Jubenhimer
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The three main gaming platforms on the market right now are PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and the Nintendo Switch. The reveals for these consoles have been met with loads of hype and speculation leading up to their launches, and each has gone on to break sales records and are building up sizable libraries.
Nintendo Switch
Being the first of the three release, the Nintendo Switch had the most mystery surrounding it prior to reveal. For about 2 years, nobody knew what the then codenamed "NX" was even supposed to be. A handheld? A home console? Both? What everyone did know was that at the time, Nintendo Co. Ltd. was in desperate need of new hardware, and fast. The Wii U had ultimately failed to be a worthwhile investment for most people, and the Nintendo 3DS while still being popular with younger gamers, was starting to show its age. Then right at the buzzer, Nintendo released the trailer for the now renamed "Nintendo Switch" on YouTube in October 2016. The device ultimately ended up being door number 3, a tablet/home console hybrid that is more Game Boy player than PlayStation 4 killer.
Nintendo then went all out with its formal reveal in January 2017. A live-stage presentation that detailed the release date, price, hardware features, and software lineup. In typical Nintendo fashion, they focused less on raw technical specs, and more on how it stands out from other gaming devices. After showing off what the console's new detachable Joy-Con controllers are capable of, which include an IR motion camera and new HD Rumble technology, Nintendo went right into the games, starting with two new original titles designed to show off the console's new tech. The first, 1-2 Switch, a screen-less party game ala John Sabastian's Joust. where each player takes a Joy-Con controller, and mimics actions without the use of a screen. The game was a neat novelty that showcased the Joy-Con's Wii-style motion controls, and the Switch's out-of-the-box portable multiplayer. But at $50 and not packed-in with the system, the asking price considered too steep. The other new title shown off was much more appealing in ARMS. A fighting game that's a cross between Nintendo's own Punch-Out!! and Sega's Virtual-On series, the game used the Joy-Con to mimic a pair of stretchy boxing gloves as players dodge around the arena. While ARMS didn't arrive in time for the Switch's launch, it ultimately ended up being well received, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
More games were shown off including the sequel to the Wii U's surprise hit, Splatoon, named Splatoon 2, a visual and mechanical improvement over the original in just about every way. Super Mario Odyssey, the latest in the 3D Super Mario series that took the series back to its sandbox roots. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 from Monolith Soft, and Fire Emblem Warriors. Nintendo then moved on to third party titles, including appearances from Sega, Suda 51, Square Enix, and EA, all promising to deliver games to the platform. Nintendo then closed the show by revealing that the highly anticipated Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild will arrive at launch for the new console.
The reception to the reveal was met with mixed reception by gamers. While many hands-on impressions praised the Switch's tech and features, the live presentation, odd software choices, limited third party commitment, and the higher than expected asking price of $300, made everyone skeptical of its success. With the Switch being a clean break for Nintendo, and the company coming off its biggest failure in years, many were unsure about the success of the Switch. But over 85 million units and a library of over 2,000 titles later, The Switch ultimately ended up being a popular and well received platform with a rich selection of games. While it has its hardware flaws *Joy-Con drift*, the Switch still remains one of gaming's most popular platforms with gamers and developers.
Xbox Series S|X
Microsoft Corp. similarly to Nintendo, has had a rough generation. While the Xbox One wasn't quite a failure like the Wii U, the botched pre-launch and lack of killer exclusive titles led to it trailing behind the PlayStation 4 in sales and support by a considerable margin. Microsoft hoped to fix that going into the next generation. Initially going by Project Scarlett, the next Xbox generation was finally shown off at The Game Awards in 2019. The new gen's flagship, is the Xbox Series X, a console that Microsoft claims to be the most powerful machine on the market, featuring Microsoft's Velocity architecture, and an SSD, allowing for quicker load times in games. The very first game revealed, was a sequel to Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, a move that followed Microsoft's acquisition of Ninja Theory the year prior. As much of the world was locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Microsoft opted to continue showing off the next generation in live-streamed, pre-recorded presentations broadcasted to YouTube. The first, an episode of Inside Xbox, showcased Microsoft's third party partners for next gen. Among them, was Microsoft's renewed commitment to both exclusives, and foreign developers, notably Japanese developers. New gameplay of Assasin's Creed Valhalla, Scarlet Nexus, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and others supposedly demonstrating what the Series X is capable of.
