Last week Microsoft did something a bit strange. They announced a brand new limited edition Xbox One X consoles, styled after Cyberpunk 2077. The console itself is very nice, it’s completely covered in references to the game, has all custom panels, and even a new controller design that’s clearly been inspired by the game. I have just one problem with the console, its release date.
Where’s The Logic?
Cyberpunk 2077 has been delayed, and then delayed again. The game isn’t due to release until later this year in September, which is when this limited edition console will also release. You can’t even pre-order the console until June, though I imagine that’s because Microsoft is working out how many they’ll actually have in stock.
I don’t have a problem with the console itself, in fact I love limited edition consoles. The Xbox One X is also the more powerful Xbox console on the market, which is going to be needed to get the most out of Cyberpunk 2077. For those who want an Xbox One X, this is the perfect excuse, but given that not only this is the higher spec version of the Xbox One, and it’s a limited edition bundle, it’s probably going to cost as much as an Xbox Series X. Not only that, the console is also launching right towards the end of the year, which is when Microsoft’s next-generation console is also going to release.
Anyone who has been waiting to get an Xbox Series X probably won’t be swayed by a current generation console that’s launching three months prior. Particularly one that’s going to be at or around the same price. The only reason that I can think of for this console launching so close to the Xbox Series X is the delays that have hit Cyberpunk 2077. If the game was launching when it was initially going to, then it wouldn’t be anywhere near as close to the release of the Xbox Series X. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) and other factors have come into play though, the game has been pushed further and further back.
I think that there’s simply no logic in this console launching when it is. The issue is both down to the development of Cyberpunk 2077, and the delays caused around the world by a completely unforeseen global pandemic. It’s a culmination of factors that has lead to one of the most baffling product launches I’ve seen in recent years. With that said, the launch of a new generation of consoles is also a time when some people will finally buy current generation consoles. The reason for that is that most games in the current generation are at the top of their game, and developers are still going to support them with new games for years to come.
This is probably the only console generation shift that it would make sense to buy a current generation console in. The Xbox One X will still be powerful for a few years, but I’m not sure it’s worth the similar price tag for an Xbox Series X.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments.