Xbox and PlayStation is pretty much the greatest rivalry of our time. Greater than the debate of Marmite vs. Bovril, Coca Cola vs. Pepsi or your favourite football team going up against that other douch-nozzle’s team. Man, do I hate that guy who supports an opposing sportsball team! While I’m still of the opinion that the 2020s will have two great consoles to play games on, the harsh financial reality is that we’re likely only going to have money for one console per household at first.
Both the Xbox Series X and the PS5 will launch locally in November, both the top-tier offerings are priced at R11,999 and both brands have a cheaper alternative on standby. For Xbox, it’s the lower-specced Xbox Series S which trims the horsepower and disc-drive down to create a cheaper SSD-powered option, whereas the PS5 has a digital edition that also has a disc-drive circumcision but is otherwise the exact same Sony-branded console.
Once again, it’s going to come down to the games that each console will offer, as well as the experience of playing them. For Sony, its first-party library is stronger than ever and will include backwards compatibility of its greatest hits from the PS4 era. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Demon’s Souls and a new Gran Turismo are compelling arguments for that side of the console divide, whereas Microsoft has far more impressive ecosystem muscles to flex.
Choosing quantity over quality, Xbox Game Pass is gaming on a Netflix diet, providing a more consumable approach. In addition to that, you’ve got a gigantic backwards compatibility library, day one Xbox exclusives and plenty of third party support. So what’s it going to be? While some of us are fortunate enough to consider both consoles for a day one buy, others have to be more frugal in the current economically dodgy environment. Video consoles are more of a luxury than ever before, but this new generation? It’s also an investment in the future of gaming.
So what’s it going to be: Xbox or PlayStation?
Last Updated: September 18, 2020
Caveshen Rajman
September 18, 2020 at 11:08
So before the reveals, I was leaning towards the PS5 for exclusives reasons (and to be clear, fuck Sony for this). As news came out about Sony dipping into PC more, the Series S reveal showing a cheaper 4K-lite equivalent console, and then those PS5 trailers showing “also coming to PC” that Sony backtracked, that perspective shifted.
I feel pretty good about my choice to stick with PC as my primary platform, then in future look at a Series S for couch-based gaming. Can also keep it in the family with Game Pass, and if I really need to play God of War 2 I’m sure a friend will lend me their PS5 in exchange for Rocomamas lol.
MechMachine
September 18, 2020 at 11:20
@darryn Is it true that there is no stock of the PS5 anywhere ? I`m probably going PS5. I am still interested in the Series X but their lack of game-play has been disappointing.
Ruan Fourie
September 18, 2020 at 12:54
XBox Series X for me.
I game on both PC and XBox. Prefer the console though. And with Game Pass Ultimate I’m sorted on both platforms.
DragonSpirit009
September 18, 2020 at 11:08
I’m a person who doesn’t really care to much about the console wars and such, but if I had to choose between the two I rather go for a PS5. Mostly because all the games I like is on that side.
But with the price my dreams have been shattered. So I doubt I would get any console
Caveshen Rajman
September 18, 2020 at 11:08
So before the reveals, I was leaning towards the PS5 for exclusives reasons (and to be clear, fuck Sony for this). As news came out about Sony dipping into PC more, the Series S reveal showing a cheaper 4K-lite equivalent console, and then those PS5 trailers showing “also coming to PC” that Sony backtracked, that perspective shifted.
I feel pretty good about my choice to stick with PC as my primary platform, then in future look at a Series S for couch-based gaming. Can also keep it in the family with Game Pass, and if I really need to play God of War 2 I’m sure a friend will lend me their PS5 in exchange for Rocomamas lol.
MechMachine
September 18, 2020 at 11:20
@darryn Is it true that there is no stock of the PS5 anywhere ? I`m probably going PS5. I am still interested in the Series X but their lack of game-play has been disappointing.
SagatatiaRZA
September 18, 2020 at 12:54
It sold out in Korea 2 minutes after going on pre-order. This in a country where console gaming is considered a niche market. It’s crazy. I don’t see Microsoft making much of a hit here, the Sony reveal clearly dipped the tide in their favour by a mile.
MechMachine
September 18, 2020 at 14:37
Well, I believe Sony has hit all the right notes. I still watch that X box podcast, with Dealer , Colt Eastwood, Zalker and co with complete disbelief at how out of touch those guys are with what’s really happening in the market. I must admit, the stuff they say still concerns me but I realise they are just a bunch of mouthpieces and ultimately fanboys like the rest of us. I have yet to see anything from Xbox that sell it.
MechMachine
September 18, 2020 at 14:49
I take it you reside in Korea ?
SagatatiaRZA
September 18, 2020 at 15:04
Yes sir. Had 3 of the 9(?) Official online retailers open in my pc the second they opened pre-orders. 2 were immediately gone, the last I made it into the queue but just missed it. Another website crashed and the others were empty by the time I tried them (all within maybe 5 minutes at most).
