The PS5 and Xbox Scarlett are so close to being announced that we can almost take it. Yes, both the PS4 and the Xbox One may still have exciting games on the horizon, but we all know the current console generation is winding down. What we don’t know is where the next-gen consoles will take us.
The GR editorial team discussed which upcoming console they were most excited about, and considering the problems the Xbox One has experience, we were in agreement that we’re most interested to see what’s going to happen with the next Xbox. Read our thoughts below, and as always, leave your own responses in the comments section. We’ll feature our favorite in tomorrow’s Tell GR.
Paul Tamburro, executive editor: “I’m more interested in what Microsoft has up its sleeve for the next Xbox. We’ve received such little information about the PS5 that it’s difficult to be excited about it right now, and it sounds like the Xbox Scarlett is gonna be a big, bold move for home consoles. Phil Spencer seems firmly confident in the direction he’s taking Xbox in, and I really want to know what he has planned.”
Jason Faulkner, senior editor: “I love PlayStation, but I’m excited to see what Xbox has in store for next gen. I feel like the rough launch behind the Xbox One really hamstrung Microsoft as they had to spend quite a bit of time playing catch-up. I think the dominance of the PlayStation 4 has caused Sony to get a little lax as far as expanding and enhancing the capabilities and functionality of its system so I’m hoping that increased competition between the PS5 and Xbox Scarlett will help push console gaming to the next level.”
Mack Ashworth, lead editor: “When it comes to consoles, it’s all about the exclusives. Clearly, Sony is the winner there, so I’m most excited for next-gen exclusives on the PS5. I’m also excited to see what’s next for PSVR! For everything else, there’s PC.”
Bradley Russell, news editor: “It’s weird to think of a multi-billion dollar corporation as the underdog but I’m rooting for Xbox Scarlett this time around ahead of Sony. A hungry, level playing field is the best environment for gamers to be given incredible content from all sides. Xbox needs to make up ground and I have every reason to think it will. I don’t want Sony (or any other company for that matter) roaring out in front while others get stagnant and lazy this console generation. It’s no good for anyone.”
Michael Leri, features editor: I’m more interested to see what Xbox does because of how this generation has backed Microsoft into a corner, but I’ve just got a soft spot for PlayStation. I stuck with the PS3 through its hardest days and still will argue of the Vita’s greatness so I’ll probably be more interested so see what Sony creates. Besides, the PS5 is the only console that could have an Ape Escape game so that low possibility has me more excited.
Yesterday’s best comment
Question: Are microtransactions in games a deal-breaker for you?
Bufford: “Anything that makes a game play to win is a deal breaker for me. Charging for story expansions and cosmetic stuff is OK with me. I will buy expansions if they offer meaningful content and I could care less about cosmetic upgrades. Loot boxes are dumb in general. It’s basically an online gambling program that trades your money for virtual garbage.”
