The next generation of video gaming is on the horizon, and getting closer to us each and every day. If all goes to plan (issues surrounding the global coronavirus pandemic permitting), we should be playing with these new consoles and systems by the end of 2020, and questions are arising among those trying to decide which platform to go with, from which system has the best technical specs, to which company has the best game studio making games exclusively for their platform.
Eager to find out more about how the next generation of consoles is shaping up? Here are some more details on the Sony PlayStation 5, and the Microsoft Xbox Series X.
Xbox Series X
Getting out ahead of the competition, Microsoft has already revealed the design of their flagship new console, the Xbox Series X, and it somewhat bears a resemblance to some tower PC setups, albeit a little sleeker and tidier than normal. Standing tall in an upright position, the console is the most powerful that the company has ever produced, with 12 teraflops , true 4K resolution (and 8K support), up to 120 FPS, and a 1TB custom solid state drive. If none of those fancy tech words mean anything to you, then it means that it will play games fast, and it will play them well.
PlayStation 5
Slated for a release around November/December this year, in preparation for the holiday season (which of course is one of the most important times sales-wise for games consoles looking to build up their install base of players gaming within their ecosystem), the PlayStation 5 looks to continue the market dominance that the PS4 had. At this moment in time we haven’t seen the actual look of the console itself, but we do know some interesting tidbits on the way that the system will use its hardware, such as upgraded SSD storage that will be able to load stored files much faster than last gen tech.
One exciting factor turning heads recently was the reveal of the new ‘DualSense’ controller, which will overtake the DualShock 4 as the PlayStation’s way to play. In addition to sporting a new, cool white design, with an altered, rounder shape than ever before, there are also benefits such as a built-in microphone and even haptic feedback.
How will the Coronavirus affect the release of the new PlayStation and Xbox consoles?
With the Coronavirus pandemic affecting businesses and companies on a global scale in a way that we haven’t ever seen before, it would be safe to assume that the production of these video game consoles in preparation for the fall might be in the firing line. In an interview with Ryan McCaffrey on IGN’s Xbox podcast Podcast Unlocked, head of Xbox Phil Spencer discussed candidly his and the Xbox team’s experience working remotely and from home in light of the pandemic situation going on at the moment, and also stated that there are no plans to delay the launch date that they have planned currently (which they have yet to reveal).
When questioned about a possible staggered release of the new console in different markets worldwide in order to manage a production demand in terms of manufacturing, Spencer also made it clear that they were planning to release in all territories worldwide at the same time where possible, citing the delayed release of the Xbox One in Japan and how that hurt him (and likely the Xbox) at the time. On the PlayStation front, things are a little quieter, but it would be reasonable to assume the same sorts of plans are in place as Xbox.
Which console should I go with?
While these two different systems seem to be offering a wide range of new features over their Xbox One and PS4 counterparts, and diverting from each other in some unique ways, the two games consoles will likely be similar in terms of specification, playing the same games, too. That’s aside from all the platform exclusives, such as Halo or God of War, of course.
In terms of which one you should go with, that really comes down to a matter of personal preference, and unless the opposition has a feature that really grabs you and makes you decide to make the transition, you might lean towards the camp of the console you’ve had in the past. Not only is this due to comfort and familiarity with the console despite its newness, but also legacy features such as backwards compatibility with your previous games/peripherals, and also the carrying over of your achievements/trophies and friends lists.