You know, mid-gen console upgrades like the PS5 Pro are supposed to be a way to stay ahead in the game, right? But honestly, in 2024, it feels like Xbox made the smarter move by not going head-to-head with Sony on this one. Let’s dive into why waiting for the next-gen is a much better strategy, and why the Xbox Series X|S still has a lot of juice left.
PS5 Pro: A Tough Sell
Let’s start with the PS5 Pro. Sony’s shiny new upgrade comes with a jaw-dropping price tag of around $700. That’s steep, especially when most of us are still waiting for this generation to fully kick into gear. Sure, the PS5 Pro has its AI upscaling tech (PSSR) and some fancy specs, but does it really justify such a high price in today’s market? For most gamers, probably not.
Xbox One X vs. PS4 Pro: A Different Time
Back in the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X days, things were different. 4K TVs were becoming more mainstream, and it made sense to upgrade to consoles that could handle this new tech. Plus, Xbox had a rough start with the original Xbox One launch, so the One X helped flip the script. It was more powerful than the PS4 Pro, making it the go-to console for performance junkies.
Fast forward to today, and inflation has made everything more expensive. Console prices haven’t dropped the way we expected, and in some cases (hello, DualSense controllers), prices have actually increased since launch. So, launching a $700 PS5 Pro in this economy? Yeah, that's a hard pass for many.
Xbox’s Current Strategy: Why It's Smart
Microsoft isn’t rushing to push out a new Xbox, and that’s the right move. The Series X|S still has a lot of untapped potential, especially as more games focus on current-gen hardware. 2023 was the year when Xbox and PlayStation finally stopped catering to their older consoles, so now developers can go all-in on Xbox Series X|S.
Phil Spencer himself has said that Xbox is sticking with the Series X|S for now, and honestly, it makes sense. Why release an expensive mid-gen upgrade when the current consoles can still deliver impressive performance? Plus, the real kicker is that Xbox fans are about to get some major game releases over the next couple of years. No need for a pricey hardware update just yet.
PS5 Pro’s Existence Could Help Xbox in the Long Run
Here’s the interesting part – while Sony is pushing the PS5 Pro, this could actually help Microsoft with its next-gen console. Developers working on the PS5 Pro are likely testing features that could later be part of the next Xbox. In a way, Sony might be doing some of the groundwork for Microsoft’s future success.
Conclusion: Why Wait?
At the end of the day, Xbox fans are getting plenty of good stuff without having to shell out $700 for a mid-gen upgrade. Waiting for the next generation seems like the smarter play here, and in the meantime, the Series X|S will keep delivering great games. Phil Spencer believes in the current hardware, and so do I.
So yeah, while Sony is out there pushing the PS5 Pro, I’ll be saving my money and waiting for Microsoft’s next big leap in a couple of years. Xbox made the right call, and I’m all in for the ride.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Xbox skip a PS5 Pro competitor?
Xbox believes the Series X|S still has plenty of potential, and they’re focusing on future games instead of a mid-gen upgrade.
Q2: Is the PS5 Pro worth the $700 price tag?
For many, no. The improvements don’t seem to justify the steep price, especially with inflation and the current economy.
Q3: Will there be a next-gen Xbox soon?
Not immediately, but Microsoft is already planning its next big leap in console hardware, likely a few years away.
Q4: How does Xbox Series X compare to PS5 Pro?
While the PS5 Pro has some upgrades, the Xbox Series X is still a powerhouse and will continue to deliver great performance without an expensive mid-gen upgrade.
Q5: Should I upgrade to PS5 Pro or stick with my current console?
If you already have a PS5 or Xbox Series X, it’s probably best to wait for the next generation instead of upgrading now.
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