MechMachine
September 18, 2020 at 15:18
Yikes. I have been shopping around here. There are some that haven’t “been put on shelves yet”. So the chance to get one is still good. Gives me a chance to see what MS is doing and get the cash ready.
The D
September 18, 2020 at 11:24
Looks to be sold out everywhere, as our allotment of them was small. I know Raru sold out within minutes yesterday, Koodoo’s shelves are empty and it looks like Takealot is already sold out as well.
You can try and pre-order for wave 2 though!
https://raru.co.za/electronics/7841189-sony-playstation-5-console-with-glacier-white-ps5
MechMachine
September 18, 2020 at 11:52
Ok. Thanks.
Jordangameboi
September 18, 2020 at 11:32
I got one at Makro yesterday and I’ve seen that they still seem to have stock. But only of the Disc version. They probably have one of the biggest allotments. I know Game was also advertising and hasn’t started yet
Edit: Looks like they gone there too
Morne Nell
September 18, 2020 at 11:24
PS5 no questions here, the PS5 is almost sold out world wide that should tell you something.
The PS5 is for the exclusives, and I don’t game on PC because of all the hassles and complications getting things to work. On console I just switch on my 8k TV and everything just work.
Lu
September 18, 2020 at 12:02
Don’t wanna start an argument, but this makes no sense:
“I don’t game on PC because of all the hassles and complications getting things to work. On console I just switch on my 8k TV and everything just work”
I press the power button on my pc and can start playing whatever’s installed. Or if i’ts on I can turn my tv on, select steam link, and all my games stream to my tv.
Marius Nell
September 18, 2020 at 14:13
After the windows update that brokes half the system and the display driver update that is incompatible without the game update yes sure, on pc everything works.
Doing IT all day long made my gaming platform of choice Playstation
Lu
September 18, 2020 at 14:41
Nah dude. Been on windows 10 since release and have not had 1 issue with updates. That over 3 scratch pc builds, 4 different GPUS (AMD and Nvidia).
Plague Doctor Who
September 20, 2020 at 03:56
The OS does have it’s patch issues but I’ve never had any issues either, but I tend to hold off on any major releases for a few months (but I use enterprise edition it’s easier to download updates without being pushed to update)
Plague Doctor Who
September 20, 2020 at 03:56
Something tells me you’re not an IT professional since no one would choose an inferior device for their gaming choice like using a console because it “just works”.
Marius Nell
September 23, 2020 at 08:25
You are an inferior device
Plague Doctor Who
September 23, 2020 at 08:32
Just proving my point by being mad mate.
Marius Nell
September 23, 2020 at 08:32
Dude I never said console gaming is superior to PC but it does require more maintanance vs console gaming. and If you run IT all day (maintaining around 50 pc’s a network a server across 3 offices) you dont want to come home boot up the pc and not be able to play due to another broken windows update. I want to get home relax boot up and play.. And claiming “Something tells me you’re not an IT professional ” is simply a vulgar attack on my profession. so If you cant be respectfull dont comment. some of us take pride in our work. My comment of claiming you are an inferior device was ment to showcase how you dont read my opinion or respect my comment or job. Its not about being mad its about insulting my honor
Plague Doctor Who
September 23, 2020 at 15:47
lol cause “consoles” don’t have maintenance of their own. There’s no plug and play with console systems anymore.You come home start up the ol’ xbox or sony station and whoop there’s a system update waiting for you and for all you know the OS is going to get bricked because the developers wrote faulty code before pushing it onto the system. So don’t kid yourself if you think consoles have less issues, when they have WAY more system updates compared to windows, and these updates are mandatory whereas you can wait a bit before installing a windows update.
Something does tell me you’re not an IT professional when you whine about something as simple as server management.. you could practically sleep on the job and no one would know you’re not working. (Don’t try to lie to another IT professional.. especially one from upper management who knows what you’re supposed to be doing).
Marius Nell
September 28, 2020 at 14:05
Let me point our the flaws in your verbal assult:
1. Yes mandatory system updates on console , no not nearly as many issues as windows system updates or system driver issues.
2. Never said no maintanance but far less compared to pc so learn to read
3. yet again resulting to insult my profession due to not willing to acknowladge the flaws in your debate
Marius Nell
September 28, 2020 at 14:05
Let me point our the flaws in your verbal assult:
1. Yes mandatory system updates on console , no not nearly as many issues as windows system updates or system driver issues.
2. Never said no maintanance but far less compared to pc so learn to read
3. yet again resulting to insult my profession due to not willing to acknowladge the flaws in your debate
Plague Doctor Who
September 28, 2020 at 17:40
1. Mandatory updates that can brick your console – it’s less common now, but in the past it was much worse.
2. Installing a updated video driver is hard for some I guess? So much maintenance eh mate.
3 Mate I’ve been in IT for over 25 years, hearing a server jockey complain about something so trivial upsets actual REAL professionals in the IT field who laugh at how pointless of a argument you’re having.
