You want to buy a new Xbox, but you don’t know which one. I get it! Picking a console isn’t as simple as it used to be. What differentiates the options feels both overwhelmingly complex and irritatingly unclear.
Take, for example, this summary: The Xbox Series X is more powerful, includes a disc drive, plays ultra HD Blu-rays, and can run games at 4K resolution and upward of 120 frames per second. But it costs $499.99. The Xbox Series S costs $299.99 — $200 less! — but it’s less powerful, has no disc drive, and has less storage, and its resolution tops out at 1440p. (Generally reserved for computer monitors, 1440p resolution is better than a 1080p HDTV but worse than 4K.)
All of that info is useful and true, but it’s not enough to help the average reader decide what’s best for them. That’s because buying a console is about so much more than specs. Let me help by asking you a few questions.
Do you have a 4K TV or do you plan to purchase one soon? If so, do you want to eke out the potential of every pixel?
If you don’t own a 4K TV and have no plans to buy one in the next few years, I strongly recommend the Xbox Series S, which will still have enough power to look fantastic on your existing high-definition TV.
Alternately, if you have a 4K TV and really want to make the most out of 4K entertainment, you may want the Xbox Series X for its 4K Blu-ray player. (The Series S can stream 4K video via services like Netflix, though, so only the most hardcore videophiles need worry about this decadent option.)
How fast is your internet?
If you have slow internet speeds or data caps, you will benefit from having the disc drive and larger storage of the Xbox Series X. The latest generation of games will be huge, many of them over 100 GB. On a slow connection, they will take many hours to download onto either Xbox you choose, and they’ll fill a significant chunk of the Series S’s paltry 364 GB of actual available storage. Meaning, you will need to regularly delete games to make way for new ones, and re-download those deleted games whenever you wish to revisit them. Or you’ll need to purchase external storage options, which will be expensive. (You can purchase a cheaper external hard drive, but it’ll be limited to games from previous generations.)
The Xbox Series X includes 802 GB of actual storage, more than double that of the Series S. And the disc drive will allow you to install games directly from physical discs rather than through your internet connection. If internet speed is a big issue, the Series X is a better option even with its significantly higher price tag. Heck, the Series X is technically cheaper than buying the Series S and one of Microsoft and Seagate’s proprietary 1 TB Storage Expansion Cards.
Photo: Maddy Myers/Polygon
Do you want to buy used Xbox games or sell your old copies?
If you like to trade in games or buy used physical copies, the choice is simple: The Xbox Series X is the only option that plays discs.
One big caveat: The very idea of disc-based games has become increasingly complicated thanks to always-online games like Fortniteand Warframe. As Austen Goslin wrote in our guide to choosing a PlayStation 5:
Physical editions are also the most reliable way to really own the games you buy. Digital copies are technically games you’re buying access to rather than owning yourself. This means that if Sony were to for some reason shut down servers at some point in the future, you wouldn’t have access to your games anymore — however unlikely this might be. Buying the physical disc gives you a copy of the game you’ll always have. One possible complication with that idea in this console generation, however, is that many games require internet connections to function. If that’s the case for a particular game, owning it on a disc or on your account with a digital copy won’t matter, because you won’t be able to play it either way.
Do you have a big library of Xbox One games on disc? Or have you been purchasing games digitally for the past decade?
The vast majority of my games for the Xbox One (and many of my games for the Xbox 360) were purchased digitally. It’s easy for me to play these games on either new Xbox console. I just open my Games Library, find my old purchases, install them, and I’m all set. I can even download my old save files from cloud storage for free via Xbox Live. Microsoft has done an exceptional job with backward compatibility.
That said, if most of your existing Xbox games are on discs, you will need an Xbox Series X and its disc drive to play them. There’s currently no way to trade a hard copy of an Xbox One game for a digital copy on the Series S. We have no reason to think that will change. However! If you plan to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, you may find that much of your old collection is available through the service. You can find an up-to-date list of Game Pass games on Microsoft’s official website. Just remember that third-party games regularly rotate in and out of the library.
Should I buy an Xbox Series X or a Series S?
Frankly, both consoles are solid choices.
Both will look good on your television. Both will play all new games along with a ton of the Xbox back catalog, from the Xbox One to the original Xbox. Both connect to Game Pass. And here’s the truth: It’s possible that both will be outdone by another new Xbox in a few years.
Microsoft has positioned its hardware the way Apple has positioned the iPhone, giving customers a variety of choices in terms of cost, performance, and luxury features. For that reason, it’s likely we will see updated hardware as often as we did with the Xbox One — and probably even more regularly.
If you’ve already spent a bunch of money on your home theater setup, the Xbox Series X will make the most of that investment. If you just want to dip your toes into the Xbox ecosystem, the Xbox Series S will more than suffice. And if you prefer to stick with the Xbox One for another year or two, that’s a viable option too. For now, every current Xbox Series X game is also available on the older console. That version will run slower and look worse, but there are bigger problems in the world than some grainy textures in Assassin’s Creed and an extra minute or so of loading in Call of Duty.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
