Xbox Series X Launches In November
There are a lot of gamers eagerly awaiting news of when to expect the next generation of consoles. We don’t know much for the PS5 other than a vague Holiday 2020 release window. The Xbox Series X long adopted a similar goal in mind. Now, we have a bit of a better idea of the month we’ll see the new Microsoft console. That said, the announcement that the Xbox Series X launches in November comes at a time when there are serious doubts about its library. Halo Infinite is delayed until sometime later in 2021. Not to mention, the Xbox One didn’t necessarily ooze with first-party exclusives. After some studio acquisitions and a number of structural changes, it’s clear games are the bottom line for Microsoft. However, they are a huge reason to buy a game console.
The Xbox Series X Launches in November – What Response Awaits the New Console?
Image Credit: Microsoft
I’ve talked periodically on Comic Years about loving the Xbox brand. It’s my first choice for home console platforms, but I recognize its downfalls. When you consider the lineup Sony displayed for the PS4, the PS5 looks to be even stronger. Microsoft, on the other hand, is playing catchup with a number of games in the works that failed to wow anyone in their Games Showcase a few weeks back.
News of a launch date for the Microsoft console is still unknown, but we do have a launch month. Microsoft’s blog stated, “there will be thousands of games to play, spanning four generations, when Xbox Series X launches globally this November.” Many of those games will come from the Xbox One or earlier. The optimization process is going to make older games look better than ever. Still, these are games many hardcore players likely already played. The upside is that they likely own them, or they play them on Game Pass. The downside: why buy a new console if you have all the games already?
Will Year One Be Strong Enough to Get Things Started?
Image Credit: Microsoft
Microsoft states that “More than 50 new games planned for this year across generations and optimized for Xbox Series X,” but how many of those come at launch? Titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Dirt 5 should arrive day one, but they’ll also come to PS5. The question emerges organically: what’s in it for Xbox players? The fact of the matter remains that a number of players might consider switching to Sony from Microsoft. Perks that come with the Xbox brand might only get people so far. For those willing to wait it out, the Xbox Series X may end up being the better console.
A weak launch year is common for consoles. Overall, the PS5 hopes to bypass that with top titles like Spider-Man Miles Morales and others. Xbox, however, might rely heavily on the promise of power. I think for those willing to look past weak exclusives for the Xbox One, a little longer wait might not be the end of the world. The promise of The Medium, Scorn, and Tetris Effect: Connected could be enough to keep gamers loyal. As you can see though, this is a lot of optimistic speculation.
What are you thinking about the news that the Xbox Series X launches in November? Will it be a wise choice to buy right away? As I laid out last week, waiting a while to buy a next-gen console has its merits. If you have a game plan for the next-gen console wars, then let us know in the comments!
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Featured Image Credit: Microsoft
Taylor is the Gaming Editor of Comic Years and a lifelong fan of video games. He holds two degrees in Political Communication and wrote a Master's Thesis on resistance movements, race, and the exploitation of college athletes. His wife and two Toy Australian Sheppards keep him sane.
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