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Why The Xbox Series X Is 2020’s Biggest Gaming Disappointment

The Xbox Series X is an impressive juggernaut, but its release has killed the excitement, and concept, of new console generations.

www.forbes.com

Some interesting takes about Series X.

"The Series X is the first major console release that feels like a small step for gaming, rather than a giant leap. Sure, loading times are lightning-quick; framerates are largely superb; dynamic lighting is on a whole new level. But has it delivered anything close to the awesome experience I built up in my head?

Nah. It just feels like a better Xbox One X."

.....

"For one, Quick Resume, which allows for the suspension of up to three games, is currently more of a hindrance than a help. When it works, it’s absolutely fantastic, but it regularly doesn’t. The biggest victims are those games that rely on a constant internet connection because Quick Resume almost always disconnects them from servers, never to reconnect. "

.....

"Halo Infinite is infinitely delayed, and even upon release, it’ll be the last standalone game in the series for a decade. Other games like Fable, State of Decay 3 and Forza are planned, but lacking solid release dates. Most of the rest of the hyped “exclusives”, like Psychonauts 2 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, are simply being released earlier on the Series X: the stupidest marketing ploy in gaming, whoever’s doing it.

Meanwhile, Sony will release the likes of Horizon Forbidden West, God of War 2, and Gran Turismo 7 during 2021: all killer apps in their own right, and three more reasons I’ll be getting a PS5 when stock finally returns to stores."

........

"
Thanks to my long-standing relationship with Microsoft, I’ve got hundreds of games that now look and play better than ever, another two years of the excellent Game Pass service, and endless peripherals. And yet, just weeks after dropping half a grand on a Series X, I can’t shake the feeling that this console purchase was one of inevitability, not excitement–or even necessity.

A lot of this isn’t just the fault of the Series X. Maybe I’m finally too old to share the same exhilaration I did when I was younger and (more) stupid; perhaps I’m just expecting too much from modern technology which, by and large, does things I could have never dreamt of even ten years ago.

But without any real initial spark, and not much shining on the horizon, it’s not looking too exciting for the latest Xbox; just disappointing. After years of dominance in my own gaming life, one thing’s possible: the Series X may not be my number one come this time in 2021."

 

[OverHeat]

Kind of agree not much of an upgrade after having an Xbox one x

 

[Soapy Wooder]

Nah. It just feels like a better Xbox One X.

Well this is true. 100%

And I like my Series X. Glad I got it as a secondary device (PC is main) and Game Pass was a huge reason I picked it up over PS5. But there is no denying it (at launch) acts as a One X with faster load times.

Well, after One X of course it won't look like a grand leap forward.

Definitely a fair point as what was the One X weak points were FPS and Load times. One X was a fantastic console.

 

[AV]

Sony will release the likes of Horizon Forbidden West, God of War 2, and Gran Turismo 7 during 2021

That's a bold, and frankly ignorant, claim for him to make. If they manage to get God of War 2 out next year I'll eat my fucking hat. Late spring 2022 at a minimum is more realistic. No idea why he wouldn't use Ratchet & Clank instead when that's practically a 2021 guarantee.

He also neglected to mention the fact that you can happily play Horizon 2 on PS4. Might change, almost definitely won't.

As someone who loves his PS5, this article is kinda bullshitty considering the best "new experiences" on PS5 right now are a 4 hour platformer and a PS3 remake.

 

[reinking]

Yep. My feelings pretty much except I am not blaming my age for not feel the exhilaration. It is MS fault I don't feel that way about the console. That being said, I'm not mad about it. I knew what I was buying when I F5'ed my way to the purchase.

 

[ChuckeRearmed]

Well, after One X of course it won't look like a grand leap forward.

 

[Entroyp]

Xbox has been a disappointment since 2010 for me. Not that I cared much after the 360. And nothing has changed.

