The Gladiators Take on the Next Generation of Gaming

By: J.T. Shatzer

​In a year filled with shortcomings and disappointment, the tech giants, Microsoft and Sony, have finally released the highly anticipated next generation of gaming consoles, the Playstation 5 (Sony) and the XBOX Series X (Microsoft). The two companies have competed against one another for almost two decades now, and the most recent set of consoles are poised to be the best yet. As the holiday season approaches, many gamers around the Glenelg community hope to be able to have the opportunity to experience gaming in the next generation. Despite both consoles boasting amazing specs, the age-old question remains: Playstation or XBOX? ​

​When comparing the features both consoles have to offer side by side, the capabilities of both consoles seem to be almost identical. Both consoles can display 8K resolution, resulting in nearly life-like graphics. The two consoles additionally both advertise high frame rates (120 FPS), powerful processors, and speedy SSDs. With the specs of both consoles being so similar, one may ask why someone would buy one of the high-powered gaming machines over the other. Well, for many gamers, it comes down to the exclusive games each console produces. Sony’s exclusive rights to produce Spiderman games over the years have attracted many superhero fans to their products, whereas Microsoft’s production of the realistic racing series, Forza, has captured the attention of car connoisseurs. Avid Marvel Fan and Glenelg Senior, Matthew Pysh, explains why he will be purchasing a PS5 as he states, “I have been excited for the newest edition to the Spiderman (gaming) series for so long now. The game looks unreal. The skyline of New York City looks spot on, the movement looks incredible, and the storyline looks great as well. I can’t miss out on this game, plus I was going to get a PS5 regardless.” When it comes to exclusive content that these consoles provide, it truly does come down to personal preference. 

A long-debated factor when it comes to the console gamers choose to play on is the shape and functionality of the controller. The XBOX boasts a couple of brand new features to their controller, with an improved D-Pad and a new share button to quickly capture moments while gaming, many XBOX fans are excited about the improvements. The Playstation, on the other hand, completely revamped the design of their controller with a dual colorway scheme and a variety of new features such as extremely sensitive haptics and a built-in microphone. Glenelg Senior and console gamer, Brooke Taylor, explains her preference as she states, “The XBOX controllers have always been too bulky in my opinion. Plus, they run on AA batteries instead of being completely rechargeable. I don’t understand why they haven’t changed that by now. If I had the choice, I’d probably pick the PS5.” Even though the controller may not affect the way the console itself runs, it can often be a deciding factor in which console gamers choose to use. 

In a rivalry as renowned as Playstation vs. XBOX, loyalty often plays a key role in what console gamers will choose to buy. Some people stand by their favorite console through thick and thin, providing their support for every release. Life-long XBOX fanatic and Glenelg Senior, Max Pearcy described his stance as he states, “My first gaming system was an XBOX 360. I got the XBOX One and made so many great memories on it, so why would I switch up?” Sometimes, the loyalty to a console runs deeper than just the younger generation. Glenelg Sophomore, Joey Samsock, explains the ties Playstation has to his family as he describes, “My dad had the Playstation 1 and 2, and I have had the Playstation 3 and 4. I plan on getting the 5 because every single one has been great, also I am Playstation gang for life.” The relationship Sony and Microsoft have with the gaming community they have built over the years seems to be stronger than ever, and the rivalry seems to be as alive as ever. 

Unfortunately, with units of both the XBOX Series X and the PS5 selling out almost immediately after releasing, obtaining one of these powerful gaming machines has proven to be difficult. However, with the amount of hype surrounding these consoles, people have been taking extreme measures in an attempt to get their hands on one. Glenelg Senior Chris Borkowski explains, “I stayed up all night just to wait for the PS5 to get restocked on the Best Buy website at 3 AM. It was so worth it though.” With the holidays approaching, the anticipation for experiencing the next generation of gaming only seems to be growing.

Keep up with the Glenelg Shield for more updates on new technology and the perspective of students all around the community!