Home

 › 

Articles

 › 

Xbox One Isn’t a Victim or Failure

Xbox One Isn’t a Victim or Failure

When it comes to the Xbox One, people seem to take a strange delight in eviscerating the console. They pore over all the perceived flaws and slights that have resulted in the disparity between the Xbox One and PS4. Some say it flat out sucks , which could be justified. There may be issues, sure. Those come with any console. But the important thing to remember is that the Xbox One isn’t the total victim or failure people make it out to be.

Last we heard, there had been over 10 million Xbox Ones and 20.2 million PS4s sold . Sure, that puts the Xbox One in second place. However, it’s important to consider the age of the systems. It’s only approaching its second birthday, and for much of its lifespan the Xbox 360 was still viable. Also, it isn’t uncommon for Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo to swap positions as sales leaders. It doesn’t mean one console is better or worse than another, only that a combination of timing, pricing, PR, and other factors led to differing opinions this generation.

Plus, we have to consider the exclusivity arrangements. I have to be honest here. The only console that has a robust library of “only on [your console name here]” is the Wii U, and we see how well that’s doing for Nintendo. The fact is the Xbox One and PS4 both are in that phase where they don’t have a bunch of titles they hold claim to. Instead, they’re sharing a bunch of general releases and HD remasters while we wait for the big announcements. Now, this will probably change for both consoles at E3 2015 . But for now, true exclusive games like Ryse , D4 , Dance Central Spotlight , Sunset Overdrive , Crimson Dragon , and Killer Instinct aren’t exactly system seller material.

Another important factor is that one system doing well doesn’t necessarily mean the parent company is succeeding. It’s looking like Sony’s stumbling might only now be coming to an end, with sales and operating revenue numbers allegedly turning out far better than in 2013 and 2014 . This was happening while the PS4 was the top selling console and, while its numbers certainly are bolstering the company, one system can’t save the whole.

Xbox One Isn’t a Victim or Failure

Yes, the Xbox One may have faltered. It may not be the success the Xbox 360 was. But one has to remember that these things happen in the realm of gaming. The PS2 was the number one console of its generation, while the Xbox 360 was the clear winner of the last one. (Though, in Nintendo’s defense, the Wii did come rather close.) That didn’t mean the Xbox and GameCube were horrible systems in their time, or that the PS3 was a bad one either. These things happen, and labels don’t help anybody.

To top