 

[whitesugar]

Definitely think it will be a good console in the end and I'll probably get it in 2022, because from then their games will really be ramping up. But right now it does seem like the console with the least amount of selling points to upgrade than any console I can remember. Must be worse if you have an X already. Think this is being reflected I just how little people seem to be talking about the console

Launch sales I'm sure have been good, but wouldn't be surprised if 2021 was no better than X1's first year sales wise.

 

[Stare-Bear]

Maybe not the biggest disappointment but it surely is the biggest surprise for me.

Surprised that they’re seemingly so far behind the competition. Developer tools that are holding back games, not one first party game at launch and even the controller is the same (yes you got a share button now...)

 

[splattered]

Wait a second? We're getting God of War 2, Horizon 2, AND Gran Turismo 7 in 2021!?

Yeah highly doubtful with all the delays hitting left and right.

And when they do evntually drop, they will be good but they will also be cross-gen and available on PS4.

But that's ok, all the Sony fans will give them a free pass because it's Sony.

 

[iorek21]

This could be seen from a mile away since the initial reveals. XSX might have the best hardware (some people even question that) but it lacks the exclusives to make it an essential console to own.

Game pass is amazing, but I don’t know if it’s enough to give XSX an edge since the service will be available everywhere soon.

 

[jimbojim]

And when they do evntually drop, they will be good but they will also be cross-gen and available on PS4.

Regarding GT7 and GOW 2 isn't confirmed

 

[Hunnybun]

Why is anybody surprised by this?

It was well known there would be no big exclusives for about a year. Almost all the interesting games are slated for 2022 and beyond.

Yeah it's shit but nobody HAD to buy the system now.

 

[waquzy]

I disagree, quick resume is amazing, BC games are top notch, super fast load times.
I am a huge fan of GTA IV and being able to finally play it at 60fps on a console is a dream come true.

The SSD alone is worth the upgrade over the One X.

 

[jshackles]

"For one, Quick Resume, which allows for the suspension of up to three games, is currently more of a hindrance than a help. When it works, it’s absolutely fantastic, but it regularly doesn’t. The biggest victims are those games that rely on a constant internet connection because Quick Resume almost always disconnects them from servers, never to reconnect. "

1. Quick Resume works on up to 12 games at once (depending on circumstances, aka how much memory for each game needs dumped to disk)
2. The only issues I've had with Quick Resume have been on games that straight up don't support it - and the only one I've found so far that meets that description is Watch_Dogs Legion
3. Don't play shitty GaaS games or ones that require a constant internet connection, and if you do just be sure to back out to the menu before switching

 

[DeaDPo0L84]

...XSX might have the best hardware (some people even question that) but it lacks the exclusives to make it an essential console to own...

There's also the issue of talent. 1st party Playstation dev's can do more with less while Xbox 1st party seems to always do less with more.

 

[Ogbert]

Someone needs those clicks.

 

[metareferential]

A lot of assumptions there on release dates of games.

I mean, if you buy a console knowing that the only next-gen game in all of the gaming world is a remake on ps5, you can't complain.

 

[Hendrick's]

It's definitely more like a PC upgrade, but I'm perfectly okay with that.

 

[Vognerful]

Duality of neoGAF

 

[Dee Dah Dave]

There’s an argument that they should have done better with launch games. Other than that what do they expect, consoles are just PC hardware now and an incremental upgrade over the previous. There probably isn’t going to be any major wow moments anymore, it’s not the 80’s or early 90’s.

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

Clickbait from a Forbes "contributor". No different from Paul Tassi, also a Forbes contributor, posting an article last week on Series X making a better first impression than PS5.

In other news, being a better One X is a high compliment.

 

[Kagey K]

Ahh the good old Forbes contributor. The last bastion of sanity and the final word in the crazy mixed up gaming world.

 

[Matt_Fox]

Classic clickbait... sadly every article these days seems to be a bit controversial or spiky to get people to read or comment.

I'd never be suckered into commenting on an article like thi...

