Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 coming 2020. Are PlayStation 4 and Xbox One still worth it or should I wait for the successors? We present the old consoles in comparison. Is it still worth buying the old generation, even though the NextGen launch is just around the corner?
For the Christmas season 2020, the PlayStation 5 from Sony and the Xbox Series X from Microsoft are expected to be available. However, sellers are constantly undercutting each other with new offers for the old console generation. Are these really great deals or just seeming bargains? We explain to you what reasons speak for and against purchasing a console and what you need to consider:
- First, we introduce the PlayStation 4 and its variants
- Next, we present the Xbox One and its variants
- Finally, we compare the consoles and ask whether purchasing is still worthwhile and present the arguments for and against a purchase.
If you are only interested in whether buying a console before the NextGen launch is worthwhile, feel free to skip to the end of the article where we answer all important questions.
PlayStation 4 Slim vs Pro
In the following table, we present the two models of the PlayStation 4, the Slim and Pro variants.
| Name | PlayStation Slim | PlayStation 4 Pro |
| Processor | AMD Jaguar, 8 cores at 1.6 GHz | AMD Jaguar, 8 cores at 2.1 GHz |
| Graphics | 1.84 TFlops, 18 CUs, 800 MHz, Radeon based | 4.2 TFlops, 36 CUs, 911 MHz, Radeon based |
| RAM | 8.0 GB GDDR5 |
8.0 GB GDDR5 + 1.0 GB DDR3
|
| Dimensions | 265 x 39 x 288 mm (WxHxD), 2.1 kg | 295 x 55 x 327 mm (WxHxD), 3.3 kg |
| Drive | BD-DVD combo | BD-DVD combo |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.1 Gen1, 1x AUX port | 3x USB 3.1 Gen1, 1x AUX port |
| Video Output | HDMI 2.0 (HDR) | HDMI 2.0 (HDR), Optical out |
| Price Level (Geizhals) | 243 – 373 Euros | 249 – 808 Euros |
PS4 Slim: Entry-level, Full-HD and Multiplayer
The Slim version of the PlayStation 4 offers the best entry into Sony’s console lineup. All PlayStation 4 games can be launched and played without restrictions on the Slim. The performance of the PS4 Slim is still sufficient for most games, especially if you mainly play titles like Fortnite or FIFA 20.
Couch co-op or online multiplayer is also possible without restrictions on the Slim.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PlayStation 4 Slim - Konsole (500GB, Jet Black) + 2 Controller: Fortnite Neo Versa Bundle* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
PS4 Pro: Gaming, VR, and 4K Users
The Pro version of the PlayStation 4 offers significantly more power at the cost of higher power consumption and noise levels.
Therefore, the Pro variant can also deliver correspondingly more graphics and even supports 4K resolution.
The PS4 Pro also offers improved VR support. For example, with PS VR, there’s less motion sickness.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PlayStation 4 Pro (1TB, black): Fortnite Neo Versa Bundle* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
PlayStation 4 in Comparison: What Should I Consider When Buying?
Buy PlayStation 4 Slim or Pro? The decision of whether to choose the Slim version or the significantly more expensive Pro version depends on various factors.
What Are the Advantages of the PlayStation 4 Slim?
- For those who mainly play on a Full-HD screen and likely will continue to do so, the Slim version is the better choice.
- In online games, there is a performance cap to ensure fairness. Therefore, in online games, you cannot benefit from the superior performance of a Pro; here it is more worthwhile to opt for the Slim.
- Many older titles have not received a Pro update and do not support 4K resolution. Again, the Slim variant is the better choice.
What Are the Advantages of the PlayStation 4 Pro?
- Those with a 4K screen or planning to get one can benefit from the higher performance of the PlayStation 4 Pro.
- If you are into top graphics and play many games that support 4K resolution, the Pro variant is the best option.
- PlayStation VR also benefits from the increased performance of the PlayStation 4 Pro.
Xbox One S vs One X
In the following table, we present the two models of the Xbox One, the S and X variants.
| Name | Xbox One S | Xbox One X |
| Processor | AMD Jaguar, 8 cores at 1.75 GHz | AMD Jaguar “Evolved”, 8 cores at 2.3 GHz |
| Graphics | 1.23 TFlops, 12 CUs, 914 MHz, | 6 TFlops, 40 CUs, 1172 MHz |
| RAM | 8.0 GB DDR3 |
12.0 GB DDR5
|
| Dimensions | 295 x 65 x 230 mm, 2.9kg | 300 x 60 x 240 mm, 3.8kg |
| Drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray | 4K UHD Blu-ray |
| Ports | 3x USB 3, SPDIF Digital Audio, Infrared, HDMI | 3x USB 3, SPDIF Digital Audio, Infrared, HDMI |
| Video Output | HDMI 2.0 (HDR) | HDMI 2.0 (HDR) |
| Price Level (Geizhals) | 199 – 329 Euros | 288 – 548 Euros |
Xbox One S: Entry-level, 4K with Limitations
The Xbox One S represents the upgrade to the first Xbox One. It provides enough power for all games in Full-HD resolution. All games released for Microsoft’s console are always compatible with both S and X.
It cannot handle native 4K; instead, it upscales the pixels. The Xbox One X uses the same trick but has significantly fewer issues with native 4K. The Xbox One S can easily play movies with the built-in 4K UHD player, and HDR is also supported.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xbox One S 1TB – 2nd Controller Bundle Black and White* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Xbox One X: High-end Gaming, 4K and Future-proof
The Xbox One X offers significantly more power than the weaker S version. However, it is also larger and heavier.
