The year 2020 marked the beginning of a new era in video game console technology with the launch of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X/S. These cutting-edge systems introduced features like super fast solid state drives, advanced GPUs enabling incredible graphics, and support for up to 8K resolution to usher in the ninth console generation.
In the two years since their release, the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles have showcased the future of gaming with stunning visuals, silky smooth gameplay, and near instant load times. But how exactly do these new consoles differ from the previous generation, and what can we expect next as the industry continues innovating? This article will explore the key highlights of ninth gen hardware and software while peering ahead at what may come in the tenth console generation.
Arrival of the Ninth Console Generation
Sony and Microsoft released their eighth generation consoles, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, back in 2013. After a successful near-seven year run, these veteran systems were ready to pass the torch in 2020. This timeline follows the longstanding industry pattern of new console generations emerging every five to seven years as technology progresses.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S built upon the strong technical foundations of their predecessors while catapulting performance to unprecedented heights. Features that were cutting edge in 2013 like 1080p gaming and built-in streaming functions became standard fare. Now 4K visuals, 3D spatial audio, super fast NVMe SSD storage and 120 fps frame rates set new bars for gaming immersion.
These ambitious specs did come at a price though, with the PS5 debuting for $499 and Xbox Series X at $499 as well (Xbox Series S offered a more budget friendly next-gen option at $299). Supply chain shortages during the pandemic also hampered production, making the new consoles extremely hard to find over the first year. But for patient gamers, the long wait has been well worth it.
PS5 Leads the Charge
As the fastest selling console in Sony history, the PlayStation 5 exemplifies ninth generation innovation. Its custom AMD Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads hums along at 3.5GHz. This works in tandem with a specialized RDNA 2 GPU to enable visual effects like real-time ray tracing. The PS5 also introduced a custom ultra high speed SSD promising over 100x faster load times than traditional hard drives.
These cutting edge components allow the PS5 to deliver up to 8K graphics, 4K gaming at 120 fps, 3D immersive audio, lightning quick load times, and enhanced haptic feedback through its DualSense controller. Exclusive new PS5 titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart showcase these next-gen capabilities to the fullest. And the extensive backward compatibility lets you experience last-gen PS4 games with boosted frame rates and visuals.
Over 21 million PS5 consoles have already been sold despite the challenging retail environment. Core system architect Mark Cerny knew exactly what he was doing when designing a console to drive gaming forward for years to come. The PS5 is future proofed in many regards and defines what ninth generation gaming is all about.
Microsoft Answers with Xbox Velocity Architecture
While Sony may have beaten them to launch in North America, Microsoft came prepared two days later with not one but two new console offerings – the Xbox Series X and Series S. Together these systems have sold over 16 million units, proving plenty of demand exists for both premium and budget friendly next-gen gaming.
The Series X stands as Microsoft‘s answer to the PS5, boasting comparable specs including a custom Zen 2 CPU, powerful RDNA 2 graphics, and a high speed solid state drive. Central to the new Xbox experience is what Microsoft calls the Xbox Velocity Architecture which orchestrates all this new hardware with custom software for optimum gaming performance.
Like the PS5, the Series X outputs stunning 4K visuals at up to 120 fps. It also supports hardware accelerated ray tracing, 3D spatial sound, instant game switching, Quick Resume and all other ninth generation standards. Storage tops out at 1TB on the Series X using a proprietary expansion card format. So while it matches Sony pretty evenly on paper, the PS5 still seems to have an edge in exclusive games and technological innovation.
The little brother Xbox Series S on the other hand makes some reasonable compromises to offer a compelling budget option. It dials back resolution to 1440p gaming, drops the disc drive, and cuts storage in half to 512GB. But performance remains very solid with the same custom CPU/GPU combo as Series X, just running at lower clock speeds. The Series S demonstrates that next-gen gaming can be accessible for all players without breaking the bank.
Where Does Nintendo Switch Fit In?
Nintendo is never afraid to buck industry trends and march to the beat of their own drum. So where do their systems fit when categorizing console generations? The Nintendo Switch originally launched in 2017, placing it firmly in the eighth generation camp.
But with an mid-lifecycle OLED model refresh in 2021 plus ongoing software updates, you could make a case that the Switch sits in a gray area straddling both generations. Its unique hybrid design boasts current mobile hardware that can connect to TVs while supporting contemporary features like 4K graphics in docked mode.
