Microsoft's Project Scorpio turned to be the Xbox One X, a $499 powerhouse machine that'll seemingly end all console wars altogether. But while the company has raised the bar in terms of sheer power and performance, Microsoft's powerful gaming box still faces Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro, a $399 console that focuses on 4K gaming and streaming.
So, which one wins? Both consoles have big differences, largely in terms of power. Yes, the Xbox One X packs more beefy specs, but that comes at a price. The PS4 Pro, meanwhile, has a cheaper price point, has an arguably more compelling roster of console exclusives, and can deliver virtual reality experiences, for good measure.
Microsoft Xbox One X vs Sony PS4 Pro: Specs Shootout
The Xbox One X proves a beast in terms of specs, its GPU sporting six teraflops of power easily beating the PS4 Pro's 4.2 teraflops. The Xbox One X, moreover, features a higher bandwidth at 326 GB/s, as opposed to the PS4 Pro's 218 GB/s. In terms of RAM, the Xbox One X easily wins again with its GDDR5 12 GB configuration, against its competitor's 8 GB.
The Xbox One X's eight-core processor clocks at 2.3 GHz, while its competitor clocks at a lower 2.1 GHz, although these two prove much closer than the graphics.
On paper, the Xbox One X wins in terms of raw power — no arguments there. That said, however, one question remains: exactly how much power will translate into any meaningful improvement in performance? The law of diminishing returns plays a role here, an argument which states that as more innovation is introduced, the chances to innovate further become narrower. Simply put, while the Xbox One X bears a lot more power than the PS4 Pro, Sony's machine is pretty powerful already — the Xbox One X in theory can easily surpass the PS4 Pro, but in practice?
Microsoft Xbox One X vs Sony PS4 Pro: 4K Gaming
Pretty powerful specs make for pretty powerful gameplay experiences, and both consoles can easily deliver on that front with nary a hiccup. The Xbox One X can not only play 4K games, but it's also made for 4K gaming with 60 fps from the ground-up. The PS4 Pro, on the other hand, also boasts 4K gaming, but with a few technical tricks, since it runs on weaker hardware. Both consoles also provide HDR gaming, which can deliver visually stunning experiences.
Simply for the promise of true, native 4K gaming, Microsoft wins in this department, but of course the differences are almost negligible for the average person. What you'll end up when you use either consoles are simply gorgeous, arresting graphics, despite the PS4 Pro performing several tricks to get there.
Games Are The Final Piece Of The Equation
Microsoft showed off a roster of Xbox One exclusives this year, including Crackdown 3, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, Forza Motorsport 7, and indie titles aplenty. But Sony has an equally, if not more excellent lineup, which includes heavy-hitting titles such as God of War 4, The Last of Us II, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, Death Stranding, Detroit: Become Human, Days Gone, and more.
Microsoft Xbox One X vs Sony PS4 Pro: What Should You Get?
It can't be stressed enough how important exclusives are for a console. Don't believe it? Nintendo's still alive because only its gaming consoles can play Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, mainline Pokémon games, Metroid, and a ton more. People are willing to buy its consoles just to play these exclusives, a crucial power the company currently has, and will probably still have for decades.
Both Sony and Microsoft have pretty stellar exclusives planned for their respective consoles. That said, you can't ignore the Xbox One X's steeper price tag. Then again, if Microsoft successfully markets the console's true, native 4K gaming capabilities as an advantage over the PS4 Pro, it might just convince those on the fence.
Which console you choose will entirely be up to you, of course. But there's certainly something to be said about the PS4 Pro's steady lineup of exclusives planned. Those who'd like a more affordable entry point to 4K gaming, go with Sony. Those who have some luxury to spare and are aching for native 4K should go for Microsoft.
