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If you’re thinking about joining the new generation of consoles and buying a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X but haven’t really been keeping up with all the news, we’re here to help.

Below we’ve compiled some of the most asked questions about each console, to help make your big decision as easy as possible.

When do the consoles launch?

Xbox Series X and Series S launched on November 10, 2020. PlayStation 5 launched on November 12, 2020. Since then, Sony and Microsoft have periodically announced new titles and updates.

The September PlayStation showcase saw the announcement of Gran Turismo 7 and GTAV and GTA Online arriving March 4, 2022.  At the Xbox Gamescom 2021 showcase in August, live demos of Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Empires IV (due Nov. 2022) created most of the buzz.

 

How much do they cost?

Release details for Newegg.com

The Xbox Series X and S released on 11/10/20 at 12:01am ET

-Limit 1 per customer

The PlayStation 5  released on 11/12/20 at 12:01am ET

-Limit 1 per customer

Newegg sells next-gen consoles for MSRP which generally sell out quickly whenever stock is replenished. Check out the PS5 store and Xbox Series X|S store for stock and bundle packages available from third-party sellers.

Also, check out the Newegg Shuffle for a chance to purchase high-demand items like PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as they become available.

What games will be available?

Demon’s Souls on the PS5

Xbox Series X launched with 30 playable games most of them are multi-platform games that are already playable on existing systems. Highlights include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Gears 5, and Watch Dogs: Legion. As of September 2021, more than 300 games can run natively on Xbox Series X|S –  browse Xbox games on Newegg.

PlayStation 5’s exclusive launch highlights include Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon’s Souls. It’ll also be able to play a number of multi-platform titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs: Legion.  As of this update of this guide, there 420 games released natively for PlayStation 5 – browse PS5 games on Newegg.

Will the new consoles be backwards compatible (will they play old games)?

Every game that is playable on Xbox One, which includes select games from Xbox 360 and the original Xbox (see list here), will be playable on Xbox Series X.

PlayStation 5 will be able to play about 99 percent of PlayStation 4 games. Here are the games NOT playable on PS5.

What’s the technical difference between Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5?

Xbox Series X is the more powerful of the two consoles. Take a look at the chart and video below for more details.

What’s the difference between Xbox Series X and S?

The main difference between the two is the optical disc drive. The Xbox Series S will not have an optical disc drive and will only be able to play digital versions of games. There’s also a difference in resolution, framerate, and power, with the Xbox Series S offering more modest internal components. Because of these hardware compromises, the Xbox Series S has the lowest MSRP of all of the new consoles.

What’s the difference between PlayStation 5 and PS5 Digital?

ps5 promo image newegg

The main difference between the two is the optical disc drive. The PlayStation 5 Digital will not have an optical disc drive and will only be able to play digital versions of games. Other than that, both versions will have the same features. The lack of an optical disk drive makes the PS5 Digital $100 cheaper than the regular PS5.

What is Game Pass Ultimate for Xbox?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription gaming service. Game Pass comes in a couple of different flavors: Game Pass for PC and Game Pass for Console are both $9.99 per month. The lastest Xbox consoles can easily explore the games in the service. Each gives you access to hundreds of games—the difference is a few PC-only and console-only titles in each respective package. The frames-per-seconds (FPS) of cloud gaming is pretty stable and will be improved in the upcoming years. For $14.99 per month, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate essentially bundles a Gold subscription($9.99/mo.) in with your Game Pass PC/Console package. Check out the details: Is Xbox Game Pass Worth It?

Will my Xbox One and PlayStation 4 controllers work on the new consoles?

Yes, Xbox One controllers will work on Xbox Series X, and vice versa. PlayStation 4 controllers will work on PlayStation 5, but only for PS4 games. Only a PS5 controller will work with PS5 games, since the latest version of Sony’s controller, called the “DualSesnse,” has more advanced features, like variable resistance triggers and more detailed haptic feedback. You can still use your old PS4 controller for media apps like Netflix or Hulu. If you’re looking for headsets to pair with the new Xbox controllers, you may want to buy one with tech that is compatible with series x games. If you’re really unsure, try asking some gamers on Reddit or Discord.

For more information on the new consoles and to pick them up for yourself when they are available, check out the Xbox Series X and Series S, and the PlayStation 5, on Newegg.

Will the new consoles sell out?

Based on pre-order demand and limited supply, it’s likely that consoles will frequently be hard to find at many retailers. On Newegg.com, sales of these new consoles will be limited to one-per-customer. A variety of combo packages will be available on Newegg, with the consoles sold along with accessories and games. Also, as mentioned above, check out the Newegg Shuffle for a chance to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.

Can you upgrade your storage drive for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S?

No matter which console you buy, the Xbox Series X, the PS5, or the Switch, you’ll want to expand your storage at some point. The new consoles support SSD drives, just make sure you research a compatible SSD before purchasing. It’s a much more complicated process with the first two, but great options exist that will let you store more games and save time with downloads and installs. See: What’s the Best Hard Drive for Xbox Series X, PS5, and Nintendo Switch?

Author Quibian Salazar-Moreno

Quibian Salazar-Moreno is a GameCrate editor who has been covering the gaming industry for more than a decade, focusing on the crazy world of consoles. You can bother him on Twitter @q_salazar.

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