As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on what was a tumultuous year for the gaming industry. While players gear up for a packed February release calendar, the past year offered a mix of surprise hits, notable flops, and unexpected absences. At the center of it all stood the three pillars of mainstream gaming: Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Despite growing competition from devices like the Steam Deck, these industry giants remain pivotal. However, 2024 highlighted the challenges each faced as they navigated an uneven landscape. Here’s how they performed this year, graded on their successes and shortcomings.
Sony: A Year of Highs and Lows
Sony’s 2024 was a paradox—marked by both major failures and significant wins. The company’s live-service push hit a wall with Concord, a flop that not only shuttered its studio but also raised questions about Sony’s strategic direction. Meanwhile, the PS5 Pro launched with underwhelming specs and a steep price tag, dampening enthusiasm. The buggy rollout of its PSSR AI upscaling tool and the lack of substantial support for PlayStation VR2 added to the challenges.
Yet, Sony’s successes cannot be overlooked. Astro Bot captured audiences with its all-ages appeal, while Helldivers 2 counterbalanced Concord’s failure as a live-service hit. Stellar Blade brought international acclaim to a Korean developer, and third-party exclusives like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Silent Hill 2 enhanced the PS5’s library. Though uneven, Sony’s diverse lineup ensured it remained competitive, even if its hardware ambitions stalled.
Grade: B-
Microsoft: Game Pass Evolution Amidst Turmoil
The Xbox Series X continued its unconventional journey in 2024, emphasizing Game Pass over traditional exclusives. However, this approach led to a rollercoaster year. Layoffs at Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks, combined with a Game Pass price hike, sparked backlash. Notable releases like Stalker 2 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 were plagued by bugs, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 along with Starfield: Shattered Space fell short of expectations.
On the brighter side, Microsoft’s forward-thinking moves, such as expanding Game Pass to devices like Amazon Fire Stick, highlighted its focus on accessibility. High-profile releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle ended the year on a strong note, while sleeper hits like Dungeons of Hinterberg and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess bolstered its reputation. Despite a challenging year, Microsoft’s commitment to reshaping the gaming landscape kept it relevant.
Grade: B
Nintendo: Treading Water in Transition
After earning top marks in 2023, Nintendo faced high expectations for 2024. Hopes for the Nintendo Switch 2 and major exclusives like Mario Kart 9 and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond went unmet, leaving the company in a transitional phase. While Nintendo acknowledged its next console, no concrete details or announcements followed.
The Switch’s final full year relied on a steady stream of niche releases and remakes. Highlights included Super Mario Party Jamboree and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, though neither matched the impact of earlier Switch classics. Meanwhile, experiments like Princess Peach: Showtime! and Endless Ocean: Luminous delivered mixed results. Still, unique gems like Emio – The Smiling Man and Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC showcased Nintendo’s creative spirit, while the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door offered a nostalgic treat.
While Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo all navigated rough waters in 2024, none completely sank. Each company showcased their strengths while confronting their limitations. As the industry evolves, 2025 offers all three the opportunity to refine their strategies and elevate their performance. Here’s hoping for a more balanced and exciting year ahead.
If you are looking for a Cheap Xbox Account, especially one with Game Pass, then you might want to visit the Z2U website. Z2U is a trusted digital goods trading platform that offers a wide selection of game accounts, including Buy Cheap Xbox Accounts. Whether it is playing popular games or experiencing the powerful features of Game Pass, Z2U.COM can meet your needs at a preferential price. Visit Z2U to easily find an account that suits you and enjoy a great gaming experience!