A few months later, Microsoft held a proper reveal for Series X featuring mostly first party Xbox Game Studios titles including Halo: Infinite, Everwild, Grounded, a new Fable, and other titles. Months later, the long-rumored second console in the next gen Xbox family was revealed, the Xbox Series S. A cheaper, less powerful, all digital alternative to the Series X, the S was designed with Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass service in mind, allowing users to download games, with the trade off being no physical disc drive. While the Series S and X were well received, Microsoft's gradual reveal was ultimately seen as underwhelming. The INside Xbox episode showed basically nothing impressive, while the Xbox games showcase mostly had no gameplay. For a console touted as the most powerful thing alive, Microsoft sure didn't show it first go-around.
PlayStation 5
As the 8th generation started winding down, the 5th installment in Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation home console franchise was imminent. At first, not much was known about the PlayStation 5, other than the fact that like the Series X, it'll have an SSD instead of a HDD, and would support 4K Blu-Ray. As 2020 drew closer, Sony's Mark Cerny pulled back more details on what new system was about, including the console's new controller, as well as Sony developing a custom 3D sound engine for the platform. Sony later held a special presentation in-lieu of the planned GDC conference in March 2020, in which Cerny finally pulled back the curtain on what exactly is in the new hardware. Turns out that SSD has been heavily customized with a special I/O board that not only allows for even faster load times than a standard SSD, but also allows it to directly interface with the system's GPU and CPU, allowing for new types of gameplay and design, the console's custom audio engine named Tempest, was also detailed at this presentation.
A few months later, the PS5 controller, the DualSense was revealed. Similarly to the Switch, the DualSense is designed around High-definition haptic engine that allows for specific vibrations in different parts of the controller at different volumes. The controller also comes equipped with a mic for gameplay and voice chat, as well as adaptive triggers, that change in resistance depending on in-game context. Finally in June, Sony pulled back the full veil on PS5, and they hit the ground running. Kicking off with some new titles from SIE's "PlayStation Studios" line of first party games. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the semi-sequel to the critically acclaimed PS4 original was the first PS5 title showcased, focusing on Miles Morales filling in for Peter Parker. Sony then moved straight to Gran Turismo 7, the first mainline entry in the racing sim series in nearly a decade. In a similar fashion to Nintendo's reveal of the Switch, Sony flexed the PS5's new tech with a mix of new IP and familiar faces. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart marked the duo's first return to an original game since the PS3, and was by far the best showcase of the console's custom SSD, launching Ratchet and Clank from level to level at near instant speeds. Returnal, a new title from Resogun developer Housemarque, is a roguelike shooter that utilizes the SDD to load in as many unique enemies on screen as fast as possible, while also eliminating post-death load times. Destruction All-Stars, a multiplayer brawler with driving mechanics, a remake of PS3 cult-classic Demon's Souls, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, a spin-off of Little Big Planet, Astro's Playroom, a free-pack in showcasing the new DualSense features, and Horizon: Forbidden West, the sequel to 2017's groundbreaking Horizon Zero Dawn. Sony also showed off new games from third parties including a new Square Enix title, Project Athiea, later renamed Forsaken, Hitman 3, Resident Evil 8, and a selection of indie titles including Bugsnax, and Little Inside.
Sony then closed out the show with the full reveal of the console's design. In a tech world filled with indistinguishable black boxes and rectangles, the PS5's big, curvy, and loud two-toned design was a breath of refreshing air when first shown. On top of that, the console was revealed to come in in two varieties. One with a disc drive, and one without. While no price or release date was shown, Sony had a very strong showing for their new console. But even then, it was a bit underwhelming. For a console constantly kept in the dark and hyped up to hell and back, many expected the reveals to be a bit... Bigger than what we got. Still, the sheer variety of games shown WITH proper gameplay, and strong titles on the way, the presentation fueled the hype for the new machine. Near the Holiday season, Sony ran one last hype presentation for the PS5, which detailed the games shown in the last event, as well as a few new ones including Final Fantasy XVI and God of War: Ragnarok, as well as finally revealing the launch price and release date.
