As a long-time fan of the PlayStation console, I was excited to finally get my hands on the latest and greatest, the PlayStation 5. However, due to the ongoing shortage of the PS5, I found myself in the unexpected position of having to consider alternative options. After some research and consideration, I decided to give the Xbox a try for the first time.
Having owned a PlayStation all my life, the prospect of switching to a new console was a little daunting, but I was curious to see how the Xbox stacked up. In this article, I’ll share my experience as a long-time PlayStation fan using the Xbox for the first time, and I’ll provide my thoughts on the similarities and differences between the two consoles.
Why was there a PS5 shortage
May not be as prevalent now, as Sony ramps up production. However, it was extremely difficult to get your hands on a PS5 a few months ago. This is why:
- High demand: The PS5 has been highly popular since its release, with many people wanting to get their hands on the latest and greatest. This has resulted in high demand, which has been difficult for manufacturers to keep up with.
- Production challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains and impacted the production and distribution of the PS5.
- Scalping: Some individuals and organizations have been buying up large quantities of the PS5 and reselling them at a higher price, further contributing to the shortage.
- The global chip shortage: There are a number of factors that have contributed to the global chip shortage such as; the pandemic, high demand for electronics and supply chain disruptions.
My Xbox experience
As a first-time Xbox owner, I was excited to set up and start using my new console. The setup process was straightforward, with clear instructions on how to connect the Xbox to my television and internet. Once the console was set up, I was greeted by an intuitive user interface that made it easy to access and navigate through games, applications, and settings.
One of the first things I did was start exploring the wide range of games available on the Xbox. From first-party exclusives to third-party hits, there was no shortage of titles to choose from. I also had the opportunity to try the highly praised backward compatibility feature on the Xbox. I’ve always wanted to revisit Rockstar Games GTA 4, and the Series S did a wonderful job enhancing this 14-year-old game. It would have also been nice if the PS5 could natively support PS3 games.
In addition to gaming, the Xbox also offered a range of streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, which was a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. The social features of the Xbox were also a highlight, allowing me to connect with friends and share my gaming experiences. Overall, owning an Xbox for the first time has been a fantastic experience that has provided endless entertainment and enjoyment.
What I love about my Xbox Series S
- Game exclusives: Surprisingly, the Xbox had several exclusive games that I really enjoyed such as; Forza Horizon 5 (my new favourite racing game), Halo Infinite and Gears of War. But I have to admit, Sony does have better exclusives.
- Online gaming service: Xbox Live, the online gaming service for Xbox, offers a range of features such as online multiplayer gaming, free monthly games, and exclusive discounts. These features may be attractive to players who frequently play online or are looking for value from their consoles. Of course, Sony has Playstation Plus which is equally as good. For a comparison between the two, check out this article.
- Next Gen updates: Though I bought the cheaper Series S, it offered fast loading times, high frame rates, and ray tracing capabilities for enhanced graphics and performance. My favourite feature is the quick resume feature that allows you to switch games and resume without the game closing.
- Hardware compatibility: The Xbox is compatible with a range of controllers and accessories, including those from previous generations of Xbox consoles. This is great for players who already have a collection of controllers or accessories that they want to use with their new console. In contrast, the PS4 controller does work on PS5, but you can only use it to play PS4 games.
- Software compatibility: Xbox has a massive library of backward-compatible games, spanning back to the original Xbox console.
- Xbox game pass: Xbox Game Pass has a diverse library of games. The service encouraged me to try out different genres of games, including indie games. Additionally, first-party exclusive games are available on Gamepass on release.
- Small and compact: The Series S is smaller than I thought. It’s compact and blends well with my furniture.
- PC Xbox ecosystem: Game Pass Ultimate allows me to play games on PC and Xbox on one subscription. The Xbox controllers also work great between the two systems.
- Microsoft Edge browser: You can connect a keyboard and mouse and use Microsoft Edge.
- Price: For $299 the Xbox Series S exceeded my expectations.
What I don’t like about the Xbox Series S
- Only 512GB storage option
- No native 4K resolution
- No disc drive
- Not as powerful as the Series X
- Not future proof
Will I keep my Xbox?
Though I eventually got a PS5, the Xbox series S has changed my perspective on Xbox. It’s a robust platform offering an extensive library of games at an affordable price point. It’s been a refreshing experience and I would confidently recommend this console to anyone who wants to give Xbox a chance.