Oh bugger.

 

[Self High Five]

1. Quick Resume works on up to 12 games at once (depending on circumstances, aka how much memory for each game needs dumped to disk)
2. The only issues I've had with Quick Resume have been on games that straight up don't support it - and the only one I've found so far that meets that description is Watch_Dogs Legion
3. Don't play shitty GaaS games or ones that require a constant internet connection, and if you do just be sure to back out to the menu before switching

Quick Resume barely works - https://www.gamespot.com/articles/s...-feature-and-they-dont-warn-you/1100-6484341/

We're talking about a significant amount of relevant titles people would want to play at launch:
Dirt 5
Forza Horizon 4
NBA 2K21
The Falconeer
Watch Dogs: Legion
Borderlands 3
Destiny 2
Yakuza: Like A Dragon

I found a lot of smaller XBLA BC games that won't work as well. It's easily the most disappointing feature so far this launch. Because when it works, it's great.

In other news, being a better One X is a high compliment.

It's correct that this is barely an upgrade to owners of a One X. But that speaks to the quality of One X.

It shouldn't be a bad thing that a console purchase in 2017 is still capable in 2020.

 

[FunkMiller]

It looks like the Series X is a fantastic upgrade for those who already have an XBox, but not really a console that brings in new players from other platforms.

 

[Warnen]

After using both it just shocks me how basic functionality is missing on the Ps5, can’t copy games to a hard drive is bonkers.

Just feels like the UI is in beta still, so many PS4 features just missing.


As for games the one I’m having the most fun with is Valhalla, prob gonna give it a break and finish up spider man.

 

[Jigsaah]

I will agree with the better Xbox One X. Xbox Series X doesn't innovate on the "feel" of the console. Most notably, the UI is uninspired and wayyy too similar to last gen.

This was a complaint I had about about going from the PS3 to the PS4. THe UI was just too similar and didn't feel like a major upgrade, so what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

The power of the console, still seems latent as there has been no software this gen that really takes advantage of it. I dont feel we will see that happen until Cyberpunk...maybe even The Medium. Xbox's first party has been very quiet lately and I'm not happy about the idea of waiting until E3 2021 to find out what's going on there. Fable isn't expected til probably 2022. Forza may release next year. Halo is probably going to be next holiday season. Where is Hellblade? Avowed is probably not til 2022. The Initiative...Perfect Dark? I mean we need something to chew on at least.

I'm patient but I'm not going to act like I don't see the complete 180 Microsoft has done when it comes to talking about their first party. It went from Microsoft make announcement after annoucement to nothing, leaving the space bare for Sony to win back all the mindshare.

 

[Moogle11]

I'm enjoying mine. I sold my original Xbox One when Play Anywhere became a thing. But I ended up not using the PC for gaming as much as I'd thought (just prefer the console experience/simplicity) so there's plenty on Gamepass I want to play that came out over the past 2-3 years.

I'd be let down with it if Xbox was my main platform, but it's just complementary to my PS5 and Switch and mainly a Gamepass box. It works great for that with the quick resume, good load times, being quiet, love my Elite controller etc. So no regrets here.

 

[Murdoch]

I mean, It's a games console? What else can they do other than to publish great games across the generation.

 

[Abriael_GN]

LolForbesContributor

 

[Insane Metal]

The usual suspects laughing at the article.

It's full of truths tho, can't ague with that.

Anyway, should've put "Forbes contributor" at the title.

 

[Edgelord79]

I find my Series X to be a huge upgrade from my One X. Everything is so quick and snappy. Games I've played run excellent (Valhalla had some issues). BC is better than the One X.

The hardware is just night and day. Hopefully the games catch up.

 

[AJUMP23]

Duality of neoGAF

Duality of man.

