It's hard to resist many shiny new things, and the Xbox One X is that new hotness you can't take your eyes off. But while it's a remarkable thing, and there's much to love about it, there are also reasons you might want to really consider whether you should actually spend money on the console.
Here are five good reasons why you might not want to buy an Xbox One X.
1. The price
This one goes without saying, but $500 is a lot of money to spend on a gaming console. Compared to a 4K-capable gaming PC, it's still insanely good value. But $500 is $500, especially this close to the holidays.
The Xbox One S plays all of the same games, but they look a bit less impressive and top out at 1080p. That console is also half the price, and it still does 4K Blu-ray and media from Amazon and Netflix. For many, the Xbox One S is still going to be the one to buy.
2. You don't have a 4K TV
The buzz around the Xbox One X is that it can handle "true 4K gaming." That is, games like Forza Motorsport 7 will play at a native 4K resolution, no trickery or upscaling. Not all games will hit this mark, but several do and they look magnificent.
However, if you don't have a 4K TV, you're missing out on some of this. You'll still be able to experience enhanced details and textures, and you can use it on a 1440p PC monitor. But at 1080p there's no denying that you're losing some of the experience, and you're also probably not able to enjoy HDR, either.
Considering how much more expensive the Xbox One X is, do those improved textures really make it worth dropping $500? Again, a One S might be a better option.
3. There aren't many 'new' games ... yet
As a part of the Xbox family, all the Xbox One consoles play all the same games. The Xbox One X just plays them better. It's not bad that there are no Xbox One X exclusive games. That's good, but there's also exactly nothing being launched alongside the console that makes you want to scream about it.
Forza Motorsport 7 was launched a month ago, and while you've got new third-party titles from Bethesda (Wolfenstein II), Activision (Call of Duty: WWII) and Ubisoft (Assasin's Creed Origins), Microsoft's own content is sorely lacking.
Updating older games like Halo 5 and Gears of War 4 is great. But it's also a $500 console in late 2017, and you've probably already played most of the titles that are being enhanced.
4. If you're waiting for a deal you better be (very) patient
We've already mentioned price, and if you're interested but are waiting for a deal, you're probably in for a bit of a wait. We're going into the holiday season, and Microsoft already said that preorders have been strong. In many places, the Xbox One X sold out very quickly, though it's starting to get back in stock now that it's launched.
Either way, demand is strong, the most important season of the year for shopping is upon us, and that probably means the $500 price tag is going to stick for a while. There will be deals eventually, that much is a given. But when is anyone's guess.
5. You already have an Xbox One S
If you have an Xbox One S already, is it worth upgrading? The One S plays 4K video and Blu-ray as well as supporting HDR gaming. It's also only just over a year old so there's no chance you've had it for a particularly long time.
The One X is certainly more of an upgrade if you're still on the original model Xbox One, but it's something to think about if you're on a One S. Especially if you don't have a 4K TV.
Your reasons?
If you've got something we didn't mention that's keeping you from buying an Xbox One X, be sure to share it with us in the comments. The community wants to hear from you.
