With every new console generation, there’s always the conversation of which console maker has the best launch game lineup moving into November. Other than the backwards compatible titles, both thePS5andXbox Series X/Shave a few promising games coming day-and-date with both systems. However, like the many console generations before it but especially so in 2020, the majority of the true-to-form next-gen games are slated for release in 2021. Games likeSpider-Man: Miles MoralesandCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold Warare sort of interquels that ride the thin line between current-gen and next-gen gaming, but next year are when the truly next-gen titles will release.
Already there are several confirmed first-party titles, for both consoles, slated for the 2021 release window. Hardcore fans will certainly be opting-in for thePS5andXbox Series X/Sthis fall, but the flagship gaming experiences for both consoles are coming out in 2021. Whether it’s first-party titles likeHalo: InfiniteorGod of War: Ragnarok, or third-party titles likeDeathlooporChorus, these are the types of games that will really take advantage of being fully developed for next-gen devices. While the pandemic has certainly slowed down the games industry in many formative aspects, the next console generation still has plenty of upcoming games to look forward to.
Tons of New Games Are Already Announced for 2021
It’s not unusual for a new console generation to tease and show off some upcoming next-gen games for the near future. However, like many other industries, the pandemic has certainly slowed down game development in many capacities. For that reason, a significant amount of games have been delayed to 2021 and announced for 2021 from the get-go. While both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will have reasons for fans to opt-in for both consoles at launch, it’s not until next year where these new gaming consoles will get the chance to flex their processing and graphical chops. For nowgames likeAssassin’s Creed Valhalla, no matter how well they are optimized for next-gen graphical fidelity, they’re still going to be prepared and released for multiple consoles.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it at least gives next-gen consoles an opportunity to showcase the power of the console even on current-gen graphics and processing. Not only that, but it especially hammers home the PS5/Xbox Series X/S consoles' capabilities inupscaling and enhancing backward compatible games even more. If a next-gen console can take the most graphically intensive games of the current console generation and render them without breaking a sweat, then it opens up the potential of future games looking even better. Not to mention the pedigree of games and franchises that have releases planned in 2021.
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2021 Will Truly Usher In the Next Generation
With next year already packed with first and third-party games, many of which are solely developed for next-gen consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X will truly come into their own next year. Each console will get its flagship titles to show off the true power of what early next-gen games are capable of, whether that’sHalo InfiniteorGod of War: Ragnarok. That’s without even mentioning that there may still be several unannounced next-gen games in the works for 2021. Tech outlets and pundits have beencomparing the specs of the two consoles togetherin the many months leading up to release, but 2021 will truly be the benchmark for early console gaming performance.
Gaming fans and enthusiasts have been waiting a long time for the next generation of console gaming to start, and 2020 has certainly made the wait seem even longer. Whether it was delayed announcements, delayed showcases, and even delayed games, the games industry went from kicking off a promising year full of great news, to a year full of mounting disappointments. However, things have really turned around in the months since June/July. Now media outlets,including Game Rant, are receiving next-gen consoles for review, meaning the promise of next-gen gaming is truly here.
Even if some fans believe the launch datelineups for both consoles is weak for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, there’s already a ton of promising games on the horizon in 2021. Moreso than any previous generation before this one. Sure, this November won’t necessarily showcase the true ushering in of next-gen gaming, but what’s coming next year will truly showcase the power of these new consoles.
ThePS5launches on June 09, 2025. TheXbox Series X/Slaunches on June 29, 2025.
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