I love my Xbox but the PlayStation 5 can give me something that my ex-box just cannot.. Stellar Blade, and other exclusives.
I’ve been in a committed relationship with my Xbox for as long as I can remember, but lately, I’ve been feeling a bit… restless. Don’t get me wrong, Xbox has been a great partner – reliable, fun, and always there for me when I needed a gaming fix. But sometimes, a girl can’t help but wonder if there’s something more out there.
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I’ve been a double agent in the console war for as long as I can remember, fighting for and against both sides. My loyalty has been tested time and time again, but I’ve always found myself drawn to the Xbox’s sleek design, powerful hardware, and user-friendly interface. I’ve defended Microsoft’s consoles with the fervor of a devoted fan at a Halo convention, but recently, a new contender emerged that made me question my allegiance: the PlayStation 5, a temptress in white, beckoning me to switch sides and join the other team.
It all started with a chance encounter with the Stellar Blade demo, an exclusive title for the PlayStation 5. As I played through the stunning visuals and silky-smooth gameplay, I felt my resolve wavering, like a dieter faced with a slice of triple chocolate cake. Could it be that the grass was actually greener on the other side of the console fence?
Determined to find out, I took the plunge and acquired a PlayStation 5, along with a couple of games I’d previously owned on Xbox and a free copy of Rise of the Ronin, courtesy of PlayStation Australia. It was time to see if this new flame could light up my gaming life like my trusty Xbox always had.
Unboxing the Beast
With my shiny new PS5 in hand, I eagerly tore into the box like a kid on Christmas morning. The console itself felt premium, with a sleek, white exterior that screamed “next-gen” louder than a banshee in a library. However, its bulky size and attention-seeking design made it a bit less practical than the understated Xbox Series X, which could easily blend into any setup like a chameleon at a paint store.
The Dreaded Account Debacle
Setting up my PlayStation account should have been a breeze, but I hit a snag when I couldn’t remember the email address linked to my old account, which held over 100 games. It was like trying to remember the name of that actor from that one movie – you know, the one with the thing. Sony’s customer support couldn’t help me retrieve it, so all those digital purchases and hard-earned trophies were lost to the void, like socks in a dryer. It made me appreciate the simplicity of Xbox’s Microsoft account integration, which I’ve been using since my teenage years, back when “Netflix and chill” meant renting a DVD and hoping your parents didn’t catch you.
Navigating the UI Labyrinth
As a PlayStation 4 veteran, I thought I’d feel right at home with the PS5’s user interface. But coming from the Xbox Series X, I found myself lost in a maze of menus and extra button presses just to perform basic tasks like putting the console to sleep or accessing the store. Microsoft’s decades of experience in designing intuitive operating systems shines through in the Xbox’s superior UI.
Another feature I find myself missing on the PlayStation 5 is the built-in web browser. On the Xbox, I could easily pull up the Bing browser with a single press of a button to quickly look up tutorials, guides, or walkthroughs whenever I found myself stuck in a game. With the PlayStation 5, however, I’m forced to reach for my phone whenever I need to consult the internet for gaming tips. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one that breaks the immersion and adds an extra step to the process of getting the information I need. While the PlayStation 5 may excel in many areas, the absence of a web browser feels like an oversight in today’s connected gaming world.
The Controller Conundrum
I used to be a die-hard fan of PlayStation’s symmetrical analog stick layout, believing it gave me an edge in first-person shooters. But after experiencing the comfort and natural feel of the Xbox’s asymmetrical sticks, I’ve come to realize why so many other gaming devices have adopted this design. The DualSense controller may be a premium product with its adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, but the Xbox controller’s ergonomics save me from hand pain during marathon gaming sessions.
One minor but frustrating difference I’ve noticed between the Xbox and PlayStation 5 is how the home button functions. On the Xbox, hitting the home button automatically pauses the game, allowing you to quickly check something or take a break without worrying about your character’s safety. However, on the PlayStation 5, pressing the home button merely brings up the UI overlay while the game continues running in the background. This has led to countless deaths and missed opportunities for rage quitting or scum saving, as I’ve instinctively hit the PlayStation button mid-battle, only to find my character at the mercy of my enemies. It’s a small detail, but one that’s taken some getting used to after years of Xbox muscle memory.
Party Chat Perfection
One area where the PlayStation 5 surprised me was its party chat system. Initially, I found it confusing compared to Xbox’s streamlined approach, but once I figured out the ins and outs, I was hooked. Features like screen sharing and the ability to use a cursor to point out details while playing Elden Ring with my sister made the PS5’s party chat a winner in my book.
The Power of PlayStation
After putting the PlayStation 5 through its paces with titles like Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, and Dragon’s Dogma 2, I can confidently say that it’s a powerhouse. These games performed better on the PS5 than on the Xbox Series X, with Dragon’s Dogma 2 even outshining its PC counterpart. The graphics on the PlayStation 5 are simply stunning, and no Xbox exclusive can currently match the smooth 4K 60fps performance of Stellar Blade.
The Long Game
So, with all these advantages, why did I ultimately make the switch? It comes down to Microsoft’s long-term strategy. While I had to bid farewell to some digital purchases, I’m still a proud Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber. This means I can play all my Game Pass games on PC or handheld devices, and I’ll never miss out on an Xbox exclusive.
Microsoft’s approach feels less predatory than Sony’s, offering better value with Game Pass Ultimate compared to even the highest tier of PlayStation Plus. Sony’s aggressive stance on exclusivity, forcing players to wait years for PC releases and then double-dip to play on both platforms, is a stark contrast to Xbox’s consumer-friendly PlayAnywhere initiative.
The Best of Both Worlds
Yet, even as I lost myself in the PS5’s charms, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was betraying my loyal Xbox. It had been with me through thick and thin, offering the comfort of Game Pass and the convenience of PlayAnywhere. The PlayStation 5 may have been a thrilling fling, but could it really replace the long-term commitment and stability of my Xbox?
In the end, I realized that I didn’t have to choose between the two. The console war may rage on, but as a gamer, I’m free to enjoy the best of both worlds. The PlayStation 5 may be my sexy new mistress, but the Xbox will always hold a special place in my heart.
And who knows? With rumors of Steam coming to the Xbox Series X, I might just have a steamy gaming threeway in my future.
So, to all you gamers out there feeling trapped in a console monogamy, don’t be afraid to explore your options. You never know what kind of gaming bliss you might discover. Just don’t forget to treat your consoles with the love and respect they deserve – even if you occasionally cheat on them with a newer model.