Low Stock Makes Series X/S Launch Feel Lackluster

It’s hard to talk about a console launch when you don’t have one yet. Still, that’s where many fans and some critics find themselves. Yesterday was the first day Xbox Series X/S consoles hit shelves but they really didn’t. With many stores changing preorder and pickup rules for the pandemic, a lot of people are left feeling out of the loop. In a way, it’s putting a damper on things. Due to low availability and other distractions in the world, my heart just isn’t in it this time around on launch day.

I always wait to buy a new console until the second or third year of its lifespan. It makes sense financially and usually means you miss out on Day One console bugs. Plus, by the time you hop to next-gen, you have a decent backlog waiting for you. I really don’t feel like I’m missing out on the Series X/S launch given its initial lineup. Everything that hit the console yesterday is playable on my Xbox One S. Yikes, Microsoft.

even without having a new console myself, I looked forward to seeing everyone else’s experience. Only one friend of mine actually got one. The others who play video games just complained about missing out on preorders. Call it a pandemic year or just a sloppy launch, but things just feel off this time around. With the poor Xbox One era, Microsoft hopefully pulls it together. They can’t really afford another generation of slip-ups.

I’m looking forward to playing a Series X down the road, but everything in the entertainment world is different from COVID-19. Hopefully, we’re on track to a vaccine and plenty of games and consoles to go around. Switch shortages are finally over, thankfully, so that’s a relief for some. For those looking to pick up a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, the headache might just be beginning.