The gaming console space is busier than ever, with plenty of options available from portable gaming consoles that pack full PC capabilities in a portable format to $700 professional consoles that let you game at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. While this gives you a lot of options, there is an increasing focus on device specifications. But in a device where you can't upgrade anything except storage, do device specifications really matter?
When choosing a new gaming rig, specifications such as processor power or memory size may seem to be key factors. But do these specifications alone really determine the quality of the gaming experience? In fact, numbers alone are not the deciding factor. We'll discuss how gaming hardware's actual performance depends on a range of factors beyond the written specifications, including software improvements and the overall user experience. Check out problems encountered with portable gaming consoles that you'd better be aware of.
Why gaming rig specs don't really matter
A PC gamer carefully examines the specifications of his or her setup when determining the best components to choose from. But for dedicated console gamers, specs don't matter much for two reasons…
1. You cannot choose the device specifications
Whether you're a fan of PlayStation, Xbox, or any other device, there aren't a lot of options when it comes to hardware specifications. These devices are designed to be a product that suits everyone. The company releases one device in several versions and that's it.
If you're thinking about buying a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series
If you're on the PlayStation side, you can choose between a slim, discless, or Pro version; While Xbox offers two variants in its latest generation — Series We've already compared the specs between the PS5 and Xbox Series
This is true even in the portable gaming console market, the best example being the Nintendo Switch. You can choose either the standard, OLED, or Lite version of the Switch. The Lite gives up some amenities like detachable controllers and TV outputs for a lower price. The Switch and Switch Lite are practically identical when it comes to processing power, so it makes more sense to consider things like form factor, display, battery life, and other aspects rather than specs.
Gaming PCs are the only “gaming machines” you should consider their specs, simply because many companies make computers and use different components, making performance differences applicable enough to consider hardware specs. However, at this point, you have moved away from traditional gaming consoles and moved more into the world of PC gaming.
2. Lack of upgrade options
Compared to something like building a computer where you have endless configuration options between motherboard, CPU, GPU, memory, storage, cooling solutions, power supply, and more; The selection of gaming device variables doesn't even come close. You can't swap out individual gaming rig components like the CPU or GPU later either, so there's no point worrying about hardware specifications.
On most consoles, the only thing you can realistically upgrade is storage. Everything else is soldered to the included motherboard, meaning there's no room to upgrade or swap components. Even if you're experienced enough to take a soldering iron to your gaming rig's motherboard and replace a component, there's a good chance your gaming rig will break.
There are some advantages to console specifications when you consider generations of consoles within the same ecosystem. For example, the PlayStation 5 Pro is arguably more powerful than the base Playstation 5 due to better specifications, but there are still reasons why you shouldn't upgrade to the Pro version. Everything the PS5 Pro does, the PS5 will do too, at the cost of a slight drop in performance and graphics quality.
Things to actually consider when buying a gaming rig
Instead of specs, you should focus more on the games you like to play, the ecosystem you prefer, which control options are best for you, external hardware support, and what you use your gaming rig for other than gaming in general.
For example, if you want to play a PlayStation exclusive game, you'll have to get a PlayStation console — there's no alternative. This also applies to hardware generations as games released on newer and more recent consoles will not run on their older counterparts.
Different gaming consoles also have different types of controllers. I prefer Xbox style controllers while you might prefer a PlayStation 5 controller. So if we go to choose gaming consoles, you will naturally gravitate towards PlayStation while I would choose Xbox.
Another example is virtual reality. If you want the best virtual reality gaming possible, PS VR2 and PlayStation 5 are your best friends. Note that you can play VR games on Xbox too, but you'll need to have Meta Quest and then configure it to work on Xbox, while PlayStation supports PS VR out of the box.
There are many things to consider before purchasing a new gaming rig, but specifications shouldn't be one of them. You buy a gaming console to have a good time playing games, not to engage in a “spec war” with your fellow gamers. What matters most is the fun you have with your gaming rig, not the specs inside.
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