3 Overlooked Battlegrounds Between PlayStation 5 And Xbox Series X

The old videogames industry adage “It’s all about the games” is both a common-sense truth about the perennial war for console supremacy and yet one that becomes less true with every new flagship hardware release. This is because consoles now vie for dominance at the altar of your top-of-the-line entertainment center for movies, games, apps, and more. The business landscape is not the same as it was during the PS4 and Xbox One release, and it will require new bold strategies to win over consumers.

Here are three battles to consider that could greatly determine future hardware sales numbers for Sony and Microsoft--

1. Social Media PR: Keeping in touch with ever-shifting social media attitudes is a delicate tightrope walk these days. The recent rise of loud and “toxic” fandoms online and cancel culture in the air makes Public Relations a treacherous zone. External social forces are virtually invisible and can strike suddenly with harsh critique. A simple decision like deciding which influencers and pro gamers to represent the latest AAA titles could turn ugly if they are deemed a problematic personality by a Twitter mob. A lead developer recently stepped down from his role for such a reason (See: Hogwarts Legacy). The company that can best brace itself from the blasts of the landmine-littered field of social media will have to know when to cater to the hardcore crowd, make concessions for more casual gamers, and when to ignore a smear campaign. Let’s hope their social media team’s Twitter fingers are up to snuff!

2. Firmware Updates: Do you remember the Xbox 360’s “blades” user interface? Or when the PS Store ran from a PS3 browser? It’s a distant memory because firmware updates can breathe new life into a console experience and turn the tide. The traditional approach to UI (User Interface) evolution was to work on a big new firmware version-- let’s say, Version 2.1-- and stuff as many meaningful changes at once, which instantly delivered a visually noticeable difference. However, most updates these days generally go unnoticed because they get rolled out in incremental bite-sized chunks with multi-digit patches --for example, Version 2.055, instead of a significant digit round-up-- and during Sleep Mode. A marked difference from the hyped-up mega patches of before. Another factor here is the speed at which emerging universal technologies will release, which may sway some of the more technophile consumers out there. For instance, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) is available on Xbox Series X and currently not on PS5, though announced. Still, it’s hard to imagine how different the gaming experience on these boxes will look, feel, and even SOUND during their last moments compared to now, given that things like fan speed can be altered. Most updates are devoted to bugs, of course, but it’s always exciting when a bigger one happens. Only time will tell if Sony or Microsoft has the best digital-Darwinian approach for the next several years of “9th Generation consoles” life.

3. VR and other Hardware: Everyone loves playing with new tech, which is why video games are the highest-grossing form of media; the roof is so high in interactive entertainment that we still can’t see it! Since the ’90s, console ad campaigns focused on flaunting graphics and sound that trumped their competitors’. Notably, the story with Xbox Series X and PS5 is a virtual stalemate in raw power. This draw leaves space for new hardware to outshine the opponent. The PC-dominated market of Virtual Reality is not one to be ignored. Sony has a leg-up due to its last-gen foray into VR and the most recent announcement of its second VR version for PS5. Sony also pushed new tech in its DUALSENSE controllers, in which gamers can physically feel the game through haptic feedback, vibration, and resistance triggers. This new tech is entirely up to developers to take advantage of if they wish. It’s a welcome addition, nonetheless.

Currently, Microsoft has an open field to introduce fresh hardware that will stand out on its own. I guess that an upgraded controller with comparable tech will come at some point. Perhaps we'll see the return of a Kinect-like camera along with its foray into the VR-Space as well. Investing in new experiences is a move that Xbox Series X will have to make if it wants to catch up and compete on the innovation front. With Microsoft's more robust ties to PC gaming, the possibilities are exciting to think about.

Closing Analysis

Metal Gear Solid 4’s Old Snake proclaimed that “War has changed.” The Fallout series’ famous intro insists that “War never changes.” The joy of following the games industry boils down to these two seemingly mutually exclusive statements. They do both indeed hold truth as technology expands into new turf. Whether you’re a company fanboy with skin in the game or just someone interested in the tech world, I suggest grabbing some popcorn and sitting down because this current Sony and Microsoft rumble could turn out to become an even bigger brawl than Godzilla Vs. Kong. Don’t forget to duck and cover!