The next generation of game consoles have officially been released! The main players of the console market, Xbox and PlayStation, have released their new consoles.
Xbox released the Series X and the Series S, while PlayStation released the PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition. For unknown terms, please refer to the end of the spark!
Performance
All the consoles of this generation out-perform those of the last generation. These new consoles have PC level performance in a system significantly smaller, and less expensive.
The Xbox Series X is capable of running up to 8K resolution and up to 120FPS (however, it can not be simultaneous), although it favors 4K at 60FPS.
The PlayStation 5 is capable of up to 4K and up to 120FPS (it also cannot do both at the same time), and it also favors 4K at 60FPS.
The PS5 Digital has the same performance as the PS5.
The Xbox Series S can run up to 4K and up to 120FPS (also not at the same time), but it favors 1440p at 60FPS.
The Xbox Series X is the console to go for if all you care about is performance.
Games
Many would think that all consoles can play all the same games. Sadly, you would be wrong. As much as everybody wants to play the other one's exclusives, they can't.
Xbox has a spectacular deal called "Xbox Game Pass Ultimate", in which you get hundreds of games for $15 a month. It comes included with Xbox Live Gold, the service required to play online games.
However, a PC user could also get Xbox Game Pass, with the same benefits.
PlayStation is known for their incredible exclusives, ranging from action games like "Spider-Man", to adventure games, like "The Last of Us".
Xbox games are $60. While PlayStation games are $70.
If you want cheaper games, Xbox is your best bet. If you want the most exclusive games, the PlayStation 5 is the console for you.
Compatibility
When you get home with your new console, I'm sure the first thing you want to do is play something. It would be a real shame to be excited to play and not being able to. Some consoles aren't compatible with their past controllers and even games.
Consoles like the PS5 Digital and Xbox Series S are all-digital. This means that any disc style games you have must be repurchased to be able to play.
The only difference between the PS5 and the PS5 Digital is the lack of a disc drive. Both PlayStations can only be played with the PS5 DualSense controller. You can no longer use your DualShock 4's from the PS4.
Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S is less powerful than it's older brother, the Series X. Both Xboxes are compatible with the controllers from the Xbox One lineup of consoles, the Xbox Elite controllers, the Xbox adaptive controller, and their newer controllers.
Both consoles have features that you can play from the console on your phone, using the console's controller, when out of the house.
Size
What good is a new console if it doesn't fit where you need it to go? All the new consoles aren't the same sizes as their predecessors, so you may be surprised when you try to replace your old console, and your new one doesn't fit.
The PS5s have quite a unique design, and it looks like they can only be placed vertically. This is false, as they come with a stand so they can be placed horizontally.
The Xboxes both have rubber feet on the side and the bottom, allowing for vertical and horizontal play as well.
The PS5 is 15.4 ins tall x 10.24 ins deep x 4.09 ins width (when vertical). The PS5 Digital is roughly the same size. It is just a tad less wide.
The Xbox Series X is 11.85 ins tall x 5.95 ins deep x 5.95 ins deep (when vertical). The Xbox Series S is 10.8 ins tall x 5.9 ins deep x 2.6 ins wide (when vertical).
If you want the smallest possible console, you should go with Xbox Series S.
Price
Most likely the most important character to people. The prices of the consoles determine which you're going to purchase, should you buy one.
- The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are clocked in as the most expensive consoles of the generation, as expected. They are both $499 MSRP.
- The PS5 Digital Edition is next up, at $399.
- Coming in last, which is best in this category, is the Xbox Series S, at $299.
People who were lucky enough to snatch a console are reselling them for upwards of double their original prices on sites such as eBay! I highly suggest not buying these, as this only promotes "scalping", refreshing a cycle that will never end until enough people do not buy scalped consoles.
These companies are trying as hard as they can to restock as fast as possible. When they are restocked, you can purchase them at the buttons below.
Where to Buy
Xbox Series X
PlayStation 5
PS5 Digital Edition
Xbox Series S
Video
Please remember that the decision one makes when buying a console is solely personal preference. When participating in "console wars", you are dividing a community who all wish to do the same thing. The purpose of the above video is for those who haven't had a console before, or someone pondering the idea of switching from one company to the other when upgrading to the next generation. Please respect others' choices.
Terminology
If you were confused about any terms used, here is a little cheat sheet:
- FPS means frames per second, which tells you how many frames of video will be displayed within a second.
- Standard resolution, meaning the one that is uniform for most phones, monitors, and older TVs, is 1080p. 1080p has roughly 2 million pixels showing on the screen. 1440p is about double that, at 4 million. I'm sure you've heard the term 4K. It is double the pixels of 1440p, so you can think of 1440p as 2K. 8K is even better than 4K, at double the pixels, roughly 16 million. Right now, 8K is the best technology on the market, with 8K monitors and TVs costing thousands of dollars.
- An exclusive game is a game that can only be played on a specific console. Xbox Live Gold is required to play an online match in a game. PlayStation Plus is the same thing, instead for PlayStation systems. Both subscriptions are $60 a year.
- A "scalper" is someone who creates a "bot" to buy up all the consoles when they are restocked, then sell them with a significant markup.
Credits:
Created with images by QuentinLeGohic - "xbox xbox one microsoft" • christianladewig0 - "joystick console video games"