoles in this cycle. This is just a historical precedent. But even if these companies decide to stick with their consoles before the PS6 and Xbox, well, whatever Microsoft calls them, those prices will inevitably come down.
It may be difficult to imagine after 2021, but we will live through a time when we have free access to the new PlayStation and Xbox. And hopefully this will drive prices down at some point in the console’s lifecycle. If not, then a used console could save a little. Either way, waiting will ultimately save you money.
You might want to wait for the PS5 and Xbox Series libraries to expand.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some interesting next generation games out there, but the library is still small . This is not to say that there are not a number of games to play on the PS5 or Xbox X series | S because there are tons; it’s just that the list of games that can only be played on these consoles is small.
The latest generation consoles are still popular, and game makers continue to release games for these systems alongside new ones. It works for everyone: if you have a PS5, you can take advantage of improved graphics and performance. However, if you only have a PS4, you can still play this game, only optimized for your old hardware. Speaking of which:
Why You Should Consider Your Current Console Situation
This is a very important question for me: whether you should buy a new console right now probably depends on what you already have to work with. If you own a PS4 or Xbox One, you have access to a giant library of games, many of which are still being released right now. Your current setup is probably more than enough to keep you entertained and addicted to the latest games.
If performance is what you want, that’s a different question. If you have a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X | S, you have many options to play with. Granted, these consoles may not handle 4K at 120fps, but they can play 4K. The PS4 and Xbox One, on the other hand, definitely sacrifice performance because of their hardware. If you value quality, there is a strong case for the move to PS5 or Xbox Series X | S is in your best interest.
For me it boils down to this: if you’re not desperate to play one of the PS5 or Xbox Series X exclusives | S and you already own the latest generation console, you don’t need to buy a new one. Now. If you have the funds and want that extra power, be sure to buy a console, but if you’re weighing options, know that your current PlayStation or Xbox is quite capable of giving you a modern gaming experience. At the end of the day, think about all the games you could buy for the price of a new system.