KEY POINTS

  • Fans are waiting for Sony and Microsoft's new gaming consoles to arrive
  • A U.K. survey reveals that more fans prefer the PlayStation 5 over the Xbox Series X
  • This could be due to Microsoft's plans for cross-generational compatibility

New research reveals that more gamers are interested in getting Sony's upcoming next-gen video game console, PlayStation 5, than Microsoft's upcoming machine, the Xbox Series X.

A survey conducted by pop culture agency Experience12 reveals that based on responses from over 3,000 pop culture fans who joined MCM Comic Con online, there's an overwhelming sense of excitement when it comes to the PS5 as compared to the Xbox Series X, MCV reported.

Of the respondents, about 84% said they were most excited about the PS5 and only 15% said they were excited for the Xbox Series X. This indicates a massive interest in Sony's upcoming gaming console.

These respondents were also asked about when they plan to buy the console they want. About 37% said they'll get it “at launch,” while 9% said they'll get it within the first month of its release. Meanwhile, 12% said they'll get it within three months, and 26% said they'll get it within six months after it is launched.

The same survey, which involved more than 3,000 U.K.-based respondents between the ages of 18 and 34, revealed the most anticipated games as well. “Cyberpunk 2077” was most anticipated, with 42% of respondents saying they are waiting for it. “Marvel's Avengers” followed next with 15%, and “Ghost Of Tsushima” sat in third place with 8% showing excitement.

Experience12 survey
A screengrabbed image from Experience12's survey results show interest for these games. Experience12

These numbers, if anything, indicate that the PlayStation continues to be a favorite among a majority of all gamers. It's worth noting, however, that the survey respondents are all based in the U.K., indicating that the numbers might be different in other places around the globe.

Cross-gen plans

The low excitement for Microsoft's machine could be attributed to the company's “cross-generational plan,” MCV noted. Xbox's Matt Booty told the outlet that the company is planning on making games playable on both the upcoming and existing consoles.

“As our content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices,” Booty told MCV. “We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that we’re committed to them with content.”