If you like strategic and multiplayer games, I think the best option is Xbox Series X. Age of Empires II came on January and the controls adapted to console are great. Moreover, Gears Tactics and Halo Wars are good additions to the RTS games.

You also have other kind of games like Cities: Skylines, Shadowrun Trilogy, Minecraft and other similar games on Gamepass.

Nonetheless, if you prefer 3rd person narrative games, like God of War, The Last of Us or Horizon Zero Dawn, as well as JRPGs, I would go with PS5.

As you already have played the PS4 and Xbox One S consoles, you can expect the same vibes with the PS5 and Series X, but with more improvements. I would look into content for deciding which one you will be more appealed.

Xbox: Gamepass is the Troy horse, with hundreds of games and some on Day 1. Moreover, the new studio acquisitions will improve the content on the RPG and FPS fields.

PS5: Strong 3p narrative games, japanese presence with exclusives as FF XVI as well as innovating with PSVR2.

It depends on your preferences. I decided to stick with Series X and Switch, and I don't regret not buying the PS5 at the moment. But different people, different preferences.

Even though I asked myself the same question some months ago, right now I don't consider it worth. In any case, I would consider pick a PS5 or even a PS4 to play those exclusives you would like to play.

Then, you decide if it is worth for you to stock with both consoles or sell one of them.

If you asked myself, I would stick with Xbox until Starfield, Redfall and Forza come this year. If these games do not appeal to you, then I would consider the switch.

You know what Xbox can offer to you with One S. You have to ask yourself if you prefer an upgrade to the next gen or go to a different route and grab a PS5 for playing its exclusives.

It's up to you based on the games you like the most. Check the exclusives they have and compare with what games you appeal the most.

It's up to you, but I would recommend you to check the exclusives Xbox has before purchasing the Series X or S.

Speaking about me, I 'jump in' in the end of the One lifecycle and I don't regret picking the Series X over the PS5 (which I will pick in the future).

Series S, no doubt

Series S has more power than the PS4 Pro. Moreover you have access to the current generation. The only thing to know is that Series S is an all digital console, but if you do not mind it, I think the new Xbox console is the best value here.

I come with another proposal... How about the Series S? It contains lots of RPG and indie games included in the Gamepass and you have access to the new generation. More or less is the same price you want to pay.

If not, I would suggest going to the Switch route. You will have access to an extense library with a plus in the portability section. Moreover, it is the Nintendo's current gen, so I would not expect a new hardware at least until 2024.

It depends how important are PS exclusives for you. But as it is an old gen console.

PS: for your case, Series S > Switch OLED > PS4 Pro

There are three things I considered when buying a Switch: portability, first party exclusives and the possibility to play with friends in a LAN party.

At the moment, neither Sony or Microsoft offer that. Maybe Microsoft with some exclusives like Halo or Gears, but these are not games which appeal everyone.

These will be my conditions with the next Nintendo's console, including the backwards compatibility.

Both of them are good choices. In my case, I tend to play more on my Series X due to GP and the digital library I own, but it's up to you.

Xbox if you really plan to play on GP. PS if the exclusives and Japanese games are more important to you.

If you are not planning to play anymore, then sell it. It's redundant to have two consoles which share more than 90% of the catalogue.

Consoles are worth it as much as you use them. If PS exclusives are your cup of tea and you plan to play other games besides the exclusives on the PS5, then go for it. PS exclusives are coming between 6 months to 2 years to the PC, so it's up to you if you think waiting makes sense.

But, if I am honest, I would not buy an overpriced console just for two or three games. I would only buy it if I plan to invest on multi-platform games too (which is my case).

The problem I have with current storytelling is not the content itself, but the manner it's told nowadays. Games like Bioshock, Skyrim, Dark Souls or even Doom have strong narratives, but the way they tell you the story is by involving the player to explore the characters and the world designed. It's what we call 'Lore'.

However, current games seem to put the focus in a more guided story, with strong visuals, voice acting and special effects to highlight the drive. It's centered in the character and the way they interact each other.

Nonetheless, I think it is a vague approach, as nowadays most of the games follow this in order to feel more connected with hardcore and casual players.

It's true that there is no option in game (for example, MW2 crossplay disabling is a PS5 feature and this depends on the Activision sode), but you can block the crossplay in the Settings - Account & Privacy Online safety from the console for every game.

I wish the crossplay could be only with consoles...

If I am not wrong and you like online FPS, I would go either Xbox or PS5 route. It depends on which platform all your friends play.

In my case, I went to the Xbox route and I don't regret it. Moreover, I would expect more FPS coming to Xbox, as idSoftware, MachineGames, The Coalition, Arkane or 343i. Maybe CoD and Activision too.

So, it's up to you. You won't regret anyways!

I think in 2023 we will see something like a restyle, whether it is a 'Slim' or 'Pro' version/s.

On the other hand, and by speculating about the release date of PS6, I think 2027 will be the year when the new Sony's console comes.

Let's see, as recessions, sales estimations,... can move the date forward.

In that case, go for it, you won't regret it. The only thing to take into considerations are the specs (at least for performance mode) and the storage available. If you manage yourself which games to install, this is not something I would worry about.

A PC can not do the same for such a low price.

As my personal experience, I have a Series X, my friends a Series S. All of them are very happy with the console and not regret the decision at all. I even think to buy a Series S for me for my girlfriend's appartment.

It's totally worth the price, as you can access to an extensive libray for less than 300$ (including exclusive titles on console like the upcoming Starfield or Forza).

Moreover, you can wait until PS5 drops its price and then grab it. The question to ask yourself is how important PS exclusives are for you and which type of games do you like the most. I would not worry for the console performance or the deprecation of it.

I have switched from PS to Xbox in the PS3 gen and I would say that I not regret it. It is true that Sony exclusives won't be on Xbox, but you win other advantages like its fenomenal retro and a library that your spouse didn't play before.

In my case, I really like the hardware, it's really solid and with the Gamepass he will play lots of titles that otherwise he will not play. But, I will mention that lastly I feel a bit concerned about the release planning of the Xbox division...

It's up to you, but in case you want to not mistake in the decision, instead of going for a Series X, my sugestion is going for a Series S, which is more affordable and all actual videogames can be played there. Once the PS5 offer stabilizes, then he can thing whether is a good idea to go for a Series X or a PS5. But in the meantime, he can play everything :)

If you like the PS4 games the most, I think you should go for that route (if portability is not essencial for you). Moreover, you will gain an extense library of games, so you do not worry until PS5 will decrease its price, eventually.