Before You Buy: Next-Gen Consoles

Recently, the PS5 was released on November 12, 2020, and the Xbox Series X was released on November 10, 2020. Still, many are without their beloved consoles, which shows the amount of demand there is for each one.

Credit: IGN

There is a very limited supply of each console that has partially to do with the pandemic and the scalpers that are buying up every console to resell at a ridiculous price. Whatever the case may be, a huge amount of people are waiting for their console, so while the rest patiently wait, here are a few things that one should know before they buy the systems.

PS5 Specs and Features

This gaming console has been upgraded with 1TB SSD, which has not been done with previous models. This will provide much faster load-up times to get into the game quickly.

4k-gaming is available for this system, so if one has a 4k-Tv this can be of some good news for them.

Games can be played up to 120fps with 120Hz output, meaning that games will look noticeably smoother when playing games that are compatible.

PS5 offers backward compatibility to allow the player to enjoy games that they have already purchased on their PS4. Also, users can upgrade select PS4 titles to PS5 games for better performance.

Buyers can also utilize an external hard drive for extra storage to play compatible PS4 titles, using external hard drives that support SuperSpeed USB.

PlayStation Plus (monthly or yearly paid subscription) can provide the players with several free monthly games.

There are two versions of the console, one has no disc drive, which is the digital edition, and this version is $100 less. The other has the disc drive that can allow one to watch physical copies of movies and play physical game copies at a $500 retail price.

Xbox Series X Specs and Features

Similar to the PS5, the Xbox series X has implemented a 1TB SSD to again provide faster loading speeds.

One can purchase a 1TB Seagate storage expansion card that can be plugged into the back of the console to increase the users’ storage.

Games can be played at up to 120fps exactly like the PS5. Also, 4k-gaming is available to provide even more vivid imagery of up to 60fps in game campaigns.

Offers Xbox game pass and EA Play subscription to enjoy a huge selection of games to play.

Backward compatibility allows for games on previous Xbox consoles like Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games.

Like Sony’s PlayStation, Microsoft’s Xbox has another version that is called Xbox Series S. This console is considerably weaker than the Series X in terms of a few spec differences like having a weaker GPU. Thus, the cost of this version is $200 less than the $500 price for the Series X, but overall, it can still provide the average gamer a good experience.

Do you plan on purchasing one or both of these consoles? If so, why? Let me know in the comments below.