There's never been a better time to be a gamer. Studios large and small are constantly creating astonishing experiences, pushing the boundaries of what a video game can be. But what platform is best to play the games on? How about on Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S?

If you are about to spend your money on an Xbox Series X/S, hit pause. While it's undoubtedly a powerful machine, it might not be the console for you. Or you might at least want to wait a bit.

Here are all the reasons why you may want to reconsider buying an Xbox Series X/S.

1. There Are No Console Exclusives

For years, Microsoft's first-party PC gaming support on its Windows operating system sucked as the company focused on its Xbox console. The thought of Games for Windows Live (a PC gaming client and DRM service in one) brings PTSD to many. Thankfully, the situation is different now. That's because Xbox Game Studios (Microsoft's publishing label) releases its games on Xbox and PC simultaneously, which is fantastic.

This means that the Xbox Series X/S has no exclusives. If you're only interested in the console for its current-generation games (and don't care about backwards compatibility), you're better off with a gaming PC. You can play all the same games, use Xbox Game Pass, and use an Xbox controller. All of that and the flexibility that a gaming PC brings.

That said, a gaming PC will cost more to match the Xbox's power and the technical barrier to entry is higher, so don't dismiss an Xbox Series X/S if these are concerns. You also won't benefit from nifty Xbox features like Quick Resume.

2. Proprietary Expandable Storage

The Xbox Series S has 512GB of internal storage, while the Series X has 1TB (real storage is lower, as some is reserved for the system). Both consoles use the same fast SSD, developed specifically for Microsoft's console.

However, you'll likely fill up the drive in no time, even on the beefier 1TB, since many modern games have large storage footprints. That's where expandable storage comes in.

On Sony's side, you can add any compatible M.2 SSD to your PS5 to expand storage. On the Xbox, you have to use proprietary Seagate or Western Digital expansion cards. While you can use other external storage for older games, those optimized for the Xbox Series X/S must use a proprietary device.

It's great that the cards are so easy to install, but they are pricier than their M.2 equivalents. This might change if more manufacturers produce their own expansion cards—Seagate was the sole producer for years, but was forced to drop its prices when Western Digital entered the market.

3. It Doesn't Support VR

While virtual reality is still a niche way to play games, its popularity is growing. Many great innovations and exciting projects are emerging from the VR world. But you won't be able to play them on the Xbox Series X/S.

According to Xbox boss Phil Spencer, he thinks it's better that the company focuses on software because it will scale better long-term. In the past, he's called VR "isolating".

Sony take an entirely different approach, with the PlayStation VR2 showing its commitment to VR. Sony is even building exclusive VR experiences from its top franchises, like Horizon Call of the Mountain.

4. The Controller Lacks Innovation

The Xbox Series X/S controller received some improvements over its predecessor—it's nicer to hold, has textured triggers, and has a hybrid d-pad. While it's a great controller, some innovation would have been welcome to make the controller stand out.

When you compare it to Sony's DualSense, which features a touchpad, adaptive triggers, and built-in mic, the Xbox Wireless Controller seems a tad outdated. It's not a dealbreaker, but try a DualSense and you'll feel the difference.

5. The Xbox Series S Is Underpowered

Microsoft's console comes in two flavors: the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X. You'd be forgiven for thinking there's not much between them, since Sony also has two versions of the PS5 that are technically identical apart from the disc drive.

However, things aren't the same with the Xbox Series X/S. If you can only afford the Series S, you may be disappointed. It has less RAM and internal storage than the Series X, can only achieve 1440p as opposed to 4K, runs the processor slower, and only plays digital games. In short, it's a nerfed console and not the true next-generation experience you crave.

6. Wait for the Next Iteration

The Xbox One released in 2013. Three years later came the Xbox One S, a sleeker and more powerful console. If you owned the original, you either stuck with the bulkier and outdated tech, or paid full price for an upgrade.

The same thing will happen with the Xbox Series X/S—it's also what other console manufacturers like Sony and Nintendo do. Microsoft will find a way to make the console smaller and better—perhaps in different colors too! Being patient pays off.

Should You Buy an Xbox Series X/S?

While these might seem like big issues to some people, perhaps they're irrelevant to you. If that's the case, excellent. The Xbox Series X/S is a capable console and it's only going to get better in time. May you have many hours of happy gaming ahead of you.

For everyone else, it's time to consider whether the PS5, Nintendo Switch, or a PC will be your next gaming home.