Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the next game to receive a next-gen console upgrade. Lucasfilm Games announced Thursday that Fallen Order would get “a number of technical improvements” as part of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions this Summer. If you’re doing a double-take, it’s because EA optimized Fallen Order in January. The update increased the frame rate and resolution, as well as significant improvements to load times.

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order Next-Gen — Credit: EA/Lucasfilm Games

The official website reads, “Coming this summer, we’re excited to announce the next-gen release of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, bringing a number of technical improvements to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S console versions of the game. This will be a free cross-generation upgrade to current owners. More details will come soon.”

As great as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is, I’m becoming less excited when next-gen versions of old games emerge.

Next-Gen Upgrade Fatigue is Real

Upgrades for past games are not a bad thing by any means. Many titles deserve the boost that the next-gen consoles can give them. Load times alone are reason enough to upgrade any and every game, honestly. Yet I’m fatigued. We have witnessed numerous games get optimized throughout the release of the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. We have seen announcements for next-gen versions of games left and right. Now and then, gamers get a glimpse of a new IP.

Fallen Order - Next-Gen — In-game representation of my initial reaction to the announcement – Credit: EA/Lucasfilm Games

Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts release Fallen Order in November 2019. Although it had a few negative marks against it, overall, it was one of my favorite Star Wars video games. Of course, I want it to look better and play smoothly. I’d also like to see a wave of new video games like the PS5’s Returnal or a new entry in an established IP. The keyword here is ‘new.’

Why companies aren’t moving forward yet

Next-gen consoles have not been out long. Also, it’s hard to get our hands on them. Many players are still on the Xbox One, the One X, the PS4, or the PS4 Pro. If developers had started with their eyes only on next-gen video games, more players would be missing out. That would not bode well for an industry that is feeling the console shortage. It’s better to see what old games can do when boosted with the power of the new consoles than to have nothing.

Furthermore, developers are learning more about the consoles, and the companies have yet to unlock the full capabilities of their systems. By the time we started seeing next-gen only video games, I expect them to innovate – to eclipse what came before. It’s common sense that they will. However, I feel this is the first time both Sony and Microsoft haven’t had much in the way of ‘new’ to offer.

Until then, I know that I will enjoy these remasters and next-gen updates. Again, I like improvements, especially on games I enjoy. I also like more than one new game every couple of months. Let me know in the comments how you feel, whether you agree or disagree! Then, stay tuned for an article about a remake I want that contradicts this one!