2020 was a pretty good year when it came to introducing new consoles on the market, as both the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 arrived. However, they faced some uphill problems when it came to their introductions.
The Xbox Series X brought incredible technology and a myriad of backward compatible games.
However, its availability was limited; and Microsoft’s launch line-up wasn’t exactly stellar, with only Gears Tactics serving as an available title during that time. (Halo Infinite, the company’s highly expected sequel, got pushed back to fall 2021.)
As for Sony, they had a great line-up of games for the PS5, along with equally impressive tech inside the machine. However, its launch was botched with very limited numbers, forcing people to turn to resellers to get one – and at a much higher price.
So now comes the question. How can Sony and Microsoft revamp the success of their consoles for this year? Obviously, it helps to have some good games on deck, but availability is also a factor.
Let’s see what each publisher can do, starting with Microsoft.
It Can’t Just Be About Halo Infinite
While there’s no question that 343 Industries’ Halo Infinite is going to be a huge title for Xbox Series X, that doesn’t mean it should be the only one. After all, Microsoft has invested in a lot of teams to join its ranks, including its most recent acquisition of Bethesda and their studios. It needs to take advantage of that with some games.
We already know that some big titles are in the works, like the revamp of the classic Perfect Dark, along with the impressive-looking Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga. But more is needed for Microsoft to be a leader on the console market. More than likely, we’ll get it with Forza Motorsport’s relaunch, along with the promised reboot of Fable.
But it would certainly help the company to continue to provide updates on these titles, as well as hint at more to come that would make the Xbox Series X – or even the S – a worthwhile investment. Microsoft’s got the studios to bolster its games to a tee. Now it just needs to introduce the ones that are worth playing, and it’ll be back in the fight. Sure, it’s got Xbox Game
Pass in the meantime and tons of backward compatible titles, but you can tell that more is needed.
Sony Needs To Integrate Its Services, And Hype Its Exclusives Like Crazy
As far as the moves Sony can make to create a wondrous year for PlayStation 5, the big thing is to hype up its exclusive titles. God of War: Ragnarok is just around the corner, along with a new Ratchet and Clank game and the long-awaited sequel to Horizon: Zero Dawn. Not to mention a Gran Turismo game revving up from Polyphony Digital. If Sony can make the right moves with pushing these games, fans will come running no problem. It wouldn’t hurt to have a few surprises in the mix as well. A new Jak and Daxter maybe? Heck, we’d even take a Twisted Metal.
For that matter, Sony really needs to make its PlayStation Plus service more worthwhile. While it’s nice to have an essential collection at its fingertips and free PS5 games each month (Maneater is a blast, by the way), it needs to integrate its PlayStation Now service into the mix.
That would make the price more worthwhile instead of forcing users to pay a separate entry fee, and give the service the edge it needs to keep up with Xbox Game Pass. Think about it, Sony.
Availability Already!
Sony and Microsoft both need to improve availability of their hardware – and they’re pretty aware of it. Scalpers basically ruined Christmas last year by taking advantage of the companies’ announcements of available units, selling them to the highest bidder with the help of bots.
Well, now the companies need to buckle down and make systems available for general customers, so they can enjoy the games and experiences that they have to offer. It’s just a matter of finding the right distribution circles, foiling resellers and their bots, and working better with retailers that won’t jump the gun upon hearing about any kind of availability.
If the companies can follow these steps, we could have a really great year for both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Fingers crossed!
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