A reader ranks the three current video game consoles in terms of value for money, quality of games and more – but which comes out on top?
As someone lucky enough to own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and a Switch, and with this week’s topic for the Inbox, I thought I’d give my take on the topic of console wars.
However, I can assure you that I have no loyalty to any system in particular. For me, all systems have different strengths and weaknesses. I assessed which system I think performs best in a number of categories.
Best Value
The best value can be difficult to quantify, depending on how many games you plan to play and whether you enjoy playing games on day one or are happy to wait for a discount.
Sony games are of course the most expensive at release, but usually have a significant discount after a 6-12 month period, so for some this may be the best option. Nintendo games are a lot cheaper, but rarely have a significant discount even years later.
However, for many people, Game Pass is probably the best option when it comes to value, with Xbox exclusives free to play on day one on release, along with other third-party and indies games. It doesn’t hurt that the Xbox Series S is also the cheapest next-gen console.
Winner: Xbox
Future proof
This is hard to predict because no one knows what the future holds, but it’s probably a fair bet to say that Microsoft and Sony are unlikely to release any new hardware other than incremental upgrades anytime soon. Sony also plans to release the PlayStation VR 2 next year, which could give the PlayStation 5 a slight edge over Xbox in terms of future-proofing.
On the other hand, now may not be the best time to buy a new Switch as it’s rumored that Nintendo will release a new console sometime in the next year and whether it will be compatible with current games is unclear.
Winner: PlayStation 5
The best for the whole family
I see no winner here other than Nintendo and I don’t see how anyone else can argue. Of course Sony has Sackboy and ahem Knack, but I can’t think of any other games that are kid friendly or board games for the whole family. Xbox is about the same.
Nintendo, on the other hand, has several Mario games, Kirby and Luigi’s Mansion that are suitable for children, not to mention party/family games such as Mario Party, Mario Kart, Splatoon and Nintendo Switch Sports that will delight those less familiar with video games. to enjoy. Nintendo is so far ahead on this aspect that it’s not even a competition.
Winner: Switch
Best for old games
Again, this is a pretty clear win for Microsoft. The Switch isn’t compatible with old Nintendo games, so they’ve cleaned up the Wii U back catalog in terms of reissues. Sure, there’s Nintendo Switch Online, but it’s a pretty bare-bones collection and it doesn’t sound all that great.
At least the PlayStation 5 has PlayStation 4 games, and there are a number of PlayStation 3 games on PS Plus, but PlayStation 1 and 2 era titles are almost non-existent.
Xbox One Series X, on the other hand, is backwards compatible with all previous Xbox titles, and some have even received free updates; in addition, previous generation controllers are compatible. Xbox is the clear winner in this category.
Winner: Xbox
Best innovation
Xbox has the fast resume feature for the Xbox Series S and X, otherwise there aren’t really any other new features to talk about. The interface is the same and the controller is very similar to the last generation.
Sony, on the other hand, has an updated interface, a brand new DualSense controller and 3D audio to brag about. And of course the upcoming PlayStation VR2. For me, the winner here is Nintendo. Being able to play the Switch outside and upstairs in bed is a game-changer. The Wii U wasn’t the best, but this time they nailed the hybrid console concept.
Winner: Switch
The best for games
For me, this is where Xbox kind of falls. Xbox Series X/S owners will of course have access to previous Xbox titles and while Xbox had some success with titles such as Forza, Gears Of War and Ori during the Xbox One era, they were eclipsed by Sony and Nintendo for high-end exclusives. quality. Things may change in the future, but for now I’d say Xbox is still catching up.
PlayStation 5 owners, on the other hand, can access some of the best games of the last generation such as God Of War, The Last Of Us, Spider-Man and Horizon Zero Dawn, among other titles that still have a devoted following such as Days Gone. and Ghost Of Tsushima. Things have also started out pretty strong given the limitations of the pandemic, this generation, with games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Returnal, Demon’s Souls, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart; as well as the upcoming God Of War Ragnarök.
Nintendo has also released some great games for the Switch such as Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, Super Mario Odyssey and Metroid Dread. Nintendo also seems to be having a productive year with Kirby And The Forgotten Land, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Mario Strikers: Battle League Football, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Nintendo Switch Sports already released and with Splatoon 3 and Bayonetta 3 set to drop before the end of the year. year.
However, Sony has been criticized for sticking too much to a tried and true formula with their exclusive games, namely third-person action-adventure games. Nintendo on the other hand, I feel like I’ve relied too much on re-releasing old games for the Switch like Zelda: Skyward Sword and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, sometimes, as opposed to releasing new content.
While Nintendo has more variety in their exclusives, Sony seems to be releasing new original content more consistently. For both reasons I would call this a draw.
Winner: PlayStation 5/Switch
By reader matc7884
The reader’s position does not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
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