I've never been the first to get a console at launch. Of course, part of it is a result of my socio-economic background. I'm not from a rich family. Not poor either for that matter, but definitely not rich so getting a new console was something that happened only a few years after the initial release when the price has gone down. I was never first to stand in line and there is something that has followed with me as an adult too. I'm careful and always balancing the pros against the cons before buying a new console. After all It was many years after its launch when I bought my Xbox 360 and almost a year after the launch for my Xbox One. For me, console purchases are associated with anxiety. What if it does not live up to the hype? What if I'm tired of the console before I have even barely used it? Do I really afford this? These types of thoughts usually prevent me from taking the full step. Until now. Xbox One X is launching November 7th and today I took the step to book it at my local GameStop store. So with all the above in mind, what was it that made me to take that step?
As I have previously said I have never been one to jump aboard the hype train for a new console release. As I now, for once, have a little financial wiggle room in my life when a new console is bound to be released so for once it fits to strike. Not just to be involved right from the beginning and experience both disappointments and hopes, but Xbox One X feels like an exciting console. I do not believe a giant revolution will come from it, despite the performance and 4K promises, but I'm still curious to see how it all will play out purely practical.
I am the first to admit that Microsoft did a chaotically bad launch of the Xbox One (to put it nicely). From a level of superiority Microsoft lost the leading position to their nemesis Sony. Why is that positive? Because those who are at a disadvantage must struggle to remain relevant and competitive thus their efforts often are stepped up several notches.
Since Microsoft's E3 failure they have continued to improve the Xbox One, changes I'm personally very pleased with. I love everything from the interfaces to the strategic decisions and more exciting improvements are coming up. To support someone when they do things right is ... well, right in my book.
Basically, it is the curiosity and capabilities of the Xbox One X that made me take the leap to book one. Of course, all performance in the world does not matter if it is not backed up with good games and if I had no faith in the console's future game offers, I would of course not invest in it. However, there are plenty of exciting games in the future that I want to play - even if they are all not exclusives.
So how do I think that the Xbox One X is going to rock my world? I have not the faintest notion. Not at all. On the other hand, it is something of a childish delight that comes to me from the feeling of being included in the beginning. Being a part of the hype. To see what it has to offer right from the get go. That's basically enough for me to invest in something I love.