With over 111 million Switches sold, there is no denying this scrappy console‘s popularity even against the shiny new PS5 and Series X. Portability and family friendly gameplay keep this eighth (ninth?) generation release feeling fresh. So never count Nintendo out to do their own thing while still driving significant hardware sales.
Cloud Gaming Joins the Fray
Beyond traditional dedicated gaming consoles, a new breed of hardware agnostic cloud gaming services also went live through the ninth generation. Nvidia‘s GeForce Now racked up over 20 million users since launch by letting them stream loads of modern AAA games to any device.
Google attempted to get in the mix with Stadia but threw in the towel after failing to gain much traction with just 2 million users in 3 years. Amazon Luna remains the dark horse hoping to compete in cloud gaming using their AWS infrastructure but lacks subscriber numbers so far.
Cloud gaming still faces hurdles like video compression and input lag compared to running natively on consoles. But with 5G removing bandwidth bottlenecks, services like GeForce Now demonstrate streaming can grant console quality experiences across phones, TVs, tablets and browsers. Sony and Microsoft aren‘t ignoring the technology either, building remote play directly into PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
So while cloud gaming has yet to fully mature, it will only continue gaining momentum in the ninth and future generations until it can stand toe to toe with dedicated hardware. Gamers may then have the freedom to access new titles instantly across nearly any device imaginable.
Defining Aspects of the Ninth Generation
After reviewing the key hardware and services comprising the ninth console generation, some defining themes and capabilities emerge:
- Lightning Fast SSD Storage: Solid state storage ushered in an age of instantaneous game and level loading. No more staring at progress bars while levels painfully load.
- CPU/GPU Horsepower: With custom silicon tuned exactly for gaming needs, ninth gen consoles deliver incredible 4K visuals at buttery smooth 60-120 fps. Ray tracing also produces superior lighting, shadows and reflections to boost realism.
- Spatial 3D Audio: Surround sound gets elevated to new levels with 3D audio that realistically mimics directional sound placement in both headphones and surround speaker setups. Much more immersive than old school stereo.
- Accessibility: Console makers realize the importance of making gaming accessible to all people. Features like copilot mode for multi-player with just one controller demonstrate one aspect of this initiative.
- Backward Compatibility: With such a vast catalog of classic eighth gen (and earlier) console games available, Sony and Microsoft built in support to play these titles while improving performance and visuals well beyond original capabilities. This preserves precious gaming history.
These technological milestones illustrate precisely how the ninth console generation moved interactive entertainment firmly into the future.
Peeking Ahead at the Tenth Generation
Given the multi-year timeline to develop new gaming hardware, peeking ahead at what a tenth console generation may offer feels appropriate. Here are some educated guesses:
- Even more advanced CPUs and GPUs will emerge leveraging bleeding edge transistor sizes and architectural redesigns to push 8K 120+ fps gaming.
- 16-32GB of GDDR6 memory or better will come standard even on baseline models rather than configurable options.
- Xbox Series X demonstrated the benefit of a proprietary SSD expansion card format. Expect similar interchangeable high capacity storage to become the norm.
- Augmented reality and virtual reality integration will likely deepen, with all console makers embracing VR gaming in some form.
- Cloud game streaming technology maturing over the ninth gen means instant access to new titles the moment they launch across nearly any device.
If consoles continue the traditional 5-7 year lifecycle, expect the battle for tenth generation supremacy to heat up around 2027-2030. PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo fans all have much to anticipate!
Crowning the Ninth Gen Console Champion
Even in the face of stiff competition, the PlayStation 5 stands apart as the overall top ninth generation console. Its cutting edge technological innovations with SSD, 3D audio, DualSense controller and extremely powerful hardware set new high bars. Sleek aesthetics and diverse exclusive first party gaming franchises add to the appeal.
However that takes nothing away from the Xbox Series X/S which offer their own compelling value especially for budget conscious shoppers or those already embedded in Microsoft‘s gaming ecosystem. And Nintendo Switch continues to rack up sales by perfecting its unique hybrid mobile + TV console formula.
In reality, all three major manufacturers created winners with their ninth generation offerings. Gamers of all types can experience modern titles with performance exceeding anything in past generations. Competition will remain fierce though, as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo progress toward their tenth generation consoles which loom on the horizon.
The future remains exceedingly bright for video games thanks the incredible technological leaps achieved across the monumental ninth console generation. New worlds await to be explored!
