A brand new console technology is upon us. If you do not play video video games (and even in case you do), navigating the tech and gaming landscapes can really feel intimidating, even with out the extra questions and confusion prompted by new PlayStation and Xbox programs hitting the market quickly. If you are a potential purchaser, like a dad or mum doing a little early vacation procuring, and end up on this camp–confused by all of the totally different manufacturers, naming conventions, equipment, and technical details–don’t fear! In this information, we’ll stroll you thru what’s at present in the marketplace, break down the important thing variations between the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S, and attempt to ease a few of that gift-buying stress.Explaining Next Gen: The PS5 and Xbox Series XBecause of improvements in {hardware} and different developments and developments within the sport business, new sport consoles typically launch across the similar time. These intervals are known as a “console generation.” The present technology of consoles consists of Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One, which have been each launched in 2013, and the Nintendo Switch, which was launched in 2017. When individuals confer with “next gen,” they’re speaking concerning the upcoming technology of recent consoles.In this case, the subsequent technology of consoles consists of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, which is able to launch in November 2020. For a clearer have a look at some current console generations from the previous few a long time, try the desk under.Console GenerationPlayStationXboxFifth generationPlayStation (1995) Sixth generationPlayStation 2 (2000)Xbox (2001) PlayStation 2 Slim (2004) Seventh generationPlayStation 3 (2006)Xbox 360 (2005) PlayStation 3 Slim (2009)Xbox 360 S (2010) PlayStation 3 Super Slim (2012)Xbox 360 E (2013)Eighth generationPlayStation 4 (2013)Xbox One (2013) PlayStation 4 Slim (2016)Xbox One S (2016) PlayStation 4 Pro (2016)Xbox One X (2017) Xbox One S All-Digital (2019)Ninth generationPlayStation 5 (2020)Xbox Series X (2020) PlayStation 5 Digital (2020)Xbox Series S (2020)If that is all too complicated, no worries. The essential factor to know is in case you’re shopping for for somebody who’s excited about one of many new, next-gen consoles (or if that particular person is you), then you are going to be selecting between both the PlayStation 5 (or PS5) or the Xbox Series X/S.This is the place issues get slightly extra sophisticated.PS5/Xbox Naming Conventions and VariationsConsole naming conventions are getting increasingly more complicated, and never only for individuals who do not comply with video games information. While PlayStation is comparatively easy with its linear numbering system, Xbox is a bit unconventional. This will get much more complicated whenever you introduce model varieties. Yes, each the brand new PlayStation and the brand new Xbox have two totally different variations on sale.For the Sony PlayStation, there’s the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Digital.For the Microsoft Xbox, there’s the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S.Use the slider to match the Xbox Series X and Series S with the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital.Both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X are the “base” variations of every console. Think of them just like the default. They are full-priced, high-powered, and include all of the options of a next-gen console.Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S are barely totally different. The {hardware} is generally the identical, give or take a pair technical trade-offs. They can each play the identical video games as their base counterparts. The greatest variations listed here are the worth and the “digital” aspect–that means neither of those consoles include a bodily disc drive, so you’ll be able to’t insert a sport disc inside them. You can solely buy video games from their on-line shops digitally. If you purchase both the PS5 Digital Edition or the Xbox Series S, do not buy any bodily video games for these consoles–they will not be capable of play them from the disc.Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One X/S?A serious factor to notice right here is to not confuse the Xbox Series X with the Xbox One X. The Xbox One is the present technology of Xbox console in the marketplace. It was launched in 2013 and can attain the tip of its console “lifespan” when the Xbox Series X launches in November. (That simply means there is a newer system round to switch it and new video games will primarily goal the Xbox Series X/S.) A smaller model of the Xbox One referred to as the Xbox One S was launched in 2016, and a high-end model referred to as the Xbox One X was launched in 2017.Basically, to Microsoft, the X naming conference appears to point superiority, whereas the S naming conventions appears to point the marginally smaller finances choice. Remember that when deciding between the Series X and Series S, however do not confuse the brand new Xbox Series X/S (2020) consoles with the soon-to-be-outdated Xbox One X/S (2016-2017) consoles.PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S VariationsIf you are shopping for a console for another person, they’ve in all probability specified which one they need. If not (or in case you’re a first-time console purchaser seeking to buy one for your self), this is a fast breakdown of the technical specs of each the PS5 and the Xbox Series X/S and what every console has to supply.Technical VariationsWe