I don't expect early PS5/XSX games to look as good as the UE5 demo either, but I'm sure the demo still got a lot of people hyped to buy a PS5. The demo has over 12 million views already, more than most trailers for high-profile games.

MS should make a similar case for why theirs is the box to get for those who want amazing next gen visuals.

Maybe if MS made a UE5 demo for Series X, you reduce the resolution a bit and could run on the PS5.

The point is, do they have anything graphically impressive to show at all? I mean, they pledged to support the old xboxes for the first few years and they're focusing so much on high frame rates and 4k that I'm not sure they have visually impressive stuff to show. That's just not part of their strategy at this point (but I'm sure they'll do a U-turn in the next few years).

I'm not entirely sure they actually need to do it. Like I said before, most people who buy a console in its first year are hardcore gamers who already have an alliance to an specific brand. I mean, millions of people purchased the X1 knowing full well that they were paying $100 more while getting less visual quality in all multiplatform games. If that doesn't tell you how dedicated these people are to their ecosystem then I don't know what will.

And don't get me wrong, I know that beautiful graphics get a lot of people hyped and even convince them to make a purchase, but you make it sound like the whole fate of the next gen relies solely on the graphics of the first few games shown; but I think what matter the most is the actual quality of the games in the first year (as long as the price and power difference is not that large between the two systems) because that's when the not-so-hardcore crowd comes in and makes their decision based on comparisons of what the two consoles have to offer.

Hell Blade 2 and Gears of war 6 will do the job.

Personally I hope MS doesn't use Forza as it's graphical showcase game, that would be a terrible choice as racing games aren't exactly the most exciting games out there. Hellblade 2 seems like a better choice if Ninja Theory has something playable to showoff.

That's a win in their book.

How about flying on dragons? Or fast travel between locations or jumping into different characters without loading screens. There's plenty of ways to implement something like fast movement into a game creatively. GG wanted to include flight in HZD, but it was too demanding. I expect the sequel will include it.

The video will become irrelevant as soon as new content arrives. Which doesn't matter because the narrative is already established. Following the tech showcase of both systems there was talk in circles of the Xbox being more powerful and the power difference being substantial. So Sony tie the most impressive next gen graphical showcase to their less powerful system and reach a much broader audience. Playing chess while MS are playing checkers.

Putting aside that this comment fails to take into account a huge number of factors those scenarios aren't even remotely similar. Sony used bullshot trailers in 2005 to market their exclusive software, before some developers had even started rendering. UE5 is a third party engine demo running on a PS5. One running on the hardware, one not. Wishful thinking.

Out of the gates MS could definitely have stronger software. However Sony's usual approach has been to fund 2nd party developers to pad the first year or two. (Lair, HS, The Order 1186, Bloodborne) so they may have exclusive software outside of their own first party studios.

You can have the more powerful hardware, but not showcase that power.

I haven't heard any rumor about Halo Infinite being developed separately for Series X, do you have a source for that? In any case, we'll see soon enough.

UE5 was not actual gameplay footage for PS5 and it was running 1440p 30 fps. While the tech is nice and impressive, it's going to be used by both next-gen console.
Microsoft is going to be the leader in graphics next-gen, but that's not what really matters. Let's not forget the past generation. Microsoft only needs to focus on one thing Games Games Games.

I really like the approach that Microsoft is taking and it's really putting themself apart from Sony. Back capability, Smart delivery, and expending the Xbox brand to streaming everywhere is much more important to moving the platform forward then focus on graphics. The more user and making it much easier to join is going to result in many more games coming to the platform.

Microsoft rather than pushing for better graphics should double down on performance. They should request that AC Vahlalla support a lock 60 fps mode, this focus on performance goes a long way to gather the support of hardcore gamers. Microsoft's new focus on performance and low latency are again putting them apart from Sony's approach.

I think OP of this thread got it all wrong, Microsoft should focus on offering features that make then stand out as their own platform and not try to copy Sony.
Focus needs to be on quick resume, game pass, play anywhere, accessasibility and supporting all of Xbox consoles rather than forcing everyone to upgrade to next-gen now.
This really set Microsoft apart from Sony, while some hardcore won't appreciate the move compare to Sony's, it's super appealing to the casual gamers. Microsoft is also not alienating their hardcore audience with all the power they go packed in the Xbox Series X. I think Microsoft is really on to something especially if they release the Xbox Series S (Lockhart). The future of gaming isn't 4k 60 fps but rather 1080p 60 fps and the ability to play anywhere you want. You can own the Xbox Series X at home and enjoy having much better graphic. But, having the ability to play your game anywhere on any device for no extra costs at 1080P is going to be amazing.

@bolded That remains to be seen. We know Series X will be a bit stronger without a doubt. However, devs keep talking about how crazy this SSD is for PS5. I want to see if devs will fully utilize the power of Series X, or will they go for the supposed easier development route for PS5. I said "supposed" because many devs have come out to say how easy the PS5 is to develop for. I don't know for sure, I'm just going by what was reported. None of us will know until the games come out. 

I do agree with everything else you said though.