One thing I've noticed with the past few console launches, something that became quite evident the day I preordered my Xbox Series S, is that I no longer feel the excitement I once did when moving into a new generation. Even last week, when I managed to secure an all-digital PS5 just minutes after I swore to stop trying until next year, it didn't push me to jump for joy. I used to jump for joy picking up a new console. I remember being quite giddy standing in line at Walmart to buy the GameCube on a cold November morning.
Maybe it's because the promise of better technology has lead to diminishing returns over the past two console generations. Maybe it's because there are no launch titles for the Xbox Series of consoles or the PS5 that I "must play now." Or maybe, it's because gaming is so prolific now that it's really all about the games rather than the hardware you choose to play them on.
Whatever it is, I do miss the excitement that comes with anticipating a new console. But with my Xbox Series S, that feeling has been replaced by something that might be just as fulfilling: the satisfaction of knowing you bought quality hardware. I love my Series S not because I managed to buy the "hot new thing" but because this console is built so goddamn good.
