Gaming Consoles
It’s a world of infinite possibilities. Next-gen game consoles are revolutionizing the way players interact with and conquer games. These powerful units are leveraging everything from better-than-life 4K graphics to virtual reality. The result is optimized gaming performance and user experience. Many gamers are eagerly awaiting the release of the new Xbox and new PlayStation units. Here’s what you can expect when they drop.
COMING SOON: New Xbox and PlayStation Consoles
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the launch of both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. That doesn’t mean they’re any less anticipated. Both companies maintain their intention to launch in the last quarter of 2020. Here’s what users can expect from each of these hot new consoles.
Coming Q4 2020: Xbox Series X
Called the “fastest” and “most powerful” generation, Xbox fans are down for this marriage of retro touch and better-than-ever streaming. Series X is totally re-engineered, with both software and hardware getting huge upgrades. The Xbox Series X release marks the launch of the Xbox Velocity Architecture, which uses a custom 1TB SSD and CPU as well as deep software integration. This means enhanced perspectives, game views, pace and visuals. True 4K and 8K ready. Bottom line? A gaming experience that will blow your mind.
In their own words: “Xbox Series X will be our fastest, most powerful console ever and set a new bar for performance, speed and compatibility.”
Go here to learn more about Xbox Series X pre-order.
Coming Holiday 2020: PlayStation 5 (PS5)
Sneak peeks of the PS5 have gamers drooling with delight. As buyers anxiously await the PS5 release, expert reviewers acknowledge that the graphics are going to be unparalleled. Ray tracing is a new tech that will create unbelievable realism in reflections and shadows. High frame rate (120 fps) and 4K displays with 8K output will make it a worthy competitor to other systems.
In their own words: “One of our goals with the next generation is to deepen the feeling of immersion when you play games, and we had the opportunity with our new controller to reimagine how the sense of touch can add to that immersion.”
Go here to read the latest news andlearn when a PS5 pre order may be possible.
Xbox Series X v. PS5
Until you can get your hands on either of these devices, here are some things to consider, supplied by people in the know.
Xbox Series X Specs | PS5 Specs | |
Body | Large console | Slim console |
Color | Black | Black and white |
Alignment | Vertical tower | Vertical tower |
Storage | 1TB | 825GB |
Optical | 4K | 4K |
CPU | 3.8 GHz Custom Zen 2 | 3.5GHz Custom Zen 2 |
GPU | 12 TFLOPS 1.825GHz RDNA 2 | 10.28 TFLOPS 2.23GHz |
Memory | 16GB | 16GB |
Gamepad | Dual analog sticks, 4 trigger, 4 buttons, direction pad NEW: Share button | Haptic feedback, touchpad, dual analog sticks, 4 buttons, 4 radials NEW: Built-in microphone |
Ports | HDMI, USB, ethernet, power, storage | HDMI, USB, ethernet, power, storage, NVME |
Subscription | Xbox Live | PS Plus |
Extras | Quick resume for suspended states in more than one game | Two available versions, digital-only and optical drive |
Smart Delivery for auto downloading | First move away from solid state drives | |
Backward compatibility, making it compatible with older games | Segmented content installation |
For now, the Xbox Series X price and PS5 price are unknown. The launch dates are also “TBD” but both manufacturers assure fans they should be available by Fall 2020.
Should You Get The New Xbox or New PlayStation?
If you’re a gamer waiting for these systems to drop, you’re probably weighing your options. While they compete sufficiently in terms of tech and function, there are a few things to consider if you pre-order a console.
Graphics:
While both the Xbox Series X and PS5 both have brilliant, vivid graphics and optimized systems, if you’re really after perfection in presentation, the PS5 has gone the extra mile with the custom AMD Radeon Navi.
Power:
The expert take from developers who’ve checked the specs is that the Xbox is about 17% more powerful, measured by raw GPU TFLOP. It has 52 CUs, compared to the 36 CUs with the PS5. This power impacts speed and frame rate, which could change the way you see and experience games.
Gameplay:
Gaming is social. If you play with a team or friends, choosing a system may take into account where everyone’s hanging out. Playing Halo, Godfall, Minecraft and all of your favorite Xbox Series X games or PS5 games will be possible on these new consoles. An awesome gang on Xbox live or PlayStation Network may tip the scale.
What to do while you wait? There are two high-performing gaming consoles you can already grab (or may already have).
For Now: Great Game Consoles
High-tech, intuitive, integrated and obviously awesome, both the PS4 and Nintendo Switch have held their own as top-rated gaming consoles. While serious gamers are awaiting the launch of new devices, until then, here are two of the best consoles to get your hands on.
PlayStation 4 Pro
PS4 has loads of upgrades, integrating with 4K and with a Boost Mode to accelerate frame rates and increase clarity. The enhanced visuals provide a totally immersive experience for all of your favorite PS games. Specs on these include things like better draw distance, more realistic rounded corners, better FX, deeper and cleaner shadows and amazing textures. The Playstation Plus gaming community is a way that PS has kept a loyal customer base, many of whom are eagerly awaiting the next iteration in this winter’s PS5.
Expert take: “The PS4 Pro is no longer the undisputed console champion, but if you’re looking for a step up into 4K gaming, it’s still the best deal on the market.”
Nintendo Switch
Not to be underestimated, the Nintendo Switch is a hugely popular way to get your game on. While it looks like the Nintendo Switch Pro or Nintendo Switch 2 will continue to be delayed due to supply chain issues, Switch users are fully enjoying the model they already have. This hybrid console got Nintendo back in the game in a lot of ways and has held its own as a must-have for both casual and serious gamers.
Expert take: “The Switch is an excellent game console and an excellent handheld. More importantly, it’s built a fantastic library of must-play games from both Nintendo and other publishers. It regularly sees noteworthy new titles, and ports of older games are given new life with the option to play them on the go.”
We fix all kinds of video game consoles. Gadget Genie is ready to take in your older devices and will be able to fix all of the latest models as they roll out to market.
Do They Break? (And What if They Do?)
You have (hopefully) come a long way from thinking that all a broken console needs is a firm smack or a puff of air. These are increasingly sophisticated devices with super valuable hardware and software components. Of course, every piece of tech has the potential to break down. When it does: we’ve got your back. We do Xbox repair and will do Xbox Series X repair once it drops. We are also equipped and ready to handle any PS5 repair you’ll need.
Unlike a lot of tech repair companies, we actually fix game consoles. We get that you spend hours enjoying these devices, some of which will have memory storage directly on them. They represent an investment for you.
As you can see from the next-gen consoles coming soon, graphics are hugely upgraded. This internal tech makes it to your screen through HDMI ports. If those break, you lose all of the benefit of your fancy new device.
We specialize in fixing game consoles and we can fix HDMI ports. Typically, this is a pretty common fix that we can do fast. If yours is broken down, stop by Gadget Genie or give us a call. We’ll diagnose it and let you know what steps need to be taken to get you up and running again.