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The PS5 and Xbox Series X | S have been around for over a year, which means we’re firmly in the next-gen gaming era and if you don’t have any of these systems it may feel like you ‘ miss. But is that really you? I wonder when is the best time to buy the latest game console?
The elephant in the room here is evident that both the PS5 and Xbox Series X | S are incredibly hard to find. Many of us would have bought these consoles if they were as easy to buy as our games. But let’s say you had the option to purchase one of these consoles. Today. Should you do it
Why aren’t we talking about the Nintendo Switch
The Switch is a bit removed from this conversation. There’s no doubt that it’s the third option in the current gaming era, but unlike the PS5 and Xbox Series X | S, it’s an established console at this point. The Switch is quickly approaching five years in the market; During this time, the library has expanded to include a wide variety of exclusives, Wii U ports, third-party AAA experiences, and indie titles.
In addition, the console is now available in three different options; the OG model (now with improved battery life), the OLED Switch and the Switch Lite. In many ways, the Switch’s history provides an argument that waiting a bit to buy into the newest era of gaming is probably a safe move. (Plus, if you’re debating whether or not to buy a Switch, go for it! It’s great!)
You may want to wait for the update console
Consoles typically go through an update during their time in the marketplace. The first model (or models, in the case of this generation) released are the “prototypes,” if you will; expensive, flashy, something the company wants to keep in people’s minds when introducing something new to the world.
However, after a while, the company will roll out an update. Think the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro – you either have a cheaper version of the original console or a more expensive, updated option. It’s nice to have a choice as some of us value strength and performance above all, while others want to play without breaking the bank.
Of course, there is no promise that Sony and Microsoft will release updates to their consoles this cycle. This is just a historical precedent. But even if these companies decide to stick with their consoles all the way to the PS6 and Xbox, um, whatever Microsoft will call it, those prices will inevitably come down.
After 2021 it may be hard to imagine, but we will have a period of easy access to new PlayStations and Xboxes. And hopefully that will lead to a drop in price at some point in the console’s lifecycle. If not, a used console could generate some savings. Either way, waiting will save you money in the long run.
You might want to wait for the PS5 and Xbox series libraries to expand
Don’t get me wrong, there are some compelling next-gen games out there, but the library is still small. That’s not to say that there isn’t a whole range of games to play on PS5 or Xbox Series X | S, because there are tons; It’s just that the list of games that you can only play on these consoles isn’t very long.
Last generation consoles are still popular, and game manufacturers continue to produce games for these systems along with the new ones. That works for everyone: Anyone who owns a PS5 benefits from better graphics and performance. However, if you only have a PS4, you can still play this game, only optimized for your older hardware. Apropos:
Why you should consider your current console situation
This is a big issue for me: whether or not you should buy a new console now probably depends on what you already have to work with. If you own a PS4 or Xbox One, you have access to a huge library of games, many of which are still in the process of being released. Your current setup is likely more than enough to keep you entertained and keep you hooked on the latest titles.
If you’re looking for performance, that’s a different question. If you own a PS4 Pro or an Xbox One X | S, you have plenty of power to play with. Sure, these consoles might not handle 4K at 120 fps, but they can play in 4K. The PS4 and Xbox One, on the other hand, definitely sacrifice performance due to their hardware. If quality is important to you, then there’s a good argument that upgrading to a PS5 or Xbox Series X | S is in your best interests.
For me it boils down to this: Unless you really want to play one of the exclusive PS5 or Xbox Series X | S versions and already own some sort of last-gen console, you don’t have to buy a new one right now. If you have the money and want that extra performance, be sure to buy the console, but when you weigh the options you know that your current PlayStation or Xbox is perfectly capable of providing you with a modern gaming experience. Think of all the games you could buy for the price of a new system.