Between each of these three pre-launch reveals, which console had the strongest showing?
Nintendo Switch
Being the first of the three release, the Nintendo Switch had the most mystery surrounding it prior to reveal. For about 2 years, nobody knew what the then codenamed "NX" was even supposed to be. A handheld? A home console? Both? What everyone did know was that at the time, Nintendo Co. Ltd. was in desperate need of new hardware, and fast. The Wii U had ultimately failed to be a worthwhile investment for most people, and the Nintendo 3DS while still being popular with younger gamers, was starting to show its age. Then right at the buzzer, Nintendo released the trailer for the now renamed "Nintendo Switch" on YouTube in October 2016. The device ultimately ended up being door number 3, a tablet/home console hybrid that is more Game Boy player than PlayStation 4 killer.
Nintendo then went all out with its formal reveal in January 2017. A live-stage presentation that detailed the release date, price, hardware features, and software lineup. In typical Nintendo fashion, they focused less on raw technical specs, and more on how it stands out from other gaming devices. After showing off what the console's new detachable Joy-Con controllers are capable of, which include an IR motion camera and new HD Rumble technology, Nintendo went right into the games, starting with two new original titles designed to show off the console's new tech. The first, 1-2 Switch, a screen-less party game ala John Sabastian's Joust. where each player takes a Joy-Con controller, and mimics actions without the use of a screen. The game was a neat novelty that showcased the Joy-Con's Wii-style motion controls, and the Switch's out-of-the-box portable multiplayer. But at $50 and not packed-in with the system, the asking price considered too steep. The other new title shown off was much more appealing in ARMS. A fighting game that's a cross between Nintendo's own Punch-Out!! and Sega's Virtual-On series, the game used the Joy-Con to mimic a pair of stretchy boxing gloves as players dodge around the arena. While ARMS didn't arrive in time for the Switch's launch, it ultimately ended up being well received, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
More games were shown off including the sequel to the Wii U's surprise hit, Splatoon, named Splatoon 2, a visual and mechanical improvement over the original in just about every way. Super Mario Odyssey, the latest in the 3D Super Mario series that took the series back to its sandbox roots. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 from Monolith Soft, and Fire Emblem Warriors. Nintendo then moved on to third party titles, including appearances from Sega, Suda 51, Square Enix, and EA, all promising to deliver games to the platform. Nintendo then closed the show by revealing that the highly anticipated Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild will arrive at launch for the new console.
The reception to the reveal was met with mixed reception by gamers. While many hands-on impressions praised the Switch's tech and features, the live presentation, odd software choices, limited third party commitment, and the higher than expected asking price of $300, made everyone skeptical of its success. With the Switch being a clean break for Nintendo, and the company coming off its biggest failure in years, many were unsure about the success of the Switch. But over 85 million units and a library of over 2,000 titles later, The Switch ultimately ended up being a popular and well received platform with a rich selection of games. While it has its hardware flaws *Joy-Con drift*, the Switch still remains one of gaming's most popular platforms with gamers and developers.
Xbox Series S|X
Microsoft Corp. similarly to Nintendo, has had a rough generation. While the Xbox One wasn't quite a failure like the Wii U, the botched pre-launch and lack of killer exclusive titles led to it trailing behind the PlayStation 4 in sales and support by a considerable margin. Microsoft hoped to fix that going into the next generation. Initially going by Project Scarlett, the next Xbox generation was finally shown off at The Game Awards in 2019. The new gen's flagship, is the Xbox Series X, a console that Microsoft claims to be the most powerful machine on the market, featuring Microsoft's Velocity architecture, and an SSD, allowing for quicker load times in games. The very first game revealed, was a sequel to Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, a move that followed Microsoft's acquisition of Ninja Theory the year prior. As much of the world was locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Microsoft opted to continue showing off the next generation in live-streamed, pre-recorded presentations broadcasted to YouTube. The first, an episode of Inside Xbox, showcased Microsoft's third party partners for next gen. Among them, was Microsoft's renewed commitment to both exclusives, and foreign developers, notably Japanese developers. New gameplay of Assasin's Creed Valhalla, Scarlet Nexus, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and others supposedly demonstrating what the Series X is capable of.
