PS5 and X-Box Series X – launching the next generation of gaming during a pandemic

Kickstarting the new console generation are the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 and creatively named X-Box Series X. Now the two have finally launched, the eternal console wars continue with each system vying for dominance in our living rooms, offering 4K gaming capability at up to 120 FPS and incredibly fast loading times. Both consoles are innovative in their own ways, with the PS5 drawing attention due to its inventive new DualSense controller, while the X-Box Series X doubles as a handy Gamecube standee. The question those who couldn’t get hold of a pre-order for either console might be wondering, however, is what are the differences between the two systems and what do they each offer the other doesn’t…?

For one thing both systems launch with two versions: a dearer version which can play physical media, and a slightly more affordable one which acts as a digital only platform. This opens buying options for those who might worry about space and collecting for yet another physical platform – as well as potentially looking for a more affordable way to engage with the new generation – while accommodating those gamers out there who prefer the confidence in ownership you can only get from owning the physical game. Though this does raise questions as to whether the digital only systems foreshadow a purely digital gaming future.

As previously mentioned, Sony’s DualSense controller evolves the staple DualShock by increasing the feeling of immersion in its new line of games by creating a sensation of contact and tension. It’s an impressive piece of tech that has a lot of promise, and we’ve already heard praise of its functionality, replacing the DualShock 4’s rumble technology with the ability to simulate more subtle vibrations in the hand. This new Haptic feedback feature shows the depth of immersion the PS5 is capable of, especially when paired with adaptive triggers which have the ability to simulate resistance with a sense of realism. The tension from pulling back a bowstring, for instance. The Series X controller, on the other hand, doesn’t reinvent the X-Box controller so much, though critics have noted the cheaper feel of the controller and favour the One X/ S controller instead. In addition to the new Haptic feedback feature, the new 3D audio capable headphones mean horror titles are going to be a more gruelling experience than ever before, even for hardened horror gamers. Especially if that includes an Alien Isolation remaster or follow up…

Meanwhile Microsoft are banking on the sheer power of their system with a lot of value being placed on their X-Box Game Pass, granting players access to a sizeable library of titles. Both systems are backwards compatible to some extent, though in this sense, the Series X wins out. The PS5 supports PS4 titles, but this means those massive hordes of classic PS1 and PS2 JRPGs you’ve been waiting to dive into won’t be enjoyed on your fancy new Stormtrooper-aesthetic system. That being said, there’s still quite an impressive library of PlayStation exclusives readily available with titles being optimised for play on your shiny new PS5. The Series X meanwhile can play most games from past generations, going back to the OG monster that spawned Microsoft’s gaming legacy. Emphasis should be placed, however, on “most” as certain titles can’t be emulated. But being able to replay the past four generations of X-Box on top of the new ones yet to come out is certainly something for Sony fans to be a little envious of. 

But while backwards compatibility is a convenient feature, particularly for collectors, what is a system without brand new games to play? It’d be like buying a new car without wheels. On launch, X-Box players have access to the likes of Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla – already the highest-selling title in the series – with more in the pipeline. That hasn’t stopped players voicing disappointment as the highly anticipated Halo Infinite (effectively Halo 6) is no longer a launch title, though it didn’t exactly inspire the highest praise from its initial presentation. Nonetheless, this is still a shame of course, given Halo is easily among Microsoft’s best seller titles and one of few exclusives that make X-Box appealing to non-X-Box gamers. In this sense, the value of the new Game Pass cannot be understated but it does make it seem more worthwhile to wait for a purchase as the launch line-up is somewhat lacklustre especially if they’re relying on Game Pass, regardless of its value.

For PS5, meanwhile, while the launch lineup is rather small, it does include the likes of the Demon’s Souls remake, which looks staggeringly beautiful in all its oppressively abusive gothic madness, and of course Spider-Man: Miles Morales, updating the PS4 web-slinger with improved visuals and the inclusion of Brian Michael Bendis’ spider-powered web-head brainchild. As fun as revisiting and swinging around Hell’s Kitchen or diving off the highest point of the Empire State Building will be as Miles Morales, the pre-installed Astro’s Playroom shouldn’t be overlooked, acting as a fun 3D platforming experience that effectively acts as a fun tech demo to get around that fancy new controller. Also confirmed to come out, meanwhile, are the rampageous Ratchet & Clank with its dimension hopping abilities, the follow-up to Sony’s new hit IP Horizon: Forbidden West, and recently announced, if conversely less-than-final, Final Fantasy 16, which returns the series to its fantasy medieval roots, albeit with a Final Fantasy 15 gameplay style.

Whichever system catches your attention, the power and capabilities of the new systems are certainly impressive and new titles going forward mark this as yet another exciting step-forward in game development. As it stands, for those who haven’t managed to get hold of their choice system, it’s probably not such a bad idea to wait a few months. If Sony’s history is anything to go by, the PlayStation 5 will likely come down in price before long and undoubtedly the libraries for both systems will boast the new generations must-haves by that time. And price is most certainly going to be an issue going forward for average consumers. Personally, I’m hoping Final Fantasy XVI will make the improvements over XV we all want and can’t wait to see the series return to its Medieval roots, á la Final Fantasy IX, in all its next gen glory.