The Xbox Series X is set to launch this November, but without the most anticipated exclusive titles. And it may well hand victory to the PS5 in a game console war that is already overwhelmingly in Sony's favor.

On August 11, developer 343 Industries announced that it would delay the highly anticipated Halo Infinite to 2021 to allow time to "deliver a Halo gaming experience that meets our vision."

343's decision is understandable on many levels, but this holiday It may give gamers one more reason to choose the PS5 over the Xbox Series X this season.

The postponement of "Halo Infinite" will come as no big surprise to those who have been following recent Xbox happenings; the gameplay released in July was mixed, with many people feeling that the graphics in "Halo Infinite" did not look like a true next-generation console game. It was. 343 Industries also cited COVID-related development issues as one of the reasons for the delay, and "Halo Infinite" is just one of many products whose release dates were affected by the global pandemic.

Therefore, while the postponement of "Halo Infinite" will likely make the final product better, it leaves a gaping hole in the Xbox Series X launch lineup. Microsoft is quick to point out that the Xbox Series X will have "thousands" of games to play at launch thanks to backwards compatibility, but many of the highly anticipated exclusives like Forza Motorsport and Fable 4 are likely to be several years away.

Besides, most of the major titles coming to consoles this fall, including "Assassin's Creed Valhalla," "Watch Dogs: Legion," and "Destiny 2," are also for the PS5; the PS5 has at least one game, "Spider-Man: Miles Morales," and for the majority of gamers looking to upgrade this fall, Sony's next-generation console may be one to buy.

The PS5 is already tuned to be a winner this holiday season, with a recent survey revealing that fans are a whopping 84% vs. 15% more likely to pick up Sony's console than Microsoft's new system.

Another case can be made that Microsoft is not giving fans a real reason to pick up the Series X. Most of Microsoft's major titles to be released in the next few years will also be available on Xbox One and PC, and will also be playable in the cloud through Xbox Game Pass streaming. Xbox Series X is on paper slightly more powerful than the PS5. specs, but Microsoft would be wise to hold a final showcase to reveal how its power will be demonstrated in actual gameplay.

Games are often delayed, and 343 Industries deserves credit for prioritizing the game and the health of its employees by delaying "Halo Infinite." However, without a major launch exclusive title, the Xbox Series X may have already lost another battle to the PS5.