Every new generation of games console requires new, exclusive games to encourage consumers to buy the hardware. Microsoft is set to break that rule with the Xbox Series X, but Sony isn't, and that could end up being key to the success of the PlayStation 5.
As GamesRadar reports, well-known games journalist and news editor at Kotaku, Jason Schreier, has stated on the Splitscreen podcast (29 minute mark) that Sony will have PS5-exclusive launch games. In order to play them you'll need to buy a PS5, which is what we've come to expect.
This is in stark contrast to Microsoft's plans, though. Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, confirmed via MCV late last week that, "As our content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices ... We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that we're committed to them with content."
In other words, Microsoft is focusing on cross-gen games until 2022, meaning that there's really not too much of an incentive to go out and purchase an Xbox Series X console on launch day. Former Xbox VP Mike Ybarra also stated last week that he would be buying a PS5 rather than an Xbox Series X because it's possible to play all Xbox exclusives on PC.
Schreier wouldn't state which PS5 games are exclusive to the hardware, but Sony has a number of top draw game franchises to call upon, for example, God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn.
Microsoft's cross-gen decision makes little sense from a hardware sales perspective and it could hand Sony a big lead in terms of console sales before the end of 2020. The only clear reason to purchase an Xbox Series X is if you don't already own an Xbox and don't game on PC. Other than that, there's the draw of the extra performance on offer from the new hardware and the much faster SSD storage, but should we expect gamers to be lining up outside game stores on Xbox Series X launch day? Probably not.