A few months later, Microsoft held a proper reveal for Series X featuring mostly first party Xbox Game Studios titles including Halo: Infinite, Everwild, Grounded, a new Fable, and other titles. Months later, the long-rumored second console in the next gen Xbox family was revealed, the Xbox Series S. A cheaper, less powerful, all digital alternative to the Series X, the S was designed with Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass service in mind, allowing users to download games, with the trade off being no physical disc drive. While the Series S and X were well received, Microsoft's gradual reveal was ultimately seen as underwhelming. The INside Xbox episode showed basically nothing impressive, while the Xbox games showcase mostly had no gameplay. For a console touted as the most powerful thing alive, Microsoft sure didn't show it first go-around.
PlayStation 5
As the 8th generation started winding down, the 5th installment in Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation home console franchise was imminent. At first, not much was known about the PlayStation 5, other than the fact that like the Series X, it'll have an SSD instead of a HDD, and would support 4K Blu-Ray. As 2020 drew closer, Sony's Mark Cerny pulled back more details on what new system was about, including the console's new controller, as well as Sony developing a custom 3D sound engine for the platform. Sony later held a special presentation in-lieu of the planned GDC conference in March 2020, in which Cerny finally pulled back the curtain on what exactly is in the new hardware. Turns out that SSD has been heavily customized with a special I/O board that not only allows for even faster load times than a standard SSD, but also allows it to directly interface with the system's GPU and CPU, allowing for new types of gameplay and design, the console's custom audio engine named Tempest, was also detailed at this presentation.
A few months later, the PS5 controller, the DualSense was revealed. Similarly to the Switch, the DualSense is designed around High-definition haptic engine that allows for specific vibrations in different parts of the controller at different volumes. The controller also comes equipped with a mic for gameplay and voice chat, as well as adaptive triggers, that change in resistance depending on in-game context. Finally in June, Sony pulled back the full veil on PS5, and they hit the ground running. Kicking off with some new titles from SIE's "PlayStation Studios" line of first party games. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the semi-sequel to the critically acclaimed PS4 original was the first PS5 title showcased, focusing on Miles Morales filling in for Peter Parker. Sony then moved straight to Gran Turismo 7, the first mainline entry in the racing sim series in nearly a decade. In a similar fashion to Nintendo's reveal of the Switch, Sony flexed the PS5's new tech with a mix of new IP and familiar faces. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart marked the duo's first return to an original game since the PS3, and was by far the best showcase of the console's custom SSD, launching Ratchet and Clank from level to level at near instant speeds. Returnal, a new title from Resogun developer Housemarque, is a roguelike shooter that utilizes the SDD to load in as many unique enemies on screen as fast as possible, while also eliminating post-death load times. Destruction All-Stars, a multiplayer brawler with driving mechanics, a remake of PS3 cult-classic Demon's Souls, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, a spin-off of Little Big Planet, Astro's Playroom, a free-pack in showcasing the new DualSense features, and Horizon: Forbidden West, the sequel to 2017's groundbreaking Horizon Zero Dawn. Sony also showed off new games from third parties including a new Square Enix title, Project Athiea, later renamed Forsaken, Hitman 3, Resident Evil 8, and a selection of indie titles including Bugsnax, and Little Inside.
Sony then closed out the show with the full reveal of the console's design. In a tech world filled with indistinguishable black boxes and rectangles, the PS5's big, curvy, and loud two-toned design was a breath of refreshing air when first shown. On top of that, the console was revealed to come in in two varieties. One with a disc drive, and one without. While no price or release date was shown, Sony had a very strong showing for their new console. But even then, it was a bit underwhelming. For a console constantly kept in the dark and hyped up to hell and back, many expected the reveals to be a bit... Bigger than what we got. Still, the sheer variety of games shown WITH proper gameplay, and strong titles on the way, the presentation fueled the hype for the new machine. Near the Holiday season, Sony ran one last hype presentation for the PS5, which detailed the games shown in the last event, as well as a few new ones including Final Fantasy XVI and God of War: Ragnarok, as well as finally revealing the launch price and release date.
Between each of these three pre-launch reveals, which console had the strongest showing?
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