In the past, video games were simple, 2D affairs with basic 8-bit graphics; think of classic titles like Contra and Super Mario Bros 3 that continue to evoke fond childhood memories.

While you might still indulge in some of those classics from time to time, it’s hard to deny that modern video games are on another level, as they offer more immersive experiences and captivating storylines that rival Hollywood movies. Here are some reasons to love modern video games.

1. Breath-Taking and Realistic Graphics

With the advent of cutting-edge graphics cards and ever-more powerful gaming consoles, video game developers can now create virtual worlds that look and feel almost like reality. The level of detail in modern video games is mind-blowing, with realistic lighting effects, stunning landscapes, and lifelike character models that make you feel like you’re right in the thick of the action.

The ninth-generation of video game consoles has ushered us into a new era of realistic visuals with support for 4K at 120Hz, while some titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War implement standout features like ray-traced lighting. The great news is that we are still at the beginning of this console cycle, which means that we have not seen the best graphics that their hardware can deliver.

2. Faster Loading Speeds

You no longer have to deal with the frustratingly-long loading times that were a staple of early console gaming. Thanks to the faster loading speeds delivered by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, you can get into the action sooner. A significant reason for this is the use of solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of hard disk drives (HDDs), which offer much faster access to data.

The increased performance has been a huge selling point for the new consoles, as it allows gamers to get into the action faster and reduces frustration levels when waiting for a game to load.

For example, the Quick Resume feature on the Xbox Series X allows you to pick up where you left off in multiple games without waiting for them to load from scratch each time. It's just one of the reasons you should consider upgrading your Xbox One X to a Series X.

3. More Immersive Features and Gaming Experiences

Man Punching in the air while in VR Goggles

Modern video games offer more immersive and engaging experiences through innovative software and hardware features. We bet you had so much fun using the Wii Remote’s motion-sensing capabilities to interact with onscreen characters and objects more than a decade ago, but that’s nothing compared to the level of immersion offered by the latest video games.

The gaming industry has increasingly embraced virtual reality (VR) in recent years. There are now several high-quality VR headsets available, like the PS VR headset, that allow you to immerse yourself in virtual worlds and interact with them in a more natural and realistic way.

The PS5’s controller also boasts immersive features like haptic feedback and adaptive trigger buttons that add realism to your gaming experience. There are other reasons why we love the DualSense wireless controller, including its innovative aesthetic design and built-in microphones that make it easier to chat with friends during online multiplayer games.

You can also enable 3D audio on your PS5 to make your games sound like they are taking place around you, adding another layer of immersion to your gaming sessions. This is particularly effective in first-person shooter games, where directional audio cues can give you a competitive advantage.

4. Backward Compatibility

As much as you will enjoy playing all the incredible new games that are being released for the PS5 and Xbox Series X, chances are that you will also want to revisit some of your favorite titles from previous generations. PS4 games like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End are just too good to forget about, and it’s great to know that you can still play them on your new console.

The PS5 and Xbox Series X allow you to play some previous-gen games with faster load speeds and improved visuals thanks to their backward compatibility features. In addition, Xbox Smart Delivery enables you to buy an Xbox One game and automatically get the optimized version for Xbox Series X when you upgrade, which is a great way to save money.

5. An Ever-Growing Library of Titles

PS5 pre order games

With each new generation of consoles, there are always more and more games to choose from that take advantage of the latest hardware features. Furthermore, the continuous rivalry between Xbox and PlayStation pushes each company to deliver the best gaming experience possible. While this also inadvertently leads to more exclusive titles, which can be frustrating if you can only afford one console, it ultimately results in a better gaming experience for everyone.

But as powerful and feature-packed as these latest consoles might be, retro gaming is still trendy, and it’s easier than ever to play the games you like. The recent resurgence in demand for classic consoles is a testament to the fact that fun games don’t always need the latest tech, and if you want to relive your childhood by playing your favorite old-school titles, you will be glad to know you can still buy some of the best retro gaming systems today.

6. Cross-Play

Your ability to play with or against other gamers using different consoles is another important reason to love modern video games. Cross-platform play allows you to expand your pool of potential opponents or teammates without being limited by the specific console they own. This means you can play games like Fortnite on your PS5 with friends using an Xbox Series X or even a PC.

In the past, you might have had to stick to playing with people who owned the same console as you or switch to a different console altogether, but this may be a thing of the past. Luckily, this cross-play has become increasingly common in recent years and will continue growing in popularity.

7. Game Streaming Services

A Google Stadia controller

If you want to game but don’t necessarily want to invest in the latest console, you can always take advantage of one of the many game streaming services available. With a fast broadband internet connection, it’s easier than ever to stream games from the cloud and play them on your TV, tablet, or PC, just like a Netflix movie.

Cloud gaming is a great way to try out new games without having to download them, and it can also be a cheaper alternative to owning an expensive gaming console or PC.

It's the Perfect Time to Be a Gamer

There are many reasons to love modern video games and these are just a few things that make them great. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With new technologies constantly being developed, the future of the gaming industry looks more exciting than ever.