Tuesday, June 30, 2020
With early details on next-generation consoles steadily surfacing, we've wrapped up the latest on Xbox Series X, in relation to PlayStation 5.
Power Your Dreams
Xbox Series X
Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Series X is on track to deliver beastly next-generation hardware, promising "four times" the processing capabilities of Xbox One X, and pacing 12 teraflops (TF) of computing power. Accompanied by storage and memory gains, it aims to streamline next-generation gaming. But with that hardware, what does it mean for the price point?
Play Has No Limits
PlayStation 5
While PlayStation 5 falls short of Xbox Series X processing power, it's still a sizeable 10.2 TF leap over its current console family, spearheaded by a killer solid-state storage setup. Proven to slice loading times, paired with a ton of new system features, it enters the new generation leveraging past success. But with mere months until launch, countless questions also still remain.
A game-changing year lies ahead, with two of the world's biggest next-generation consoles expected to hit store shelves in late 2020. While Microsoft has provided a deep dive into its monolithic Xbox Series X, the recent PlayStation 5 unveiling pitches an equally compelling upgrade from Sony. We've wrapped up everything we know about the two next-generation titans and how they're stacking up so far.
Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: Features
As expected from any significant console refresh, Microsoft and Sony have focused efforts on delivering flagship performance for their next-generation vision. We expect both consoles to pack custom AMD silicon, based on leading Zen 2 processor architecture, alongside its latest Navi graphics cards. That duo lies at the heart of graphical advancements over Xbox One and PlayStation 4, pushing improved resolutions, frame rates, and overall visual fidelity.
The Xbox Series X is the latest evolution in Microsoft hardware, with an all-black, monolithic design housing stacked internals inside. It's a chunky box with added volume over previous Xbox One consoles, aiding a new single-fan cooling system, and drawing air up through the console. Sony has debuted a more abstract, two-toned design, wrapped in a white, winged outer casing. The difference is black and white (pun fully intended), but positions both as massive consoles compared their predecessors. And don't worry; both stand vertically and horizontally, ideal for your existing setup.
The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 aim high, both capable of up to 8K resolutions or 120 frames-per-second (FPS) outputs. However, it most likely translates to an estimated 4K 60 FPS baseline, pushing the best from modern 4K displays. That helps elevate both consoles above current-generation solutions, with Microsoft specifically touting a "four times" power increase over Xbox One X. The consoles will also feature hardware-accelerated ray tracing via their Navi GPUs, better simulating how light interacts with virtual objects.
Early PlayStation 5 prototypes cut a 15 second load time in Marvel's Spider-Man (2018) to just 0.8 seconds.
Another next-generation shakeup comes with the adoption of solid-state drives, primarily advancing transfer speeds system-wide. That supports unmatched cuts to loading times, with both platform holders pledging to eliminate the wait between booting a game and entering the action. An exclusive on the PlayStation 5 from Wired highlighted these benefits, cutting 2018's Spider-Man from a PlayStation 4 Pro 15 second load time down to just 0.8 seconds.
Microsoft has discussed similar ambitions, committing to an NVMe SSD and GDDR6 RAM, slicing loading, and increasing multitasking capabilities. It demonstrated that with State of Decay 2, cutting a 45 second load time on Xbox One X down to just seven seconds on Xbox Series X. While strong gains on both platforms, it appears Sony's SSD technology comes out on top.
Xbox One backward compatibility debuted post-launch, now fundamental to Microsoft in 2020.
With previous hardware architecture being carried forward to the next consoles, Microsoft and Sony have emerged strong advocates of backward compatibility. While the Xbox One overcame those hurdles post-launch, and Sony attempted to offer past titles through PlayStation Now, both upcoming consoles finally pack native backward compatibility from launch.
For Xbox Series X, the full Xbox One library is assumed, including its vast backward compatible catalog of original Xbox and Xbox 360 games. Select Xbox One games upgraded for Xbox Series X can also support "Smart Delivery," enabling automatic, free upgrades across generations, drawing the best available version for your device. Microsoft has also pledged that existing Xbox One accessories translate, including controllers and headsets. Sony has expressed similar intentions to bring PlayStation 4 titles to PlayStation 5, with more details expected closer to launch.
The PS5 brings titles closer to the OS, with configurable installations, and deeper game integration.
Sony has also touched on plans to streamline PlayStation 5 accessibility, detailing operating system improvements that accompany the convenience of reduced loading times. Among currently announced features is "a more configurable installation—and removal—process," essentially dividing titles into blocks, and allowing players to download specific components. It primarily sets to reduce download times and save on memory, especially valuable as SSDs become the norm. The Xbox One shipped a similar feature, dubbed "Intelligent Delivery," although we're yet to see wide adoption from developers.
