The next-generation consoles are just around the corner. Soon players will be able to get their hands on both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. With both systems expected to launch at the end of this year, gamers are undoubtedly excited. This is understandable as the new consoles will bring additional features, fresh games, and vastly improved technical specifications.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that there is not anything to be worried about. Some industry insiders and gamers have highlighted concerns about the upcoming hardware. Some are issues that inevitably affect all new technology but there are some unique problems as well. So while nothing should dampen your excitement about the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, you might want to consider these potential problems.
Possible delays of PS5 and Xbox Series X due to coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the entertainment world. Already, huge numbers of movies and television shows have been delayed. The need for social distancing just makes producing such content almost impossible. The same is true for video games and manufacturing. Although both Microsoft and Sony have said that the coronavirus pandemic won’t delay the console launches, players are still concerned. A worsening of the global situation could severely hamper the ability of either company to get the systems ready. The end result might be a delay for either the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X into 2021.
Prices of the systems compared to previous generations
Ever since the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X were announced, gamers have had worries about the potential cost. Good gaming PCs can cost upwards of $1,000, so how much would consoles with similar specifications cost? While prices have not yet been announced, many are expecting the two consoles to be expensive. Initial estimates suggest that each system could cost more than $500. This is a steep increase compared to previous generations. With the current economic uncertainty due to COVID-19, many might not be able to afford to upgrade.
Whether there will be enough units at launch
Another common problem with next-generation consoles comes with the initial availability of the new hardware. Almost all new systems have a limited number of units on offer to customers when they first launch. This has been a particular issue with video game consoles in recent years. For example, many people still find it difficult to get their hands on a Nintendo Switch. So, when the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X launch at the end of the year, it is unclear how good availability will be. There is a good chance that most people won’t be able to buy one regardless of how much they cost. In fact, there are already rumblings that Sony may not be able to meet PS5 demand for the holiday season.
The potential failure rate of new hardware
One of the biggest concerns with any new hardware is the failure rate. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 both had problems with hardware issues, with Microsoft’s console having a particularly bad time. While the previous consoles were not badly affected, there are concerns that the latest consoles could suffer. After all, there are always likely to be some sort of unforeseen consequences of mass-producing a new product. There have even been some reports of the PlayStation 5 having a high failure rate during testing. Players will want to know that the consoles are stable and reliable before purchasing them.
The cost of new games for the next-gen platforms
The price of video games has been fairly steady over the last decade or so. But if reports are to be believed, that might be about to change in the near future. A recent announcement from 2K Games reveals that NBA 2K21 will be more expensive on next-generation consoles. Compared to the standard version, the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 edition will be $10 more expensive. The big concern is that this is just the start of a mass increase in the price of games. If one publisher is willing to increase the cost of titles, others are sure to follow. That could mean gaming quickly becomes a more expensive hobby.
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A lack of launch titles to accompany the consoles
Having great games is essential for any new console to be successful. A system can be incredibly impressive but without a good lineup, it will almost certainly fail. So far, the announced launch titles for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X don’t look that impressive. Outside of the likes of Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, there is little to get excited about. Most of the other titles are either annual sports titles or remasters of games that are already available.
The sheer size of the systems
Looking at the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, one thing is immediately clear. They are both huge consoles, especially when compared to their predecessors. Sony’s system towers above the Microsoft console, but both are very large. This could be a problem for players trying to find a place to put the hardware.
Despite this large physical size, the amount of storage remains a worry as well. With video games getting larger all the time, they take up far more space on hard drives. Both consoles are expected to have storage of 1 TB or less. That means players might only be able to install a dozen or so games.
Games might be held back in terms of quality for older hardware
Microsoft has already announced that exclusives for the Xbox Series X will also release for the Xbox One. If Sony follows a similar policy, this could mean that titles will release for older consoles for a number of years. The concern is that this could impact on the quality and scope of games. After all, if they have to work on older hardware as well as the new consoles, they will have to be limited in some way.
What is your biggest concern about next-generation consoles? Tell us in the comments below!
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