Why it Pays To Wait on Next-Gen Consoles

Image Credits: Softpedia

I've been tempted more than once to pick up a PS4 or Xbox One since their release. I've been seduced by the draw of the new and shiny, the bold and boxy (I just created an appliance based soap opera). I've made every convenient excuse for picking one up from the classic "I deserve this" to the faux-fuzzy logic of "for the business." In fact, all of these are a thin veneer for a desire to acquire. But when every day brings more news of issues with the consoles themselves and the games they play, I can temper my craving enough to hold off a little longer.

The only exclusive I'm actually interested in right now. Still doesn't mean I'm rushing out for an Xbox One.

Early adoption of new tech is usually a sure path to disappointment. These first waves are where the bugs are worked out, design flaws become apparent, and innumerable unforeseeable issues with the hardware and software that either weren't or couldn't be tested bubble to the surface. Both of these consoles were pushed out the door in order to make it for 2013's holiday season. Later waves will (hopefully) address fit, form and function based on the data they've collected since launch.

Both of the consoles launched with a very small list for games either already released for current generation consoles or rushed to be available at console launch. Battlefield 4 launched with crippling multiplayer issues that it is still trying to recover from. The Tomb Raider launch for Xbox One has been met with outrage over framerate issues.

Pushed to November. Are we sure this isn't part of some elaborate ARG?

Most of the games I'm interested in playing on the new consoles are months to years away as is. Titanfall is the closest (March 11th) but Destiny won't show up until September, Watchdogs is looking like November, and The Division may not have actually started formal development. It seems that after the initial push for next-gen titles passed, a number of other projects slated as "near-launch" titles have been pushed back to more realistic release dates.  

At this point, I just don't see a whole lot to distinguish these new consoles from the ones I already have. I'm not prepared to drop four to five hundred bucks yet. The temptation is there, but there is precious little justification for investment.