That’s what I don’t get about the new Xbox, in the past my friends couldn’t wait to get the latest system, now they’re all sticking to the old one. With each generation there’s always better graphics, faster processing, higher frame rates etc, just better and more immersive gameplay. There are 4K games but most stuff is still 1080 and I think that’s all you need. Some of the systems in the past have been more of a half step I guess instead of a generational leap, maybe this is what’s going on.
They always had some big game or franchise releases with the new systems like a Halo or a new Battlefield, GTA, Tom Clancy (Rainbow 6, Ghost Recon). There’s tons of others, these are just the ones I like but there hasn’t been anything.
Like you said though the social element is huge, that will never change. It’s one of the best things about Xbox live, kinda nerdy stuff, I’m old as hell and have friends from all over the world. Some of whom are the most legit, best people I’ve ever known over the last 15 years but we’re always clamoring over what’s the new game we can get so we can hang out.