2020 is a big year for video games, as it marks the start of another new generation and one that stands to be pretty impressive at that. The PS5 and Xbox Series X boast massively upgraded specs from their predecessors and the possibility of things like no load times. As with each new generation, both Sony and Microsoft are bringing their own unique features.
There's been a lot of attention made about both system's specs, especially when it comes to throwing around terms like Teraflops. Specs are important, and there are some interesting distinctions to be made between the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, the difference in specs isn't the biggest difference between the two consoles.
Sony and Microsoft have entirely opposing philosophies about where the next generation is going, and it can be clearly seen through the marketing for the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
PS5 Is All About Unique Experiences
Sony's approach with the PS4 has been to consistently put out unique, high-quality experiences. The PlayStation brand has been reinforced with exclusives over the years, and Sony has made some massive deals to ensure that happens, like getting Marvel's Spider-Man as a PS4 exclusive. Every year the PS4 has seen at least a couple big exclusives and based on the PS5's reveal, that's going to remain the same. On top of first-party content, Sony has also spent time courting third-party developers with series like Persona, first access to Call of Duty DLC, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake's first year of exclusivity.
Games are vitally important, but the idea of a unique experience goes much further than software. Look at the completely redesigned DualSense controller, which provides haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Every PS5 comes preloaded with Astro's Playroom, an experience entirely designed to show off the potential of the DualSense. The PS5 also features enhanced 3D audio; another feature that helps make the hardware itself different from the Xbox. Everything about the PS5 is being marketed as unique, right down to the sharp white design, which is a stark contrast to the traditional jet black of PlayStation.
Sony's entire marketing scheme is letting fans know that PS5 is unlike anything that's come before, and there are experiences they can only have on a PS5, from games like Ratchet & Clank to potential third-party titles using haptic feedback. This philosophy worked well for the PS4, so it makes sense that Sony would hit the ground running with it for the PS5.
Xbox Series X Is Building a Platform
Microsoft's focus with the Xbox Series X hasn't been on trotting out exclusive after exclusive, but rather building an all-encompassing gaming platform. That's not to say exclusives aren't there, as games like Halo Infinite, Fable, and Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, have all been announced. The real star of the show, however, is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Project xCloud.
Microsoft has quite literally changed the game with Game Pass, providing a phenomenal value for fans. By paying $14.99 a month fans can access a library of over 100 games, get discounts and deals, and play on both Xbox and PC. Past that, the major thing is that Game Pass owners have access to Xbox Game Studios Titles on day one, including massive games like Halo Infinite. Microsoft is turning Game Pass into more than just a deal, but an actual gaming service and platform, akin to something like Netflix.
In July, Microsoft also announced that Project xCloud, the streaming service, will be added to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no cost starting in September. The xCloud service will be worked into lower tiers, later on, meaning at some point fans will be able to stream their Xbox games to other devices. Microsoft's messaging has been almost entirely about the power of the Xbox Series X, as well as the various services coming to Game Pass. It's also telling that every big game, including Halo Infinite, will also be coming to PC.
Microsoft wants to build a platform for its community, and provide services that elevate Xbox above everything else. Over the last few years, Xbox has strived to become more inclusive with hardware like the Xbox Adaptive Controller, and uniting the PC and Xbox community. The company's approach is made clear by a news post on the Xbox site called "You Are the Future of Gaming."
The PS5 and Xbox Series X are different on so many levels, and it's clear that both companies have different priorities with next-gen. There isn't a right and wrong way, of course, but it will be interesting to see how things play out.
PS5 and Xbox Series X launch Holiday 2020.