4. Oh no he insult me.. do you need a safe space? I can’t imagine what your managers say about you.
MechMachine
September 18, 2020 at 12:10
Just keep your expectations in check. 8k aint happening any time soon in terms of gaming. On console anyway.
geel slang
September 18, 2020 at 16:40
My PC works 99% percent of the time, the other 1% my FPS drops below 60 and I freak out.
geel slang
September 18, 2020 at 16:40
My PC works 99% percent of the time, the other 1% my FPS drops below 60 and I freak out.
Seeker
September 18, 2020 at 11:24
With Sony starting to adopt Microsoft’s approach to next gen gaming, the PS5 no longer seems worth it. First party games are more expensive while on Xbox all first party games come with game pass.
Xbox seems like the best option to go this coming gen.
Viper_ZA
September 18, 2020 at 11:24
Will wait for PS5 revision, not in a rush.
Iskape
September 18, 2020 at 11:42
I have already decided to commit to the Xbox Series X, primarily due to Game Pass. With games costing in the region of R1400 with the consoles, I would rather pay a few hundred and get plenty of great games, and wait for specials to buy 3rd party titles that I really want. With my gaming rig out of commission, and the fact that I am still sitting with the 1st gen PS4 (which simply does not have the staying power obviously), I kind of have to upgrade to the next gen of consoles. If I was to get my gaming rig up and running and build it up to something decent in line with the new console generation, it would cost a damn side more than buying an XSX. So yeah, XSX for me!
OddSockZA
September 18, 2020 at 11:52
If I didn’t have a PC, it would easily be the Series X – and that’s all thanks to Game Pass. It’s some undeniably good value that it’s what I’d recommend to most new buyers. Grabbing a PS5 because it has games I want to play that I can’t play elsewhere (yet).
Iskape
September 18, 2020 at 12:10
Sony has already said they wish to release the console exclusives on the PC in due course, so, quite frankly, the PC will always be the primary platform for gaming – Xbox and PS5 exclusives on one platform – EVENTUALLY OF COURSE! I just really wish I had the money to sort out my rig.
OddSockZA
September 18, 2020 at 12:23
Yeah, but I have an innate need to be part of the zeitgeist. I dont wanna be playing Sony games two years later. 😛
BradeLunner
September 18, 2020 at 12:33
It´s surprising how key this has gotten to be for me over the years, its just really fun being part of the energy and goodwill to a game (even series) as its happening. Ghost of Tsushima was a great example with people sharing their stories and pictures online
Gavin Mannion
September 18, 2020 at 12:43
Easy decision for me, Xbox Series S then will maybe get a PS5 next year when the version without bugs is released
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/181521f2bb38cf39e33ca5febf7ea30f437c67dd4c7e447e08b5e018517bad01.jpg
Gavin Mannion
September 18, 2020 at 12:54
Also
Marmite > Bovril
Coca Cola > Pepsi
Liverpool > Barcelona > MK Dons > Brentford > every other football team on the planet
obviously
MechMachine
September 18, 2020 at 14:49
Springboks > England….lol…
Gavin Mannion
September 18, 2020 at 17:54
Real sports > Rugby
MechMachine
September 21, 2020 at 10:34
What ? Like Soccer ? Cricket ? What ?
Gavin Mannion
September 21, 2020 at 11:01
Yes…
MechMachine
September 21, 2020 at 11:09
@@lazygamers:disqus https://imgur.com/gallery/kdP4t
For the Emperor!
September 18, 2020 at 12:54
XBox vs PS: Mind is made up for PS5, 100% due to the exclusives I missed out on in the current generation. God of War!!
*I also play PC games, some games that never see console releases or the console just won’t play well for me. Like Stellaris…*
Marmite vs. Bovril: If I am paying, Bovril. If someone else is paying AND making the food, whatever.
Coca Cola vs. Pepsi: Coke all the way. Though right now I drink no carbonated drinks at all, except the odd Mead or Champaign.
Insomnia is fun
September 18, 2020 at 13:29
Ps5 digital, good value
gam3jaxx
September 18, 2020 at 13:44
I got the ps5 on pre-order yesterday asked a mate of mine if I can buy his XBoX One X when he gets the new xsx
Son of Banana Jim
September 18, 2020 at 14:43
Sega Saturn baby! 😛
https://media4.giphy.com/media/fbBNEQbLQdXKU/giphy.gif
Plague Doctor Who
September 20, 2020 at 03:56
Neither system
I already have a high end PC system, with an alarming growing rate of unfinished games.. Plus who wants to pay $70 for PS5 games? lol pass.
Tbone187
September 21, 2020 at 11:01
Neither. Saving for the slim line release 😉
Banana Jim
September 28, 2020 at 18:16
Let’s be honest, both needs a slim version – even the sexy Japanese lady with the curves and her extremely boxy American friend… :/