The console wars take a next-gen turn

The longest-lasting console war has been debated since the first PlayStation was released (1994) and the first Xbox was released (2001). Now it has taken another turn in 20 years later as PlayStation released its fifth-generation console, the PlayStation 5, and Xbox released its fourth-generation console, the Xbox Series X|S.

Xbox released the Xbox Series S (S) for $299. A smaller console than the Xbox Series X (X). The S is about half the size of the X, which makes it less powerful and a third of the powerhouse the X is. Also, the S has half the storage space as the X. Although the S is less powerful than the X, they both still bring the next-gen capabilities with 4K graphics and the ability to upscale games to a more powerful resolution and gameplay. Also, the ability to still enjoy your favorite Xbox One, 360 and classic Xbox games on the next-gen consoles is a fan favorite.

Meanwhile, Xbox also released a stronger version of the same console, the Xbox Series X (X) for $499. The X has triple the performing power and doubles the storage capacity. It also has the 4K graphics capability, but unlike the S, it can upscale to 8K as soon as it becomes available. Another feature that is available on both the X and S is the ability to quickly load games and apps and also being able to jump between games quickly with the “quick resume” feature, which will not lose your spot or close your game when you switch games.

Then there is the rival to the Xbox family, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) for $499. The PS5 has unique features including 3D audio and adaptive triggers on the controller. It also comes with a new generation of games available. Unlike the Xbox, the PS5 comes with a maximum capacity of 1 terabyte (TB) with no room for expansion. It does come with the ability to play any old PlayStation 1-4 games, unlike the Xbox which only allows for certain titles to be playable. Similar to the Xbox, PlayStation released two versions of the same console, the only difference is one has a disc drive and one does not.

PlayStation has more adaptive features with motion control, 3D audio, and adaptive triggers to enhance the game playing experience. Xbox has more longevity with 1 TB storage but able to expand up to 3 total terabytes, 4K graphics, and the ability to upscale to 8K, and has more choices for the consumer with the cheaper smaller Xbox Series S and the larger stronger Xbox Series X. Both have lightning-fast loading screens, backward compatibility, and many unique next-generation titles to enjoy.

Both consoles have positives and negatives, but it truly comes down to the user’s wants. As more consoles come out, the battle will continue, however in this next-generation of gaming, the games players love is what will bring them together.