Daily Debate: Do You Like That Nintendo Avoids Console Release Wars?

A new hardware generation is here! Sony and Microsoft’s hype generators are at full steam. Gamers of every stripe are making their choice of which console will usher them into the future of their hobby.

Beyond choosing the PS5 or new Xbox, early adopters need to decide which version they will spill coin for. Disc drive, or no? Series X or S? Iterating on existing hardware is common practice within a console’s lifespan, but this is the first time I can remember two versions of new gen systems being available at launch.

The House of Link mastered the art of branching and evolving their consoles well before Sony and Microsoft. But even though the new options tap into Nintendo’s playbook, the big N left this holiday season’s drama behind. It has now been two full generation cycles since Nintendo released a new console in direct competition with either Sony or Microsoft. And it’s been three gens since all three companies dropped a machine within a year of each other.

Nintendo decided to burrow deep into their niche after the success of the Wii, and since then it seems they barely identify as a true rival to their blue and green counterparts. Personally, I love it. It helps spread major purchases out for gamers who like owning multiple consoles.

On the other hand, I do miss the days of wading into the fandom, comparing launch windows, cheering on favorite developers, and daydreaming about the new thrills about to suddenly appear.

What’s your take? Do you like Nintendo’s hardware release strategy of avoiding their competition? And as a side question, are you buying a Play Station 5 or X Box Series X/S? Let us know in the comments below!

Andrew Millard

Andrew is a writing teacher in the American Upper Midwest. He has been playing Zelda games since 1990.