The Xbox Series X is perhaps the most user-friendly console of all time. This may seem like a hyperbolic statement at first glance, especially if Microsoft announces a ridiculously high price in the next few days. But as it is, all signs are that the Xbox Series X is a product that is very good value for money. If you're already part of the Xbox ecosystem, Microsoft is doing everything it can to make sure you stay committed to green gear. But there are also very compelling reasons that newcomers may not be aware of, which could influence their decision on which console to buy. Let's dive in.
Xbox exclusives are included in Xbox Game Pass
The Xbox One has been criticized for its lack of exclusivity in this generation, but that does not mean that it did not have standout titles. Some games have become successful franchises over time, like Sea of Thieves, and Forza Horizon 4 is arguably one of the best driving games of this generation. But whether an exclusivity works well or not is completely subjective. The most important thing is to play and form your own opinion (I personally enjoyed Crackdown 3, for example, which most people despised).
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(Image credit: Microsoft) Fortunately, Microsoft gives Xbox Game Pass subscribers access to all of its proprietary titles right out of the box. This means that instead of paying $60 for Halo Infinite, you'll get the next release of Master Chief as part of Xbox Game Pass on day one. You'll also get all the other proprietary games Microsoft releases, like the inevitable Forza Horizon 5, Gears 6, and Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. However, if you have a PS5, you'll have to pay a steep price to play the latest game from global studios. from Sony, and when all the titles aren't prominent (yes, even Sony has some issues), the approach to Microsoft seems extremely generous by comparison.
Full backward compatibility
One of the worst aspects of the PS4 and Xbox One generation was the swarm of remasters, remakes, and re-releases that developers rushed to take advantage of the lack of backwards compatibility. It's unlikely to change on PS5 and Xbox Series X, but I'm personally tired of paying for slightly better games I already own. Microsoft obviously understands this sentiment, as its backwards compatibility program has been a breath of fresh air for the industry, which often seems like its only goal is to squeeze every penny it has out of you.
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(Image credit: Rockstar) Xbox Series X will not only support hundreds of original Xbox 360 and Xbox games at launch, it will also significantly improve them. Microsoft has already alluded to how games can harness the power of its new console by increasing frame rates and resolution for older titles, as well as retroactively adding HDR. And we've already seen it on Xbox One X, where games like Red Dead Redemption and Final Fantasy XIII have been turned on 4K, making them brand new again. Sony, on the other hand, hasn't been as open about backwards compatibility. We know most PS4 games will work on PS5, but we probably won't see support for PS1 and PS2 games other than through digital re-releases, and PS3 games will likely be reserved for streaming via PS Now, It's not. Not a great experience. So it's clear which console will have more games to play at launch.
You can use your existing Xbox One accessories
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(Image credit: Microsoft) If, like me, you've rounded up half a dozen limited-edition controllers, or spent a lot of change on the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller, it's good to know that all the accessories for Xbox One they'll work on Xbox Series X too. This means you won't need to pay for another gamer two pad in your life, and if you've gotten used to the feel of the Xbox One controller, you don't have to downgrade to the slightly refined Xbox X Series version if that's what you need. What do you prefer. While we know that the PS5 DualSense controller includes many of the same features as the DualShock 4, such as the touchpad, light bar, speaker, and headphone jack, it's unclear if Sony will allow you to use your older PS5 controllers and accessories. the same way on the PlayStation XNUMX. If this isn't the case, all these replacement controllers you own are going to be left to collect dust, and with the fancy DualSense features coming at a steep price tag, you'll need to dip into your cash reserves if you're looking for a second. tampon.
Xbox Smart Delivery gives you the best version of any game
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(Image credit: Microsoft) With the next console generation looming, buyers can sometimes find themselves in a tricky position: should they buy this game now or wait for the most sophisticated version of the new consoles to come out? Thanks to Xbox Smart Delivery, this common headache is now a thing of the past. When you buy a supported game on Xbox One, you'll automatically get it on Xbox Series X. This means that if you buy Gears 5 today or download it as part of Xbox Game Pass, it'll be available on Xbox Series X if you buy Microsoft's new console. The same is true if you want to play an Xbox Series X game on your Xbox One. Did you buy Halo Infinite on Xbox Series X but want to play it on Xbox One located in your bedroom? Xbox Smart Delivery will recognize it and provide you with the correct version of the game so you can play Halo without getting out of bed. The worrying thing is that we don't know if this will be the case on PlayStation 5, at least it seems that it is up to the developers to decide, more than anything. With Sony already declaring that it makes games exclusively for PS5, it's hard to see PS5 titles playable on the PS4, and while some games may be upgradeable to PS5, we already know Microsoft has promised games like Destiny 2, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Gears 5. and Assassin's Creed Valhalla will support Xbox Smart Delivery.
Xbox Play Anywhere is a bonus for PC players
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(Image credit: Microsoft) Xbox Play Anywhere has been around for a while now, but it's criminally neglected in terms of the value it offers. If you buy the digital version of a game that supports Xbox Play Anywhere, you'll get it on Xbox One and PC. Xbox Play Anywhere titles also support cross-save, so you can report your progress to PC or console, depending on where you want to play. You may not have a PC, or you just prefer to play on a console; However, getting something for free is never a bad thing, and there are notable titles endorsing the service like Resident Evil 7 and Cuphead. Sony had a similar scheme with the PlayStation Vita, but since it dropped support for its now-missing handheld, there's nothing more to be gained by buying a game digitally from Sony's console.
The XCloud project could change the game
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(Image credit: Microsoft) Microsoft has promised to combine Project XCloud, its upcoming cloud streaming service, with Xbox Game Pass, which makes perfect sense. We don't know if the new service will affect the price of a Game Pass membership, but the ability to play games on any device thanks to the power of the cloud gives gamers another way to enjoy Xbox games. Sony was quick on the cloud gaming scene with PS Now, but the service was criticized for being too expensive and the overall experience was fragile. Sony has also used the service to primarily stream PS3 games with mixed results. I tried the beta version of Project XCloud, and despite the usual complaints that cloud gaming can bring, such as visual artifacts and weird connection quality stutters, I was very impressed. . Cloud gaming isn't quite ready for mass adoption yet (sorry, Stadia), though, and Microsoft knows it. But being able to play when you're in a pinch or can't be bothered fighting over who gets the TV is a great option.