3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Next-Gen Console Just Yet
Written by Vivek Philendra
@vivekphilwrites_
Thumbnail Photo by Kamil S on Unsplash
The most exciting part of console gaming is the release of the advanced next generation of consoles that would bring us new games and the most “life-like” graphics that new technology can create. However, the launch of the ninth generation of consoles was, well, not smooth to say the least. Console production was severely limited due to the global pandemic. This hindered manufacturers’ ability to create enough stock for all those players who wanted to jump headfirst into the promising new ray-tracing scene, and not to mention the increased demand, since everyone was staying at home.
It’s old news now that the new consoles, and specifically Sony’s PlayStation 5, are hard to get your hands on. So, without wasting any more time complaining about that, here are three reasons you should put off buying a next-gen console right now, even if you can:
You Have Nothing to Play
Photo by Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash
Unless you’re one of those people who use your console solely for Netflix and YouTube (and it’s totally fine if you are), chances are you are buying it to play graphics-intensive new games that you absolutely cannot play without it. The reality is that games like that won’t come out anytime soon.
There are a couple of reasons why this is the case. For starters, most big games have been postponed due to development issues arising from the pandemic. A lot of games have been delayed indefinitely, and it wouldn’t be wise to keep your hopes up for any surprise releases later this year. So, whether you were looking forward to getting behind the wheel in Gran Turismo 7 or eager to take on Gotham’s foes as Batgirl in Gotham Knights, you’ll need to play the waiting game a little bit longer.
Secondly, since the new consoles do not have a large user base yet, game developers would understandably want to hold off releasing games until more people have the means to play them. So, what we get now are cross-gen games, and a stretched-out phasing out stage of the previous generation. In other words, developers will still be releasing games for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One for a few more years instead of focusing on maximizing the capabilities of the new consoles.
Without next-gen games, the new consoles are just aesthetically pleasing decorations that can play your old games on. Therefore, for now, you’re much better off sticking with your current-gen console for the time being.
The Next Upgrade is Worth the Wait
If what we saw in the previous generation of consoles is any indication, enhanced versions of these next-gen consoles (like the PlayStation 4 Pro and the Xbox One X) could be available to us as early as 2023. We have already seen the monumental differences the enhanced hardware brought to the table with Sony and Microsoft’s previous mid-gen offerings.
Considering how much more storage space games take up now, it was quite surprising when the low base storages (only 1TB for the Series X and 825GB for the PS5) of the new consoles were announced. This limited storage, along with the fact that the usable storage is even smaller than anticipated has been highlighted as a major flaw in early reviews. Since you can’t play games directly off an external drive, it would mean that those who go for the launch version will definitely be facing a storage crisis very soon (if they aren’t already).
Let’s not forget the only contender in the handheld department – the Switch, which is technically Nintendo’s early entry for the ninth generation after the failure of the Wii U. A recent string of leaks suggests that Nintendo may be releasing an update to the enormously successful Switch and its 2019 refreshed V2 version, to keep up with their competitors’ new powerhouses. These promising leaks, if brought to fruition and executed well, could mean that waiting could make for the best bang for your buck. The next Switch could actually turn out to be better in terms of value and availability as compared to the launch versions of PS5 and Series X.
The PS5 Pro was already teased by Sony before along with a recent patent they filed indicate that they are already hard at work with developing the enhanced model. It also probably won’t take long for Microsoft to start working on their own version to outdo Sony. Regardless of whichever console you prefer, there’s no denying that the Pro versions will be faster, more powerful, and definitely better optimized after (hopefully) ironing out all the quirks in the new UI, and refining new features by then. You don’t need all that power? Well, the slim versions are definitely going to be cheaper, and won’t require you to buy or build a bigger cabinet just to store it (I’m looking at you, PS5).
The Last Dance
If you’re in school, have a job (or jobs), have loved ones that need your attention, or just can’t buy games at those crazy launch prizes, chances are there’s still much of the last generation that you haven’t had the chance to experience yet. 2020 saw the release of some pretty fantastic games such as The Ghost of Tsushima, Resident Evil 3 and Mafia: Definitive Edition. It would be a crime to pass them on or abandon your current setup when there’s clearly much life left in it.
Instead, hold on to your current console and buy a bunch of the best games of the generation on sale. With the release of the shiny new equipment, the cost of current games and setups usually drop. If you’re an Xbox/PC player, get a Game Pass subscription and discover some truly hidden gems. Either option should cost you significantly less than it used to, and your wallet will thank you for it.
If those reasons made you rethink your decision about getting the next-gen console now, let’s grab a bite and laugh together at a scalper’s misery. If you still want to get your hands on it at retail price, I shall share some words of wisdom from Master Yoda himself: “Patience you must have, my young padawan.”