As a lifelong console gamer who’s been around since the Sega Mega Drive days, I must admit I’m feeling a bit jaded by the latest console prices. I’ve owned every single iteration of Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and it seems like this generation might be my last. The PS5 Pro at $700 without even including a disc drive or a vertical stand is simply outrageous. Even Microsoft’s special edition 2TB Xbox Series X, with its sparkly paint job and an extra 1TB of storage, feels overpriced at $600.
I love console gaming. I’ve been mainly playing on console since my parents bought my first Sega Mega Drive (or Genesis as you may know it) back in the early 1990s (yes, I’m dating myself there). As the years went by, the new consoles of the time were always the things I desired the most. When I started earning my own money, I branched out into having Xbox and PlayStation, as well as dabbling with others like the majestic Sega Dreamcast.
Currently, my generation has witnessed me reducing to just one gaming console. I possess a PS5, but it isn’t used frequently enough for me to keep it, so I decided to sell it. Even though PC gaming has become more prevalent in my life, particularly with the Steam Deck, I’m fundamentally a console enthusiast. To date, I have owned every version of both Xbox and PlayStation consoles that have been released.
It seems that the new PS5 Pro is in a precarious situation, given its expensive price tag of $700. What’s more, it lacks a disc drive and doesn’t come with a vertical stand, which many find exorbitant. Meanwhile, Xbox isn’t off the hook either, as their special edition 2TB version, adorned in sparkle, is only $100 cheaper, yet fails to deliver enhanced performance over the PS5 Pro. In essence, both are struggling to justify their high prices.
If this is the new normal, after more than 30 years, this generation will be my last.
I’m clearly not alone in an intense dislike of the price
Instead of diving into market speculations or financial analysis, let me assure you that I am quite certain about one thing: Xbox enjoys a stronger overall standing compared to its competitors. Later on, I’ll elaborate on this point, but it’s essential to note that Microsoft has been meticulously constructing the Xbox platform for several years, aiming to offer an experience beyond just the TV-mounted device.
It’s evident I’m not the only one feeling surprised and disappointed about the high cost of the PS5 Pro. The fact that Microsoft increased the price to $600 for an ‘updated’ Xbox Series X with additional 1TB storage and a fancy paint job is already frustrating enough. This isn’t acceptable, buddy.
The unveiling trailer for the product received an astonishing number of negative reviews, and its high price is being heavily criticized across various online platforms. Admittedly, $700 can seem steep for any purchase, but it’s crucial to remember that this is a mid-cycle update. It’s reasonable to anticipate a genuine next-generation launch in the future, which might bring us back to around this price range.
Initially, consoles were more affordable and simpler for gaming. However, the PS5 Pro has reached a stage where this statement is no longer accurate. With 4K60 and numerous tech jargon, it’s clear that we’ve moved into gaming PC territory. So, one might wonder, why bother with a console anymore? Given that a $700 investment provides you with static hardware that may not deliver the best performance from newer games in the future, it seems wiser to invest in a PC instead, despite dealing with occasional frustrations related to drivers and settings. In the long run, this choice could prove beneficial.
There’s simply no need to spend megabucks on a console
The landscape of gaming is so different in 2024 compared to even four years ago when the current generation kicked off. Despite the loss of Google Stadia, cloud gaming continues to grow steadily, and the influx of gaming handhelds is opening up PC gaming to an ever wider audience.
Instead of focusing primarily on high-resolution graphics and extreme detail settings, there seems to be a growing preference for simply enjoying games once more. The Steam Deck illustrates this trend perfectly. Despite being less powerful than devices like the ROG Ally X, it’s affordable and offers a vast collection of PC games. It brings us back to what truly matters: the gaming experience itself.
With services such as NVIDIA GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can access a top-tier gaming PC experience from nearly any device with a web browser. For a premium subscription, I’m able to enjoy Forza Horizon 5 on hardware superior to my personal desktop gaming rig, utilizing an RTX 4080 graphics card. Essentially, these cloud services enable you to play as if you owned an Xbox Series X without the requirement of purchasing one or being confined to a single display in your home.
Hey there, fellow gaming enthusiast! You don’t necessarily have to break the bank to enjoy an exceptional gaming experience these days. Black Friday is just around the corner, and I can’t help but get excited about the fantastic deals that are bound to surface for gaming PCs or laptops.
Time to talk with our wallets
At my job, I’m lucky enough to use some amazing equipment. However, when it comes to personal purchases with my own funds, I believe it’s high time for me to be more thoughtful, considering both my finances and my rational judgment, instead of letting my emotions guide me.
Currently, Microsoft offers a console priced at $600, while Sony’s is slightly more expensive at $700. Given that I often find myself leaving my Xbox Series X behind when traveling, the Steam Deck has proven to be quite useful. However, since I also require a PC for work purposes, investing such a substantial amount of money into a device limited solely to gaming doesn’t seem logical anymore.
Microsoft and Xbox are in good shape because Xbox functions equally as a PC platform as it does a console these days. As for PlayStation, it’s the money spent by players that will ultimately drive any necessary changes. The situation at Concord demonstrates this clearly. We’re currently at a pivotal point, and I am almost certain about my stance on the matter.
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2024-09-12 16:09