More Thoughts From Me #7: Sony and Microsoft Have Seen Better Days

I use to be a fan of Sony and Microsoft. I liked the PS1-3 and I liked Xbox and 360. Recently though, I’ve become a Nintendo only gamer. What happened? Why did I give up on Sony and Microsoft? Let me tell you about it.

Once upon a time, I decided to get a Playstation 1 instead of a Nintendo 64. I loved Nintendo, but the PS1 seemed like the better system. I did get a Gamecube and a Wii, but during those times, I also had a PS2, then an Xbox, Xbox 360, and finally a PS3. I thought that Sony and Microsoft were doing a great job! Then, the Wii U came out and I decided to only stick with Nintendo. Why did I give up on the other systems?

Before I go any further, I’d like to remind everyone that this column is my opinion. I remind you of this because I don’t want you to think that anyone else on this site feels the same way about Microsoft and Sony. In fact, Games Reviews covers a lot of Xbox and Sony content. So you know that this site is not biased against Sony or Microsoft. The following is only my opinion of the current state of Microsoft and Sony…

Ok, with that out of the way, let me tell you why I’ve gone Nintendo only. First of all, it comes down to money. I just don’t have to buy multiple systems anymore. The prices for these systems have gotten way too high for me. I had to choose one console this generation and I picked the Wii U (I also have one handheld-the 3DS). Why did I choose Wii U over the Playstation 4 and Xbox One?

The Wii U is the only console thats actually trying to be different. The Xbox One and the PS4 are the same type of systems: classic controllers, lots of third party games, very few exclusives, and not really doing anything that the PS3 or Xbox 360 didn’t (plus you have to pay for online!). Sure, the graphics are a little bit better, but not by much. And neither system has put out any mind blowing games yet. The Wii U, however, has a unique controller and tons of exclusives. Yes, its lacking in the third party games department, but honestly, I don’t miss too many of those games. There is only so many times you can play Call of Duty or, at least, there was only so many times for me.

There are a few third party games that I do wish were on the Wii U, but nothing that would make me run out to get a Playstation 4 or Xbox One. Nintendo is trying to do something unique, while Microsoft and Sony are stuck in the past. Look at all the HD remakes that they’ve brought out for both systems. Yes, Nintendo has brought out a couple of HD remakes, but Sony and Microsoft have gone crazy with it. Why are people so excited for the Xbox One and PS4? I don’t get it at all. You can play most of the games on both systems on a PS3 or a Xbox 360. The previous generation systems are cheaper and graphics wise, the games still look great. I don’t understand why anyone would want these new systems…

Sony nor Microsoft have proven to me that their current systems are worth having. I’m not saying that I’ll never be convinced that one or the other of those systems are great. It could be that one or both of them will have a great year soon and put out some mind blowing games. I was a Playstation 3 doubter for awhile and then I played that and had to have one. So, you never know. It might not be long before I’m writing a column praising one or both of them.

I’m not a Nintendo fanboy. I still believe that Sony and Microsoft can do great games. I believe that both of them could be huge innovators in the industry too. I just think that both of them have seen better days at the moment. Sony had something really amazing going on in the Playstation 1-3 era. Microsoft had some killer apps in both the Xbox and Xbox 360 era. Do I think these companies have completely lost it? No, I think there is still hope for them both.

Ok, I’m going to go play a Wii U game now.

Next week, I’ll talk about something Nintendo related. Not sure what yet. Take care.