The long battle between Xbox and Playstation has continued into a new console generation. In this blog, I will predict which console will have the better sales and I will determine that by 3 things: the specs, the fan base/exclusives, and the hype.
First, let’s talk about the hype. Hype is an important part of a console’s success. Hype is the thing that a console uses before it comes out into the market to get people excited about it. However, hype can be a double-edged sword. If a console promises something, and they don’t follow through on that promise, or the promise falls short, it can hurt the success of the console tremendously. Let’s start with the hype (promises) from Xbox. Xbox has promised full ray tracing, enhanced I/O capabilities, full 4K, 120 FPS, the ability to switch between games effortlessly, low prices, SSD, and many more. The list of promises from PS5 is definitely shorter but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in content. The list includes partial ray tracing capabilities, SSD, IRMF audio, and enhanced I/O capabilities.
The next thing to consider is the specs. Let’s start with Xbox’s specs with its CPU being 8x Zen 2 cores at 3.8GHz(3.6 with SMT) and its GPU being a custom RDNA 2 at 12 TFLOPS, 52 CU’s at 1.825GHz. Also, its process is TSMC 7nm enhanced and its memory is 16GB GDDR6. Internal storage is a 1TB custom NVMe SSD with a 1TB card expansion slot. Another thing to consider is IO throughput at an amazing 2.4GB/s(raw) and 4.8GB/s (compressed) and the optical drive being a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive. All in all, it runs at a smooth 4K at 60FPS-up to 120FPS. Now onto PS5’s specs. Its CPU is 8x Zen 2 cores at 3.5GHz (variable frequency) and its GPU at 10.28 TFLOPS,36 CU’s at 2.23GHz(variable frequency) and the architecture being an RDNA 2 custom. Memory interface is 16GB GDDR6 and internal storage being a nice 825GB SSD. IO throughput is 5.5 GB/s(raw), typical 8-9 GB/s(compressed). Optical drive is the same as Xbox’s. Sadly, we don’t know the exact FPS range as PS5 hasn’t released a test video but we can assume it’s around the same as Xbox’s. Even though Xbox’s specs are technically better on paper, the difference in game is so small it’s unnoticeable. That makes them tied in this department.
The final thing to consider is the player fan base and the exclusive games on each console. A console is nothing without its players and what makes the players stay on that console are the exclusives. Sure, their specs are something to consider, but let's face it, only nerds (a.k.a me) look at the specs and most people only buy a console for its exclusives. So, let’s see what each console has. First, let's start with PS5. PS5’s exclusives include God of War, Gran Turismo, Spider-man, Uncharted, BloodBorne, and Horizon Zero Dawn and you can expect to see new titles released for most of these franchises within a year or two of launch. Now, onto Xbox’s exclusives. Xbox’s exclusives include Gears of War, Halo, Senua’s Saga, Scorn, and a few unannounced titles from sub companies of Microsoft.
Now, onto the part you have all been waiting for . . . which one has the best chance to emerge victorious in future sales and success? Given the previously listed data, one would have to assume that PS5 might come out on top. However, if (and I don’t think it will be too big of a stretch for a company the size of Microsoft) Xbox can add a few more confirmed exclusives and if they can boost their hype and if they can fulfill all their promises, I would predict that it would be an easy win for the Microsoft giant.
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