It's November 10th and the Xbox Series X has launched around the world. As I write this, there are hundreds of thousands of gamers out there opening up the box containing their next-gen console for the first time. They're drinking in that intoxicating "new console" smell, going through the process of setting everything up with nothing but joy and excitement in their hearts.
I haven't ordered a next-gen Xbox yet - because I'm not made of money and I personally think I'm going to have a better time with the PlayStation 5. As a result, I'm sat here waiting patiently until November 19th. But that doesn't mean I'm not absolutely thrilled for everyone out there with an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S today, because I am. I really, genuinely am.
Advert
I've been looking through the likes of Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit. I've seen friends, family, and complete strangers share their complete and utter excitement at booting up their new Xboxes for the first time, all the while knowing I'll be doing exactly the same in just over a week with my PS5. It really is the energy I think we all needed in 2020, isn't it? This positivity, this excitement for the future. The next generation of consoles is the start of something entirely new, and regardless of your platform of choice, that's a good vibe to be on after an undeniably crappy year.
Here in the UK we've just started a second lockdown, something I think it's fair to say we've all been incredibly angry and upset by. I'm hardly trying to argue that shiny new video game consoles suddenly make everything better, but I do believe they've come at a time where we all need a positive distraction and - perhaps more importantly - an excuse to stay inside and do little else but game.
There's no doubt in my mind that the same boring parade of losers will trot out arguments about specs and exclusives and which console "wins" in terms of sales. Don't pay any attention to that noise. Pay attention to the excitement and passion from fans everywhere. Maybe this is your fifth or sixth console launch? Maybe it's your first? Maybe you've finally convinced a friend or relative to get in on the hype after all these years?
Whatever your story, just take a moment to appreciate where we're at: the very start of a new generation of gaming. The best is absolutely yet to come, and that is a message I think we can all take with us into 2021.
Featured Image Credit: Sony/MicrosoftTopics: PlayStation 5, Feature, Xbox Series X, Microsoft, Xbox Series S