Microsoft has stated that it aims to achieve the “greatest technological leap in a hardware generation ever” with its next Xbox. But does the console even have a chance against Sony and a potential PS6? Because some points speak against an Xbox console.
Microsoft has said that it is working on a new Xbox console. This is not surprising, as it is known that manufacturers start preparing for the next generation of consoles right after the release of a console. Sony is also likely already working on a PS6, although they have not commented on it.
Phil Spencer emphasized that they want to reach the “greatest technological leap in a hardware generation ever” with their next Xbox and that they do not intend to stop their hardware business (via theverge). But is that enough to have a chance against Sony and PlayStation?
Significantly fewer units sold than Sony in 2023
What was it like in 2023? According to the site Statista, both Sony and Microsoft were able to sell their consoles in the millions: In 2023, around 7.5 million units of the Xbox Series X/S and around 21.6 million units of the PlayStation 5 were sold worldwide. However, it is striking: about 3 times as many PS5 consoles were sold as Xbox devices.
Similarly, in Japan: For every 1.6 million PS5 consoles and 2.2 million Switch systems, there are allegedly only around 76,000 Xbox devices (via vgchartz.com).
Microsoft had argued during the acquisition of Activision Blizzard that they were the much smaller competitor in the market: In Europe, Sony holds 80% of the market share with its PlayStation, while they only hold 20%. Interestingly, Microsoft omitted Nintendo from this argument (via gameindustry.biz).
Why should PS5 owners necessarily buy a new Xbox if they could also go for a PS6?
Exclusive games as an argument for consoles, but not for Xbox
The main argument for consoles has always been exclusive games that can only be played on the consoles. These are so-called “system sellers”, games for which you must buy the consoles. However, Microsoft has been more open about this for years and introduces many games not just for Xbox, but also for PC. They have now stated that 4 selected first-party games will also be released for PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Starfield, by the way, is not one of them.
With Sony, on the other hand, there are still many exclusive titles for the PS5, even though some titles are now also coming for PC with a delay. Games like the new Spider-Man are still exclusively reserved for the PS5. This rather suggests a reason to opt for a PS6 in the next generation and either buy a gaming PC or treat oneself to an upgrade like a new graphics card.
Due to Starfield, Microsoft supposedly sold more Game Pass subscriptions than ever before, but not necessarily their own consoles.
Backward compatibility, Game Pass, and large developer studios as arguments for Xbox
However, there are reasons that speak for buying an Xbox. One is the significantly broader compatibility with older games, as older Xbox 360 titles also work on an Xbox Series X.
On the other hand, the Game Pass is an argument that repeatedly comes up. With Game Pass, you can play many games on your console without additional costs and do not need a powerful gaming PC for it.
Another argument is the large purchases Microsoft has made in recent years:
- In 2020, Microsoft bought Bethesda and thereby secured great franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Doom, or Dishonored.
- In early 2022, Microsoft announced it would buy Activision Blizzard for 70 billion. Here too, it’s about major franchises like Diablo, Warcraft, or Call of Duty.
But whether this is enough to make Xbox competitive against the PS5 or a PS6 remains to be seen in the coming years. Even when it comes to acquisitions, Microsoft argued that they are much smaller than the big PlayStation.
Xbox or PS5? With PS5 and Xbox Series X, you can buy two powerful consoles. But which console should I buy if I have to choose one?
MeinMMO explains the similarities and differences between the PS5 and Xbox Series X. You will also find out which console you should ultimately choose.