The new PlayStation 5 OS also sets out to remove barriers of smaller tasks, inciting a closer relationship between the user interface and games. "Even though it will be fairly fast to boot games, we don't want the player to have to boot the game, see what's up," said Mark Cerny, PlayStation lead systems architect, with Wired. That keeps games more connected to the broader PlayStation experience, deeply integrating games into the system.
Xbox Series X looks to streamline its operating system, among key criticisms for Xbox One.
And while Microsoft has remained more reserved on the OS powering Xbox Series X, it appears to draw foundations from Xbox One. We expect the Xbox Series X to bring forward the shared universal kernel, with improvements to leverage additional hardware overhead. That includes speeding up the infamously sluggish interface and enabling multitasking between multiple titles. The new developer-facing Game Core OS environment also brings improvements, pushing adoption of DirectX 12, and streamlining future Xbox development. The concept will allow games to better scale across consoles of varying capabilities, though real-world results remain unclear.
Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: Specifications
The next-generation leap means all-new power under the hood, with Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 pushing the limits in late 2020. Custom AMD silicon lies within both devices, promising flagship gaming performance, and elevating their respective console families with new features. But that rides on the final hardware configuration, with preliminary specifications already surfacing.
AMD technologies once again power the next Xbox and PlayStation, with standalone teams sectioned to deliver the brains of future machines. That rides on the new 7nm 8-core Zen 2 processor architecture, flanked by a Navi-based GPU, representing the pinnacle of AMD's recent PC developments at the price point. Microsoft and Sony have also committed to hardware-accelerated ray tracing support, making SSD storage the standard for 2020, alongside GDDR6 memory as RAM.
We've wrapped up the specifications for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 so far, from the details provided via official Microsoft and Sony announcements.
| Category | Xbox Series X | PlayStation 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz Custom Zen 2 CPU | 8x Cores @ 3.5GHz Custom Zen 2 CPU |
| Graphics | 12.155 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 | 10.28 TFLOPS, 36 CUs @ 2.23 GHz Custom RDNA 2 |
| Memory | 16 GB GDDR6, 320mb bus | 16 GB GDDR6, 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s | 448GB/s |
| Internal Storage | 1 TB Custom NVME SSD | 825GB Custom NVME SSD |
| I/O Throughput | 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed) | 5.5GB/s (Raw), 8-9GB/s (Compressed) |
| Expandable Storage | 1 TB Custom SSD expansion card | NVMe SSD slot |
| External Storage | USB external HDD support | USB external HDD support |
| Optical Drive | 4K UHD Blu-Ray drive | 4K UHD Blu-Ray drive |
| Size | 301mm x 151mm x 151mm | 400mm x 223mm x 100mm (estimate) |
| Release date | Holiday 2020 | Holiday 2020 |
Our sources initially suggested Xbox Series X is expected to feature an eight-core Zen 2 CPU targeting 3.6GHz, bolstered by improvements to caching, new silicon architecture, and other proprietary optimizations. The actual specs, as confirmed by Microsoft, appear to be a bit better, with a CPU capable of running at 3.8GHz (3.6GHz w/ SMT). That helps Microsoft delivered upon the claimed four times increase over Xbox One X.
That pairs with its Navi GPU pacing 12 teraflops (TF) of computing power, compared to the Xbox One X's 6TF setup. Microsoft confirmed that its GPU would run with 52 compute units clocked at 1.825GHz.
But that lays the foundations of one beastly machine, assumedly with a high price tag, and falling in line with PlayStation 5. That could necessitate a cheaper, mass-market alternative, potentially via the rumored low-tier next-generation "Xbox Lockhart," which supposedly remains in development.
Microsoft and Sony unveiled console specifications in March, with more expected throughout 2020.
Sony also provided additional details on PlayStation 5 during a March event, dedicated to digging into hardware under the hood, and gameplay gains to expect. That includes an eight-core 3.5GHz custom Zen 2 CPU, not too far behind Microsoft's offering for Xbox Series X, alongside a 10.28 TF GPU. Both consoles exhibit enormous gains over the current generation, and while the PS5 falls short in raw processing power, it's speedy storage takes the lead.
Sony makes gains with its custom SSD setup, with support for standard PC NVMe drives for ultra-fast storage. Those storage improvements will help cut load times and streamline performance across all titles, proving its secret weapon for the next generation. That's been proven with Sony's early marketing for the console, with titles designed to leverage that SSD to the maximum.