 

[Bolivar687]

MiyazakiHatesKojima GET ITT!!!™

 

[JORMBO]

I would agree the SX isn't really "exciting". The UI is the same and the controller only has some small improvements. The launch lineup was mostly not there at all other then some patched games. I do enjoy mine a lot, but it pretty much is a slightly better 1X at this point. Once the games start hitting the excitement level will pick up.

PS5 was exciting for the first week or two. It felt newer and fresh, but after beating DS and Spiderman I'm in the same place as I am with my SX where I am going to have to wait months for more games to start to trickle in. While the new UI felt exciting at first after spending more time with it it feels really lacking now. I think I like the SX approach here with carrying over the existing UI compared to what Sony gave us.

So PS5 had a short excitement factor over the SX for a short period of time and now it feels like they are both in the same place for me. I'm just waiting for nextgen games now. I don't think there is any real reason to rush out to buy either right now unless you love new tech and having the latest and greatest.

 

[H4ze]

lmao what a bullshit hottake from Forbes, they can eat a ....

 

[Self]

Surprised that they’re seemingly so far behind the competition.

Why is anybody surprised by this?

It was well known there would be no big exclusives for about a year. Almost all the

I guess people hoped for a sleeper hit, a surprise of some kind, something special. People slowly realize that there is nothing going to happen, for a long time. It's a bit of a bummer, honestly.

I mean I'm good with BC, but most people are not.

 

[wipeout364]

Love it great system, very happy with my purchase.

Who really expected big things after the last gen transition? 360 to One was a minimal change at launch as well, same with PS3 to PS4. The time for giant changes in gaming is over guys, sorry to be the one to break it to you. It’s all evolutionary changes from here on out.

 

[NonPhixion]

Is Forbes worse than The Verge?

 

[Desudzer10]

Want the real scoop? It all comes down to games. It looks like Microsoft is trying to bolster their games but besides Halo, nothing in the near future is that attractive. PS5 has Demon souls and a few decent games next year. So until the start of 2022, if you play just one console it'll probably be PS5. After that we'll see what both companies do.

If you're saying just the system itself is a disappointment, that's your fault. After the Pro and the One X, the upgrade wasn't going to be astronomical.

 

[Chukhopops]

It feels like all the bullshit takes from GAF were put in a single article, and are now going to be regurgitated as bullshit takes from Forbes.

I’d be curious to see what the satisfaction rate of people actually buying the SX is.

 

[wipeout364]

Is Forbes worse than The Verge?

Pretty much a draw, but I would probably read Forbes over The verge.
The verge was great at launch but rapidly declined due to their aggressive insertion of politics into their tech discussions.

 

[3liteDragon]

If they manage to get God of War 2 out next year I'll eat my fucking hat. Late spring 2022 at a minimum is more realistic.

Considering it’s been in development for about 3 years now, I’d still bet on it coming out late 2021 which is perfectly reasonable, would be a little surprised if it actually got delayed to 2022.

Not as hard as developing the first GoW where they had to start everything from scratch and build a completely new engine for the game, sequel shouldn’t take that long, now that they have the foundation for everything setup.

 

[MiyazakiHatesKojima]

MiyazakiHatesKojima GET ITT!!!™

This made my day <3

 

[8BiTw0LF]

Nah. It just feels like a better Xbox One X."

 

[GHG]

I agree. Massive anticlimax.

When the only good thing people can talk about is quick resume you know you've released a stinker.

They have a job on their hands in the next 12 months to make it the platform they promised and more.

 

[phil_t98]

how are people saying it just feels like a better xbox x, its running the same games as the PS5. so is the PS5 just a better PRO?

 

[diffusionx]

I'm disappointed with the product MS put out there too. I think it's a complete dud. But it's not just the console, it is the fact that they have literally no games to sell on it. It's so bad... I know they were leaning heavily on 343 to deliver with Halo Infinite, but it says a lot that they were leaning heavily on 343 to deliver with Halo Infinite.

They need to turn it around ASAP because Sony looks like they are planning a massive 2021.

 

[Evilms]