PS5, Xbox Series X or Switch?
Competition is everywhere. This is also the case in the gaming industry of game consoles. It is important for consumers to choose the best option. Therefore, it is important for developers to meet the demands and present more innovative arguments. It doesn’t matter if it’s Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo – they all focus on their individual strengths to attract more customers. But what counts, in the end, is no secret: The best overall performance!
The new Gen of Game Consoles – PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
The year 2020 is a new era of gaming consoles. Sony and Microsoft announced their latest developments in November. However, the start was not simple for the PlayStation 5. The high demand and low availability hampered the hype. Both game consoles fascinate and prove that they are successful. The Xbox Series X is equipped with a Zen 2 eight-core processor that runs at 3.8 GHz per core. Therefore, its performance is four times stronger than its predecessor. The GPU of the Xbox boasts 12 teraflops of computing performance, with 3328 shaders allocated to 52 compute units. The PlayStation also runs with Zen 2 processor with eight cores. Nevertheless, with 3.5 GHz per core. About the GPU should be mentioned that it offers 36 compute units running at 2.23 GHz and offering 10.28 teraflops.
There are no particular differences in the working memory: 16 GB GDDR6. In terms of general performance, both are very similar, although technically the Xbox Series X is only slightly better.
Probably the most notable element of the PS5 is the use of SSD storage (also for Xbox Series X). The solid-state drive has 825 GB with a raw 5.5GB/s throughput. The result is that booting a game is super fast. The Xbox has 1 TB of storage, which is a bit slower (2.4GB/s to maximum of 4.8 uncompressed). Both can increase memory with expansion cards. An advantage with the PS5 gameplay: the DualSense controller is probably the most exciting element. The great innovation here is the haptic feedback, which refines the player’s sensations. With this improvement, the immersion is extremely enhanced and we are able to distinguish various vibrations from each other (e.g. shooting with a revolver or a rain shower). The controller is also equipped with adaptive triggers that simulate actions with preset resistance (e.g. stretching a bow).
Interesting for consumers should be the frame rate and ray tracing technology. As with the PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, games can be experienced in 4K and HDR. But with the new generation revolution, games run even faster and feel more responsive. It’s important to mention that both devices support games from older console generations.
Who offers the better gaming experience cannot be clearly determined. Both gaming consoles offer a solid 4K@60Hz. This can be enhanced by beautiful ray tracing or 120Hz experience in certain games. According to today’s assessment, no significant difference can be determined because the games are cross-platform and also cross-generational. A full optimization of the games for the latest generation of consoles doesn’t exist which doesn’t allow determining the performance limits of the PS5 or Xbox Series X. Therefore, we would need to wait one or two years until fully optimized games are released to determine the weaknesses of both consoles.
But what also counts is the range of games. Can Microsoft or Sony convince? – According to Microsoft’s own statement, the end of the year 2022:
Head of Microsoft:
Sony has more exclusive games than Microsoft, many of which are even better quality…
Of course, there are many cross-platform games. But Sony has some advantages when it comes to exclusive games, because they increasingly rely on contracts with developers, which doesn’t allow Microsoft to access them. Nevertheless, the Xbox also has fantastic titles. (e.g. racing games like Forza Horizon 5 or classics like Spiderman or God of War). Furthermore, we see that some things could still change in the near future in terms of releasing the games for certain platforms.
Xbox Game Pass – a unique strategy
One option on the Xbox that shouldn’t be underestimated is Game Pass. This offers hundreds of games that you can play for a monthly fee. The advantage: these games aren’t only playable on the console, but also on the PC. New titles are added all the time so that you have variety. Sony has a comparable platform with PlayStation Plus. Still, Xbox’s offer is better as all exclusive titles are part of the games flat rate at release.
Big Deals!
Nintendo Switch – The slightly different game console
Before we turns to Nintendo’s console, it’s important to know that it has a slightly different target group. Nintendo is known for their Super Mario games which also gives a lot away. So if you’re looking for a game console that’s for kids or more family friendly: the Switch will be the one!
Therefore, interesting and entertaining games can also be enjoyed on the Switch. For example, the Splatoon game series should be well-known. Or Mario and Co. with Mario Kart 8 or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Important to note: Many of the Nintendo games are also possible in multiplayer. This makes the console absolutely perfect for groups.
There are 3 different models: Switch, Switch OLED and Switch Lite. Switch and Switch OLED are available to use in 3 play modes. Classically on TV remains the option. Furthermore, you can play Tabletop Mode or Handheld Mode. The Switch Lite, the cheapest model, can only be played in Handheld Mode.
In terms of performance, Nintendo’s gaming console cannot keep up. You will look in vain for 4K or HDR. The Switch can only manage a resolution of 1080p (TV Mode). In Tabletop Mode or Handheld Mode: a resolution of 720p can be achieved.