have a way more detailed comparability of the next-gen console specs in case you’re , however in case you simply desire a fast abstract, these are the first variations, not taking into consideration technical efficiency. PlayStation 5 / DigitalXbox Series X / Series SStorage825 GB SSD1 TB SSD / 512 GB SSDDisplayHDMI 2.1HDMI 2.1Resolution4K (Up to 8K)4K (Up to 8K) / Target 1440pMax Refresh Charge120 Hz120 HzBackwards CompatibilityYes (can play PS4 video games)Yes (can play Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One video games)Dimension15.4 in × 10.2 in × 4.1 in (Base) / 15.4 in × 10.2 in × 3.6 in (Digital)5.9 in × 5.9 in × 11.9 in (Series X) / 5.9 in × 2.6 in × 11 in (Series S)Both base consoles assist 4K decision and as much as 120 Hz. If you wish to get probably the most out of this, ensuring you’ve got the fitting TV is essential–odds are, what somebody already owns will not profit from these new consoles (however that is not essentially a giant deal). We have a information to one of the best 4K TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X, which explains HDMI 2.1, the expectations round each consoles’ claims of 8K functionality, and a few particular choices relying in your finances. The essential factor to find out about TV-related specs is that the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are particularly concentrating on 4K whereas the smaller Xbox Series S is concentrating on a 1440p expertise.If you want a extra particular breakdown, we have now an explainer on the key variations between the PS5 and Series X/S that may stroll you thru another key issues to recollect, together with disparities in space for storing and exterior storage options, processing energy, the brand new dimension and form of each consoles, and extra.Exclusives and Launch GamesOn a much less technical degree, the most important distinction between the consoles is its exclusives–basically, the video games you’ll be able to solely play on one console vs. the opposite. Sony has a lot of video games which can be unique to its PlayStation household of consoles, similar to The Last of Us 2 and Bloodborne. Xbox consoles have their very own exclusives, too, similar to Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 4. Sometimes these video games may also be performed on PC.In the case of Forza Horizon 4 and the upcoming Halo Infinite, each are Xbox console exclusives, so you’ll be able to play them on Xbox One, the upcoming Xbox Series X/S, and PC–just not on a PlayStation. (If you are shopping for for a giant Halo fan, an Xbox Series X might be the best way to go.) The Last of Us 2, alternatively, is a PlayStation 4 unique, so it could actually solely be performed on PlayStation 4–not on Xbox or on PC. (But it will likely be supported by the PS5’s backwards compatibility that enables it to play most PS4 video games.)Exclusives aren’t the one video games to think about. Many video games might be obtainable on each consoles, plus you need to contemplate the prevailing library of older technology video games and whether or not or not they’re playable on the brand new programs. This is known as backwards compatibility, referring to a brand new console’s potential to play video games made for older consoles. In this upcoming technology, the PlayStation 5 is simply backwards suitable with PlayStation 4 video games, whereas the Xbox Series X and Series S are backwards suitable with all earlier technology Xbox video games, together with Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.For a library of video games that might be obtainable to play on each consoles on or round launch day, seek the advice of our guides under. These don’t embody the consoles’ full libraries, however simply exclusives and cross-platform video games (which could be playable on each consoles) that might be obtainable to play when the brand new programs are launched.Don’t neglect to seek the advice of our next-gen console specs comparability for a breakdown on the web providers each consoles provide as properly, together with PlayStation Plus and the streaming service PlayStation Now, and Xbox Game Pass and the streaming service xCloud. Xbox Game Pass needs to be of explicit curiosity for anybody attempting to resolve between the 2 consoles. It’s a subscription service that works like a Netflix for Xbox video games, the place gamers pays a month-to-month payment of $10 (or $15 for the upgraded Ultimate membership) to realize entry to a library of video games, which–like TV streaming services–is continuously being up to date, with new titles added and eliminated regularly. PlayStation Plus, alternatively, can be a paid subscription service that provides members two free video games each month. The Plus Collection, a next-gen improve to this service, will give PS5 customers entry to a listing of fashionable video games from the PS4 period.Price and Release DateIf you are able to decide between the 2 consoles, the final issues you should know are the discharge date and worth, in addition to the place to preorder. PlayStation 5 / DigitalXbox Series X / Series SRelease DateNovember 12, 2020 (NA)November 10, 2020 (NA)Price$499 (Base) / $399 (Digital)$499 (Series X) / $299 (Series S)The base variations of each consoles, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, are $500. The digital-only editions, the PS5 Digital and the Xbox Series S, range in worth. The PS5 Digital is $400 and the Xbox Series S is $300.Where to PreorderWe have full lists of the place you’ll be able to preorder each consoles in addition to equipment, like extra controllers, in our preorder guides under.