PlayStation 5 Or Xbox Series?

September 17, 2020 0 By Brian Crecente

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series are hitting within two days of one another this November, and both feature two models.

I thought it might be helpful for me (and I suppose you) to try to summarize the different options available come November.

This isn’t meant to be an apples-to-apples deep dive, but more of an at-a-glance comparison of what’s coming and what it will cost you.

Me? I’m not sure which I’m getting or when. Probably both, eventually. But neither have the sort of spectacular launch titles that make me feel like I need a new console on day one.

PlayStation 5

Launches: Nov. 12
Price: $400/$500

PlayStation 5 versus PlayStation 5 Digital Edition

According to Sony, both PS5 models use the same custom processor with integrated CPU and GPU for high-fidelity graphics up to 4K, as well as the same ultra-high speed SSD with integrated I/O that will deliver lightning-fast loading. Both PS5 models also offer a deepened sense of immersion through the DualSense wireless controller and 3D audio capabilities, so players will enjoy the same transformative gameplay experiences regardless of which PS5 they choose.

The only difference, it appears, is that the Digital Edition doesn’t have a Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive and costs $400 instead of $500. Both versions will ship with a single DualSense controller, which will sell for $70 on their own.

The confirmed PS5 launch day games include

Astro’s Playroom (pre-installed on PS5)
Demon’s Souls
Destruction AllStars
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
Godfall
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Sackboy A Big Adventure

Xbox Series

Launch date: Nov. 10
Price: $300/$400

Xbox Series S versus Xbox Series X

According to Microsoft, the Xbox Series S delivers the same next generation speed and performance that define Xbox Series X. It is similar in CPU and has the identical I/O performance as Xbox Series X, making it easier for developers to deliver the same great performance, while rendering at a lower resolution.

What that means is that the S has the same CPU, but it runs at a lower 3.6Ghz (compared to 3.8 GHz on the X) It also has a less powerful GPU, less memory, and half the internal storage (512GB versus 1TB). The performance target for the S is 1440p at 60 FPS, up to 120 FPS, while the target for the X is 4K at 60 FPS, up to 120 FPS. The S doesn’t have an Ultra HD Blu-ray either, but it is much smaller than the X. Both use proprietary expansion cards for more storage space.

The confirmed Xbox Series launch day games include: