Should You Buy an Xbox One or Wait for the Xbox Series X?
When faced with the decision to buy an Xbox One or wait for the newer Xbox Series X, it's crucial to consider the current state of the market and the future of console gaming. This article will guide you through the factors that make waiting for the latest console a smarter choice.
Why Buying an Xbox One is Not Recommended at This Time
The Xbox Series X is on the horizon, scheduled for release in November 2023. This marks the end of the Xbox One's lifecycle, making it a poor investment for the future of console gaming. Focusing on the Series X will give companies hardware and software development advantages, ultimately affecting the support for the older console.
DEVELOPER PRIORITY ON NEWER CONSOLES
Development companies will prioritize the Series X specs above the Xbox One. Even if games are still supported on both, the Series X will always receive more attention. This trend implies that the Xbox One will likely only be supported for another 2 years at best. In the coming years, games will not be optimized for the Xbox One, and many new releases will cease to support it as the 2021 end date approaches.
The rationale behind this is simple: it's costly for developers to juggle two consoles. As soon as possible, they will drop support for one to focus on the next-generation hardware. Additionally, third-party companies, who also develop for Sony’s PS5, face similar pressures to streamline their efforts and focus on the next-gen consoles. This transition period may last 1–2 years, but it means that your Xbox One purchase will have a maximum lifespan of 2–3 years, with the last year being particularly painful.
MATERIALIZING SUPPORT VESTIGES
The materializations of this transition are visible in several fronts, including Xbox online services. Support for current Xbox One online services will diminish, with a high likelihood of being fully moved to life support with minimal future updates. This means less software support, making the console less appealing over time.
COMPETITIVE MOVEMENT MARKET STRATEGIES
Sony, in particular, has explicitly stated their desire to push players towards their PS5 model. Their strategy involves rapid adoption of the next-gen hardware to simplify development and marketing for their own products. Microsoft has confirmed that all Xbox One games are playable on the Series X, however, the overall experience is significantly improved. Newer models have much better graphical fidelity, reduced loading times, and overall smoother gameplay.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you’re within your budget, it’s wise to wait for the Xbox Series X. Even if you’re enticed by the lower price of a used Xbox One, it’s not a worthwhile investment, especially in comparison to a newer console. An Xbox Series S, which offers many of the same advantages at a more affordable price point, would be a far superior choice over an 8-year-old Xbox One.
CONCLUSION
Given the rapid pace of technological change and the significant improvements in performance offered by the newer consoles, waiting is often the best option. By opting for a newer model, you ensure a longer and more enjoyable gaming experience, without the risk of premature obsolescence.