Microsoft’s next generation Xbox is just around the corner. With less than one month before release, one burning question remains. Should you buy one? 

In such a competitive market, it’s not such an easy question to answer. Those with an Xbox One will question if this newer console is worth an upgrade. Even some players from console competitors will wonder if the new Xbox is worth a shot. Hopefully I can help gamers who are on the fence about upgrading to the 9th generation of consoles with this list. Let’s get started. 

1. The most powerful console on the market

When comparing the Xbox Series X to the PS5, there’s two clear differences. The Xbox Series X’s GPU crushes the PS5’s. The Series X has 12.0 teraflops, or computing power, of performance compared to the PS5’s 10.8 teraflops. The Xbox also has a higher clock speed, which is the number of cycles the CPU can execute per second, at 3.8GHz next to the PS5’s 3.5 GHz. These specs mean that Microsoft has the more powerful and the fastest console yet. While both Xbox and PlayStation users will be able to enjoy the benefit of new features like ray-tracing and expandable storage, Xbox players will receive the added benefit of faster processing for a seamless next-gen experience. 

2. Pricing

After pricing their weaker Xbox One system for $100 more than the PS4, Microsoft has been determined to fix their mistake. Now with the power on their side, Microsoft has managed to equal the PS5’s retail price of $499.99. So not only are you getting the more powerful console, but you’d also not have to sacrifice any money for that choice. Of course, not everyone can afford to pay for a five hundred dollar console. So there’s another choice. The Xbox Series S is Microsoft’s secret economic weapon. The smallest Xbox of all time offers the same next-gen experience with a less powerful GPU. With 4 teraflops of computer power, the Series S can still perform at 1440p at 60 frames per second. The smaller Xbox model also takes after the PS5 Digital’s removal of the disk drive. You have two great options, at very fair prices. The most powerful console priced the exact same as its competitor, or the cheapest next-gen console, priced at $100 less than the PS5 Digital ($299.99). 

3. Gamepass and Xbox Game Studios

Imagine if there was Netflix for games. Now stop imagining because it already exists. For a base payment of $14.99 per month, Xbox users can enjoy the benefits of Xbox Live, as well as access to the largest library of games anywhere. With over 200 titles, Gamepass gives Xbox gamers the chance to play and download as many games as they wish. There’s also exclusive discounts if you wish to purchase a game you really enjoyed. If titles like Halo, Gears of War, Destiny 2, Forza, Minecraft, Mortal Kombat, and Sea of Thieves weren’t enough, Microsoft has announced that EA Play will be added to Gamepass. This means titles like FIFA, Madden, Need for Speed, Battlefield, Titanfall, and The Sims will all be available on Gamepass this holiday season. Microsoft have been determined to expand their console exclusives, and over the past seven years they’ve purchased amazing gaming companies to be encompassed within Xbox Game Studios. This includes studios like Obsidian Entertainment and Ninja Theory. But most recently, the acquisition of Bethesda Softworks has shaken up the industry. And yes, you guessed it, Bethesda’s biggest titles like Skyrim, Fallout, Doom, and Wolfenstein will all be coming to Gamepass this holiday season. Microsoft may have lacked exclusive deals before, but now there’s never been a better time to own an Xbox. 

4. Backwards compatibility 

This one is probably not surprising if you’ve been following Microsoft’s moves. Ever since the release of the Xbox One, Microsoft has prioritized backwards compatibility. They will continue to do this, because both next-gen Xbox models will support backwards compatibility for all Xbox One games, and select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. This makes it more backwards compatible than the PS5, which can only support nearly all PS4 and PS4 Pro titles. You can keep your library of great games, as well as revisiting some old classics. Don’t worry, it’s all possible with the new Xbox. 

5. Most consumer friendly console

Microsoft has been exceptional with being extremely pro-consumer. With the introduction of Smart Delivery, you don’t have to worry about buying an Xbox One title and later having to buy it again when you upgrade your console. Now you only have to buy a game once, and you will have it available for whichever console you own. Also, existing accessories are still supported. That means you can continue to use your Xbox One controllers for the Xbox Series X/S.  Microsoft has reinforced their continued development for Xbox One games. Halo Infinite, a flagship Xbox Series X/S title, will still be available for the Xbox One gamers. Microsoft is not putting pressure on the consumer to immediately upgrade their console. Finally, Xbox All Access is a payment plan for purchasing an Xbox Series X/S. For $24.99 per month for 24 months, you will receive the Xbox Series X and also a complimentary 24 months of Gamepass. Microsoft is showing us that they are willing to lose profits for their new console if it means putting the consumer first, and that’s rare to see nowadays. 

Hopefully this list is comprehensive enough to push gamers to purchase a next generation Xbox. Regardless of which console you choose, it’ll be extremely exciting to see the new developments coming out from both Sony and Microsoft.