The next-generation console is all about speed, power, and realistic visuals. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X come equipped with powerful CPUs and GPUs, lots of memory, and fast SSDs to replace hard drives.
With the desire for consoles manufacturers to satisfy gamer needs, the next-generation consoles allow backward compatibility, support up to 8k at 120 fps, and provision of streaming services.
Specifications
Both consoles use AMD chips. Xbox Series X has a 3.8GHz Custom Zen 2, while PS5 has a 3.5GHz Custom Zen 2 CPU. The Xbox features 12 Teraflops GPU, while PS5 features 10 Teraflops GPU. Both consoles have 16GB GDDR6 memory, support 4K and HDR.
Storage
Finally, Sony has moved from hard drives to SSD in PS5. PS5 has a custom ultra-fast 825GB SSD, which is expandable via NVME. On the other hand, Xbox Series X also makes use of a custom 1TB SSD and supports proprietary expansion cards. Both consoles support external HDD.
Ports
Xbox Series X has six ports. HDMI (2), USB 3.2 (2), Ethernet port, storage expansion, power cord port and has a Wi-Fi antenna that supports Wi-Fi 5 with a maximum speed of 3.5Gbps. PS5 has USB-A (3) – two on the back and one in front, ethernet port at the back, and USB-C on the front used to power the controller. PS5 comes equipped with 802.11ax Wi-Fi. PS5 Wi-Fi antenna supports Wi-Fi 6 standards with a maximum speed of 9.6 Gbps.
Game streaming
The case of subscription to PlayStation and Xbox Live is still necessary for the next generation systems, just like in 2013 when PS4 and Xbox One launched. Sony has announced PlayStation Plus Collection, where PS5 owners can download and play games available in the collection.
The service is, however, expected to grow over time. PlayStation Now is still supported by Sony. Here you can play a massive library of games for a flexible payment plan, be it monthly or yearly. Microsoft has its game streaming platform known as xCloud service.
It allows users to play games on any device ranging from mobile phones to Xbox consoles. Xbox Game Pass is, however, here to supplement xCloud by providing an option to download games instead of streaming. Streaming games on an Xbox console to a mobile device is free.
Backward compatibility
PS5 is backward compatible. It can play some but not all PS4 games in addition to its own titles and PlayStation VR games as well. It is also compatible with the PlayStation VR headset supported by PS4, although it has its own new VR headset. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X supports every generation of Xbox games.
Controller
DualSense is the official PS5’s controller. Sony ditched the traditional rumble motors and used haptic feedback. The DualSense mimics various actions being performed and the haptic feedback allows for more specific responses in the game.
Unlike DualShock 4, the current generation controller is packed with a higher capacity battery. In the place of the Share button in the previous-gen, DualSense has a create button. The controller also has a built-in mic and headphone jack.
The Xbox Series X controller is like its predecessors except for the slight change in form factor and the introduction of a share button that works in the same way as in DualShock 4. The main advantage of the Xbox Series X controller over DualSense is cross-generation compatibility. Any controller already owned works on the new system.
Design
The Xbox Series X is larger than its predecessors and it resembles a Pc tower. It has a power button and a disc drive Infront. As for the PS5, it looks different from any other PlayStation ever made with an unusual color combination of black and white. It is also curved on the sides. PS5 has two models, the standard edition and a disc-less version known as Digital edition, which is slightly smaller and cheaper.
