Whether you’re a PlayStation fan or Xbox loyalist, 2020 is going to be huge. The next generation of consoles are still somewhat of a mystery. While specifics like official names remain unannounced, several concrete details for both consoles have been confirmed. Here’s what we know so far about Project Scarlett and the PlayStation 5.
A Look at the Next Generation of Consoles
Project Scarlett
During their E3 2019 conference, Microsoft unveiled their next generation console. Codenamed Project Scarlett, the next generation console from Microsoft will feature a custom processor featuring technology from AMD. It is estimated to be 4x faster than the Xbox One X and will include GDDR6 high bandwidth RAM. During the trailer, some of the developers spoke to its 120 framerate and 8K capabilities. They also touted hardware accelerated next-gen ray tracing.
Like the rumored PlayStation 5, Xbox is touting a new generation of SSDs. The new Solid States will be at the core of the console. Virtual RAM will also take up portions of the SSD, resulting in 40x performance increases over current gen.
Project Scarlett will bring 4 generations of content better than ever before seen or experienced on console. Content from the Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and now Scarlett, will take seamless steps towards the future of gaming together. This means gamers will experience faster, more consistent performance, rich audio, and less immersion breaking scenarios like load screens across all their favorite content.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 has been covered a few times as news of its specs began circulating after a series of interviewers. Nonetheless, here’s what we know:
- Backwards compatibility with PS4 games
- Supports 8K
- CPU based on AMD Ryzen, custom GPU based on AMD Radeon Navi, ray-tracing support
- SSD
- Supports PSVR & physical media
Even now as we head into E3, there has not been a release date or an official of the name. However, we do know that Jim Ryan was adamant about the console’s direction. Sony plans to no longer isolate the growing fan base moving forward.
Whether it’s through backward compatibility or cross-generational play, the new generation will not leave behind its predecessor in terms of games and the friends you made. The idea is for this new generation to have a seamless transition as an invitation to the future of gaming.
A Look into the Future
Both consoles seem to share similar ideologies in making gaming the focus. Microsoft’s intentions were made clear as they showcased 60 games during their conference. They also took a step towards cloud gaming with the unveiling of Project xCloud and brought the Xbox Game Pass to PC.
In terms of consoles, both are hinting at a very similar approach to using the very best hardware custom fitted to unique gaming experiences. The PS5 and Project Scarlett will be using SSDs at their core along with AMD powered processors to resolve hardware obstacles for developers. Both companies will also be bringing along past generations with Xbox having the edge with nearly its complete history of games making its way into next generation consoles.
The effects of the future can be felt now. E3 2019 has been nothing short of a momentum shift. Microsoft has announced the end to the Backwards Compatibility program. The resources will be diverted to help make the games players love on Xbox One compatible with future Xbox hardware. Polygon has the full list of titles added with the last batch.
Gaming’s impending future has also put a timer on other industries, specifically televisions. The next generation of consoles will be pushing outputs visually that are not native to most TVs, even ones released in 2019. Of course, the hardware will scale down to meet the input of whatever TV you use. Nonetheless, this will undoubtedly cause friction as gamers will need to shell out for expensive TVs to meet the demands of the newer consoles.
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