Buzz
With the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X set to release in just a few weeks, countless gamers are scrambling to secure their preorders before what’s expected to be a limited holiday stock. The excitement, uncertainty, skepticism, and stress surrounding next-gen consoles are palpable. However, here’s a little-known truth: Waiting to purchase your preferred system might be the wiser choice.
Although I believe both the PS5 and Xbox Series X will eventually represent significant advancements in gaming, the reality is that upgrading immediately isn’t necessary. Many remain skeptical about whether these new systems are truly worth the investment. In fact, the majority of gamers should probably hold off on buying either console at launch, even if they have the means. Waiting a few months is a strategy worth considering, and here’s why.
To fully experience the new consoles, you’ll need a high-quality TV
Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are capable of delivering games in stunning 4K resolution, complete with HDR, high frame rates, and ray-traced lighting. While games will undoubtedly look breathtaking on these systems, much of that visual brilliance will go unnoticed unless you own a TV or monitor that supports 4K HDR and high refresh rates.
While 4K TVs are now more accessible than ever, only about one-third of US households with TVs currently own a 4K model. This means a significant number of next-gen console players will likely need to invest in a new TV alongside their console to fully appreciate the enhanced visuals.
Purchasing a new console is already a costly endeavor, but 2020 has brought additional challenges, including a global pandemic and unprecedented natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and snowstorms. The economic impact is just beginning to unfold, making a $300-$600 console, a new TV, and $40-$70 games a financial burden for many. Add in optional accessories like controllers, headsets, or charging stations, and the total cost can easily exceed $1,000. Waiting allows you to space out these expenses and avoid significant debt.
Pre-ordering is chaotic; waiting is stress-free
The combination of COVID-19’s economic impact, manufacturing challenges, and erratic availability has turned the PS5 preorder process into a disaster. Online preorders sell out almost instantly, and scalpers are reselling the console at more than twice its retail price. Launch day and holiday stock are expected to be extremely limited.
The Xbox Series X and S are expected to be more accessible for preorders. These next-gen Xbox models will be available for preorder starting September 22 across all retailers. While they’ll likely sell out quickly, this at least provides everyone with a fair chance to prepare.
If you miss out on preordering a new console before launch, your only alternative is to wait in line on release day. However, I strongly advise against this. Standing outside for hours—or even overnight—in late November is generally a poor idea, and it’s especially risky during a pandemic.
More PS5 and Xbox units will become available after launch, and they’ll be easier to purchase as time goes on. The same applies to Nvidia’s RTX 3080 or any other high-demand hardware you’re eager to acquire.
Avoid the hassle (and the risk of contracting a potentially deadly virus) by waiting for supplies to stabilize. Many of the games you’d play on the new consoles are also available on the hardware you already own.
Most next-gen launch games can still be played on PS4, Xbox One, or PC
If preordering a new console is challenging due to limited stock or budget constraints, rest assured that your PS4 and Xbox One will remain capable of running many major new titles well into 2021 and beyond.
Unlike previous console generation transitions, many of the initial PS5 and Xbox Series X games will also be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC simultaneously.
First-party PlayStation 5 games also launching on PS4:
Horizon: Forbidden West
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
First-party Xbox Series X games also launching on Xbox One:
As Dusk Falls
CrossFireX
Halo Infinite
Psychonauts II (Also coming to PS4)
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Tetris Effect: Connected (Also coming to PS4 in 2021)
The Gunk
Note: All first-party Xbox Series X games will also be available on PC at launch through Game Pass on PC.
These are just the first-party games confirmed to be compatible with older hardware so far. The list grows significantly when including third-party cross-gen titles and older PS4/Xbox One games being re-released on the new consoles.
While the PS4 and Xbox One versions won’t deliver the same speed, 4K resolution, ray tracing, or high frame rates as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, most of these titles can be upgraded to their next-gen versions for free once you own a new console (just ensure you’re purchasing the right version).
Exclusive games are scarce, to begin with
While cross-gen support is a smart, consumer-friendly move, it underscores a major issue for both next-gen consoles: the lack of original, platform-exclusive games at launch.
In the PS5's launch lineup, only Astro’s Playroom, Demon’s Souls, and Destruction All Stars are true PS5 exclusives, while the Xbox Series X has… none. Every Xbox Series X launch title is also playable on PC or Xbox One.
While games will undoubtedly look and perform better on the new consoles, and both platforms offer extensive backward-compatible and cross-gen libraries, the primary appeal of new consoles is new games you can’t experience elsewhere—and those are currently in short supply.
If you’re still undecided, you can confidently delay purchasing these new consoles until they become more widely available and their game libraries grow.
