New Gaming systems for Christmas 2020

Both Microsoft (Xbox Series X) and Sony (PlayStation 5) have new gaming systems that are set to be released for the holidays in 2020.  Both new systems are enhanced over their previous versions and offer the gamer on your Christmas list a huge upgrade.  But, are they worth the money and will you see any benefit from these enhancements or are you just pouring money down the drain? 

Sony PlayStation 5 

The Sony PlayStation 5 has a newer processor with more than twice the speed (8-core, 3.5 GHz), a graphics processor with over 10 teraflops of processing, 16GB DDR6 memory and an 825 GB SSD drive.  Having twice as much memory and an SSD drive (over a 500 GB, 5200 RPM) will make the new PS5 a much speedier device.  The AMD graphics processor in the new PS5 will also be able to support resolutions up to 8k and up to 120 fps (frames per second).  It will include the capability to play almost all PS4 games, including PS4 Pro titles. 

Microsoft Xbox Series X Sports 

Microsoft Xbox series X sports an 8-core, 3.8 GHz processor with 16GB DDR6 memory.  They pair that with a 12 teraflop AMD RDNA 2 graphics processor.  Microsoft went with a 1 TB SSD drive and Blu-Ray UHD optical drive.  It is also supports up to 8k resolutions and 120 fps.  The Series X is also backwards capable with all Xbox One games as well as select Xbox 360 games.  As with the PS5, doubling the memory and getting an SSD drive in the machine will greatly speed up the Xbox.

Pricing 

Both devices have been released at this point.  They each retail for $499.00 for the base system.  Both systems have been sold out at most places, so finding one before the holiday will be a challenge. 

So, is it worth the upgrade?  Both systems should greatly benefit from the newer technology that has been installed in it.  Both the Xbox One and PS4 are around 7 years old and the tech has improved quite a bit and will make the systems faster.  Sony and Microsoft also installed graphics that are able to produce better resolutions than most TV on the market today are able to support.  This means when 8k TV are more common and reasonably priced the gaming systems will be able to take advantage of it. 

If you, or a member of your household is looking for an idea for Christmas then Microsoft or Sony may just have the answer of what you will be getting for Christmas 2020.