With 4K, the console has no issues. Thanks to its strong performance, the upscaling is not as noticeable as with the weaker S.
Certain games are optimized for the Xbox One X. You can recognize them by the “Xbox One X Enhanced” logo. These games fully utilize the console’s performance but are also playable on the S version.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xbox One X 1TB – Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Bundle* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
What about the Xbox One S All Digital Edition?
The All Digital Edition has nearly the same specifications as the One S, with one exception: The main difference is the lack of a drive in the All Digital Edition.
With the All Digital Edition, you must purchase all games through the digital Xbox Store, as this version cannot play Blu-rays. Watching 4K movies and using used games is also not possible.
Xbox One in Comparison: What Should I Consider When Buying?
Buy Xbox One S or One X? The decision of whether to choose the S version or the significantly more expensive X version depends on various factors:
What Are the Advantages of the Xbox One S?
- For those who rarely play games and primarily watch movies or series, the Xbox One S is sufficient. The One S, like the more powerful variant, offers both 4K resolution for movies and HDR.
- High-end games are designed for the One S at Full-HD and 30 FPS. If you have no greater needs or primarily play at Full-HD, the One S is also a good option.
- If you mainly play casual games like Fortnite, FIFA 20, or other indie titles, the performance of the One S is also completely adequate.
What Are the Advantages of the Xbox One X?
- If you own a 4K screen with HDR color depth, you should choose the Xbox One X, as games also benefit from it.
- Certain games support the performance of the Xbox One X (Xbox One X Enhanced). If you want to take advantage of that, you’ll need the Xbox One X.
- In the long term, the Xbox One X is more future-proof than the S version. The performance of the X version is better, and sooner or later you’ll have to accept worse graphics with the S version for better performance.
What Are the Differences Between Xbox and PlayStation 4?
- Both consoles have a number of exclusive titles that you can only play on the respective console. For many users, it often comes down to the exclusive titles when deciding which console to choose.
- The Xbox One S and One X offer a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, unlike the PlayStation 4, which cannot play UHD videos.
- Both the PlayStation 4 Pro and the Xbox One support 4K resolution.
Is it worth buying the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 before NextGen?
To answer this question, one must look at the transition from the last generation to the current consoles. The fact is that the old consoles continue to receive support with new games and technology.
What Are the Arguments for Buying?
What Was It Like During the Last Generation Shift? The PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 continued to receive new games despite the new generation. There are no reasons for Sony or Microsoft to suddenly end support for the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, as that would only annoy players and buyers in the long run.
4K is still not widespread: If you do not own a 4K TV or screen and will not be purchasing one any time soon, the new generation will not offer you much benefit. A PlayStation 4 Pro or an Xbox One X still offers more than enough power to cleanly and smoothly play current games.
High Price of Xbox and PS 5: Additionally, the new generation is likely to be more expensive than PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. When we asked you how much you are willing to pay for the new generation, not everyone was willing to pay, for example, 500 Euros for a new console.
How extensive is the game library for PS 5 and Co? Another argument is the game library: It will take some time before there are enough titles that support the performance of the Xbox One X Series or PlayStation 5. During this time, you can just as well use the current generation and eventually buy a suitable 8K screen in three years.
What Are the Arguments Against Buying?
Old games run on the new generation: A very strong argument for the new generation is backward compatibility: Both Microsoft and Sony promised that old games would also be playable on the new generation.
Best technology only with Xbox Series X and PS 5: Those who rely on performance and the latest technology should wait for the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox One Series X. This includes technologies like ray tracing, which is expected to be supported on the new consoles but is not yet fully developed on PC.
Reasons to Buy an Xbox One or PlayStation 4
If you buy a PlayStation 4 Pro or an Xbox One X now, you have the following advantages:
- The old generations will likely continue to be supported and still receive games.
- For Full-HD, the old generation is completely sufficient and somewhat limited for 4K resolution.
- If you opt for the old generation, you can also avoid the teething troubles of the new generation’s launch. The old generation is well-established.
- The prices for PlayStation 5 and Xbox One Series X are significantly higher than for the old generation. The prices will eventually fall, and until then, a PlayStation 4 or an Xbox One still offers more than enough entertainment.
Which Console Should I Choose?
Finally, let us present once more the reasons for which console to choose.
Buy PlayStation 4 Slim or Pro?
What about the Slim? The Slim version is only worth it if you still use a Full-HD screen and are not planning to switch to 4K in the long run. Furthermore, the Slim is the first choice if you do not value top visuals or high performance. If you mainly play casual games like Fortnite or FIFA, you also don’t need high-end performance.
What about the Pro version? The PS4 Pro is significantly more future-proof, as it offers both 4K support and sufficient performance for games that will still be released in the near future. In contrast to the Xbox One, the PS4 Pro does not offer a 4K UHD Blu-ray player.
Buy Xbox One S or One X?
What about the One S? As for the PlayStation 4 Slim, the same applies to the Xbox One S: If you don’t need high-end performance and mainly play games like Fortnite, FIFA, etc., the One S is more than sufficient. Games for the Xbox One X will also run on the One S, but with compromises in performance and graphics quality. The One S All Digital Edition is only recommended if you can do without 4K videos and movies.
What about the One X version? The Xbox One X, in contrast, features the latest technology. This includes full support for 4K TVs and streaming services with HDR including Dolby Vision and 3D sound. The console also offers the highest performance among the current consoles.
Which of the new consoles would you choose? We asked you for your opinion on the new consoles:
