Alright FINE, I will cash in on the console wars talk…
PlayStation or Xbox? Should you consider the Series S? Maybe, we will talk about that later. Console technical talk can get kinda wacky, but we will talk about that too. I know it is hard to even get your hands on a console right now, but we will cover some cute tips n’ tricks that may help you out. Let’s hit it!
Specs
Alright, first things first. Look how fucking DUMB the PS5 looks, like holy hell who signed off on this? I understand that both companies have a lot of hardware to pack into these bad boys, but I mean just look at this picture. The Xbox looks miles better than the PlayStation. A black box can basically go with any kind of setup aesthetic, but this anti-polygon spaceship that Sony introduced just looks silly.
In terms of actual technical specs, they both:
Are $500 (unless you go with the PS5 digital version: no disk drive)
16 GB of DDR6 RAM
Can hit 8k Resolution
Can reach 120 frames per second
Have a 4k UHD Blue-ray disc drive
However the Xbox Series X has a more powerful GPU and CPU although the margin there is relatively small. I would say the performance difference alone shouldn’t be enough to sway your decision.
PlayStation offers backwards compatibility for most PS4 titles while also providing some PS5 optimized versions. Xbox on the other hand, covers a much wider area. All Xbox One titles are available, select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. We all know there are some slappin’ titles from back then. In my mind, this point goes to Xbox.
Exclusives
Historically, I believe PlayStation has always had better exclusives. I think this time around though things are a little bit different. Obviously different folks like different franchises and different game genres.
Some notable PlayStation exclusives:
Horizon Forbidden West
Ratchet and Clank
Returnal
Last of Us I & II
Some notable Xbox exclusives:
Forza Horizon
Halo Infinite
Starfield
Obviously Microsoft owns both Xbox and Windows, so many of these ‘exclusives’ are also coming to PC. I do think that Microsoft is doing better with its exclusives, however I think both companies are trying to be more INclusive going forward. At least that was the direction it seemed things were going until Starfield was announced as an Xbox exclusive. At least Bethesda is sorry about that lol
Subscription Service
Both companies have their own cloud service: Xbox Game Pass and PS Now. I have some experience with each of these, and I can say again that it boils down to what YOU want to play. It is hard to say which is better, but it is entirely up to you about how you feel about each price point and what they have to offer. I am not sure what is taking Sony so long to offer a bundle package of PS+ with PS NOW but that seems like that could be a potential selling point going forward. Xbox currently offers this in their ‘Ultimate’ package.
Let’s focus on just the game subscription service for now:
PS Now: $60/12 months, $25/3 months, or $10/1 month
Xbox Game Pass is a bit more complicated…
Console only: $10/1 month
PC only: first month is $1, then $10/1 month going forward
Ultimate(console, PC, mobile): first 3 months for $1, then $15/1 month going forward HOWEVER this includes Xbox Live Gold
You will hear time and time again how people praise Game Pass up and down, and I don’t blame them. I think Sony has a little catching up to do in that regard.
Tips
“But but but Debbie I can’t get my sweaty lil’ paws on either platform!” It really is not that hard, you need to be patient and do the following:
quit fkn crying
Follow Wario64 on twitter
Turn on notifications
Yes I know not all of the tweets are related, but this will be one of the first spots to find out if restocks are coming
In the scenario that Wario64 misses it, sign up for some stock alert websites like. They are all over the place so pick a couple that you like
Join the NERDSPEAK discord, and turn on notifications for the appropriate item you are trying to buy
Look at what people are saying in chats while a restock is happening, they may have better VIP links to help you get the goods in your cart
Ask questions, you’re not the only doofus trying to get a console
I bought both a PS5 and Xbox Series X in the same 5 minute window during a restock, and it was 100% necessary to open an account and add a payment method to the popular stores (Target, Best Buy, Walmart, etc.)
Don’t give up when it says out of stock immediately after a restock,
the restock is not immediate, but a slow and steady rollout over the course of 15-20 minutes or so
“So… What do I get?”
I know this is a tough question, so I spent a lot of time drawing up this flow chart:
What about the Xbox Series S? If you want a current-gen console that isn’t nearly as powerful, but is a bit cheaper. There’s your option.
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