Xbox Series X Controller vs. PlayStation DualSense
Microsoft builds upon the Xbox One controller, now with added functionality for Xbox Series X.
Microsoft unveiled Xbox Series X alongside the latest revision of its controller, building upon the proven Xbox One design with further enhancements. While yet to outline full specifications, official renders highlight several learnings across the past generation.
The signature addition is a new dedicated "Share" button, mimicking the feature popularized by the PlayStation 4's DualShock and the Nintendo Switch. The key enables fast video and screenshot capture and sharing, building upon the Game DVR from Xbox One.
That pairs with a new hybrid D-Pad inspired by the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller, circular-shaped with five defined square surfaces. And if you look closely, textured trigger grips come standard, after trailing the concept across limited-edition designs.
Speaking with Xbox leadership, GameSpot also reports an "ever-so-slightly smaller" controller silhouette planned for Xbox Series X, in response to user research. While a subtle change in reveal assets, Microsoft hopes to nail down ergonomics across the broadest range of Xbox buyers. The proprietary Xbox Wireless protocol also returns, extending efforts to reduce input latency.
Like the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller, the Series X controller will feature USB Type-C; however, it will still take AA batteries. Rechargeable batteries packs are compatible but optional.
Related: PS5's DualSense controller has features Xbox should've had years ago
The next PlayStation controller, named the DualSense, introduces new advances in haptics.
The PS5 also includes the new "DualSense" controller, expanding Sony's in-house controller family with a new generation, beyond DualShock. The name refers to new features that provide additional feedback to players, through the sense of touch. That coupled with a sleek modern look too, adopting a broader silhouette, and the same two-tone design as the PS5 console.
Among fundamental improvements of the DualShock 5 is the addition of "adaptive triggers," accommodating variable levels of trigger resistance in-line with gameplay. The triggers will provide feedback around tailored scenarios, emulating the tension of arrow drawstring, or differentiating firearm classes. It accompanies those with improved haptics, advancing its rumble motors with highly programmable voice-coil actuators in either grip. That's poised to deliver an overall more responsive setup than Xbox One, which first experimented with impulse triggers and directional haptics back in 2013.
The DualSense introduces a fresh new two-tone design, similar to the PlayStation 5 console.
Sony has also touched on other improvements in the pipeline, including a shift to USB Type-C for wired connectivity and charging. The integrated speaker also returns with improved clarity, paired with a larger capacity internal battery. The result is slightly heavier than today's DualShock 4 but reportedly comes in below the Xbox One gamepad with batteries inserted. The former lightbar has also been removed, a primary cause of rapid battery drain, with a soft glow radiating through the design instead.
Other notable changes include the shift from a "Share" button to a "Create" button, but what that entails remains unclear. Sony states it's once again "pioneering new ways for players to create epic gameplay content," with specifics to come closer to release. We also get an integrated microphone, allowing users to chat without a headset — an oversight on Microsoft's part that would aid Xbox One's growing suite of voice-enabled applications.
Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: Games
With Xbox One and PlayStation 4 entering their final months in the spotlight, the value of a compelling game lineup has never been more evident. Microsoft enters the next generation wrapping a multi-studio acquisition spree, expanding its Xbox Game Studios output. And for Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, the creative collection has a lineup of varied projects on the roadmap for the coming years.
Halo Infinite is among confirmed Xbox Series X launch games, scheduled to hit the next-generation console alongside Xbox One and PC. Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 also saw its debut at The Game Awards 2019, confirmed among first-party titles for Xbox Series X. And with Turn 10 Studios having skipped the annual Forza release, it's safe to assume Forza Motorsport 8 is soon ready for prime time. Other Xbox Game Studios projects remain in the early stages of development, including Everwild and Playground Games' new RPG.
Microsoft also hosted its first Xbox Series X gameplay unveiling in May, comprised of a variety of planned titles from third-party developers. Assassin's Creed Valhalla headlined the show as the first blockbuster, followed by promising titles from smaller studios like Bright Memory Infinite. The showcase also debuted Medium and Scorn, two upcoming horror experiences exclusive to Xbox Series X — even skipping Xbox One support.
Sony also teased over two dozen upcoming PS5 games through its debut gameplay event, which featured both in-house PlayStation Studios experiences and third-party aid. Horizon Forbidden West, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Gran Turismo 7, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart were among Sony's big unveilings. Godfall also shows promise as a console exclusive from Gearbox Publishing, with Bethesda also tying DEATHLOOP and Ghostwire: Tokyo to the platform for a limited time.
Both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 will also benefit from third-party titles on the calendar for the coming year, including Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Grand Theft Auto V, and HITMAN 3.
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