What do we know about the next generation of game consoles?
It has been eight years since the last major batch of releases from the world’s most popular games console manufacturers. With the release of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 slated for late 2020 and a wealth of new information available as of June 2020, we take a look at what we know so far about the upcoming blockbuster devices from Microsoft and Sony.
Specs
It will come as no surprise to anyone, but the next generation of consoles will represent a step up in every respect – and especially so when it comes to specifications. While we’re not going to do a deep dive into the technology under the bonnet of these devices, here are a few advancements that might whet your appetite.
The new Xbox (pictured above) promises to be a beast of a console. We’re expecting some serious graphical capabilities, higher performance levels with less power usage and even the aspiration to run games at 60 FPS (frames per second) in 4K.
What will this mean for gamers? Well, in addition to everything looking much prettier, it’s expected that having an SSD hard drive will cut down on the number of loading screens that people have to sit through.
Current Xbox owners will also be pleased to hear that existing Xbox One accessories will be able to be used on the Series X. It will also include a physical disc drive and will support backwards compatibility, meaning that you will be able to play old Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games.
Although some gamers might be disappointed to note that Microsoft is not currently expecting the console to support VR capabilities on release.
The PS5, as shown above, will also feature a heap of upgrades on its previous iteration. Out of the gates, it will launch with two consoles – a standard edition with a 4k Blu-Ray disc drive and a slimmer disc-free PS5 Digital Edition. The inclusion of the latter is a nod to the inevitable decrease in the number of people who buy physical versions of games these days.
Those familiar with PlayStation’s previous models will notice how different the PS5 is in terms of design, not least Sony’s decision to overhaul its typical black colour scheme. The controller too has had a touch up and now features haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and a built-in mic.
As with the Xbox, it will have a ton more processing power as well as a superfast SSD, aiming to improve the playing experience for gamers. Unlike the Xbox, it will also launch with VR capability.
Games
We’ve already been teased with a number of launch games for both the Xbox and PlayStation – with some titles especially generating a heap of buzz across online forums.
Before we get into some of these games, it is interesting to note that – for the first time since manufacturers started generational gaming – games released for the Xbox Series X won’t be exclusive. Every Microsoft game that works on the Series X will also work on the Xbox One, and vice versa. Games will, in effect, work backwards and forwards – having graphical compromises on older models and upgrades on the latest devices.
For example, the hotly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 has recently had its launch date pushed to November 19, which suggests that it will be released with X Series and One compatibility.
Among the throng of games getting gamers most excited are Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, which will put the player in the shoes of a legendary Viking raider on the quest for glory. Agent 47 will also return in the latest iteration of the popular Hitman series, Hitman III, another title penned for release next year. Both of these games will be available on both consoles.
For those less enamoured by the promise of gore, then platformer Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart might be more for them. This PlayStation exclusive will likely be a playful third person action adventure in the same vein as its predecessors. Marvel’s Spider Man: Miles Morales is another PS5 exclusive and sees Morales take over as protagonist from Peter Parker as the webslinger. The launch trailer gives a tantalising idea of how this will look.
Release date and price
So far, details of the exact launch date and pricing for both consoles have remained hazy. But eagle-eyed internet commentators have noticed that an advert appeared for the launch of the X Series on Thanksgiving, which is 26 November this year. With competition rife between the two manufacturers, we wouldn’t be surprised if the PS5 was penned for a similar date.
Interested in reading more about gaming? Check out these links below and keep your eyes peeled for further updates from us on these upcoming consoles.
