When it comes to gaming rivalries, nothing will ever get quite as heated as when fans of major developers go head-to-head. Mario Vs. Sonic was all about Nintendo and Sega's war for console supremacy back in the '90s. While Nintendo would come out on top in that fight after Sega ceased production of new consoles, it'd only mark the beginning of how lifelong fans would begin to see their favorite console's competitors.

The console wars were the heated debates over which video game system was the best option on the market. Companies like Sony and Microsoft would often play into this debate during the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 era. However, in recent years, many game developers have been softening towards their competitors. While some fans may still pick sides between Playstation and Xbox, game companies are already laying down their arms in the console wars.

RELATED: Sony Reveals Colorful New PlayStation 5 Covers

PlayStation 3 2021

The console wars have been over a long time, mostly thanks to modern consoles advancing further in their capabilities. The PS3 and Xbox 360 had a ton of significant differences between them, such as the PS3's free online and the 360's more powerful hardware. Nowadays, however, the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X are pretty evenly matched when it comes to hardware, online services and even the games offered on their systems.

Granted, there are still reasons why someone would want to buy one system over the other. System-exclusive games and companies buying entire studios make buying certain systems a much easier decision, like with Demon's Souls or Ratchet & Clank. Exclusivity is likely part of why Nintendo has continued to be able to produce consoles, despite their competitors having far better hardware. However, game exclusivity is quickly becoming a thing of the past as more and more companies move towards ideas like cross-play and cross-save.

RELATED: Should You Buy a PlayStation 3 in 2021?

One of the biggest pushes towards the end of exclusive games is Microsoft, especially as Xbox Game Pass continues to try and bridge the gap between PC and console gamers. Microsoft and Nintendo continue to have what seems like a pretty strong working relationship. Not only were the two companies the first to embrace Fortnite's cross-play feature, but they've also worked together to bring fan-favorite characters like Banjo & Kazooie back home through Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and soon through Nintendo Switch Online.

Xbox 360

While it may seem odd to point to Smash as a reason why the console wars are over, the amount of cooperation needed to make a lot of that game's DLC happen is certainly worth noting. Square Enix, Microsoft, Bethesda, Sega and Nintendo are all in the credits of a single video game, with characters or costumes from their flagship franchises all being available together. Given how protective some of these companies have been with their IPs and the history others have with each other, it's clear that the age of "us versus them" is coming to a close.

Sony is the only company that hasn't seemed to move on from old rivalries, though there are still many signs that their mindset is changing as well. Even Nintendo, a company known for sometimes being behind the times when it comes to their business decisions, recognizes how good cooperation is for the industry. Smash aside, Nintendo's most significant contribution towards the end of the console wars is allowing more companies to use their IPs. Not only has Ubisoft developed and published a Mario game with Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, but Nintendo also allowed Brace Yourself Games, the indie team behind Crypt of the Necrodancer, to develop a full Legend of Zelda-themed spinoff game.

RELATED: PlayStation 5's Custom Shells Are the New Version of Xbox's Failed Faceplates

Switch OLED Pokemon

Pinpointing exactly when the console wars ended is certainly not easy. However, a strong argument could be made for that date being when the current generation of gaming consoles began around the time the Nintendo Switch was released. From 2017 to now, gaming's seen a renewed focus on cross-play mechanics and shared experiences. Gaming as a whole is focusing more on togetherness, especially after tons of people found new ways to connect with their friends amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The console wars were about a rivalry between fans, with Xbox and Playstation playing into the feud by pushing their systems at the best on the market. Today, there are far fewer reasons to argue why one system is just overall the better choice for everyone. Someone might pick up a Playstation 5 for the games, while someone else might buy an Xbox Series S so that they can use their Xbox Game Pass library. Both have become equally viable options, and this will only lead to gaming as a whole becoming better for everyone.

Keep Reading: January 2022 Is the Month PC Gamers Have Been Waiting For