Photo-Illustration: Vulture, PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox
Perhaps you’ve heard about the new set of video-game consoles and your interest has been piqued. Should you spring for a video-game console of your own? And which one? If you’ve been sitting out of the gaming world for a little while or you’re a complete newcomer, jumping back in can be daunting, with a lot of information to parse and little explanation of how much of it really matters. If that’s you, great news! This guide is for you.
Now, the bad news: It is currently extremely hard to get a hold of the new wave of consoles. Nabbing one often involves being among the first to leap into a digital queue, and should anything go awry with your connection, your odds are toast. There are, however, benefits to waiting: The longer you wait, the more kinks are worked out in what has been a rocky launch, and it also gives you time to consider whether or not you’ll want to upgrade your home theater to take advantage of the newest consoles. (More on that later, but it’s not necessary by any means.)
But maybe your needs are simpler. Maybe you just want the best all-in-one entertainment center, or the best console you can get on a tight budget. Let’s explore the options together.
Some useful definitions: The current generation of consoles includes the Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5. The latter two launched in November and therefore have a lot of overlap with their predecessors, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. We call these last-generation consoles, and you can expect them to cycle into obsolescence sometime in the next couple of years. (Nintendo moves at its own pace, preferring to release slightly updated versions of its consoles, much like an iPhone’s incremental upgrades.) Exclusive games are games that are only available on one console, and not the others, making that console more appealing.
Best Budget Console
Each console has a more affordable version available for purchase, each with its own trade-offs.
Of the available options, theNintendo Switch Litewins for being the least compromised and most exciting for the least amount of money. You’ll get to choose from a tremendous and constantly growing library of games big and small, with exclusive titles that won’t appear anywhere else, in an attractive and unobtrusive package.
Should you prefer something that hooks up to your television, theXbox Series Sis hard to top, as it’s bundled with the console’s Netflix-style Game Pass which provides dozens of on-demand games for a monthly fee.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is $199, $100 cheaper than the regular Switch. Unlike that console, it does not have the option to connect to a TV, nor does it have detachable controllers, making it a purely handheld device.
The Xbox Series Sretails for $299, a full $200 cheaper than the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 with a disc drive (it is $100 less than the discless PS5.) It’s an all-digital console with no disc drive for movies or games and comes with half the storage space of its more expensive sibling. (For someone who wants to play more than a handful of games, this will soon become a problem with a pricey solution.) It’s also not designed to fully take advantage of Ultra HD televisions, so gaming in 4K is out of the question — but it will still run new-generation games just fine.
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition lops $100 and a disc drive off the $499 PlayStation 5 — and the trade-offs end there. It’s the most expensive “budget” option but also the most generous.
Best All-Around Media Device
If you want your console to be an all-in-one entertainment machine, the news is … fine, I suppose.
As more content is spread across more streaming platforms, getting everything you like in one place is harder than ever. That said, the console streaming options are serviceable — basically, you’re choosing between a bigger variety or a better experience. (Or a Nintendo Switch, whose only streaming apps are Hulu and YouTube.)
That said, the Xbox Series Xis the best option for an all-around media device, as it has the most streaming apps and therefore the fewest reasons to turn it off and switch to another device.
The Xbox Series Xhas more apps available but a less slick interface. It’s essentially like opening apps on a Roku device, only all of your games are there too. You can extensively customize your home screen so all of your go-tos are easily accessible, but you’ll still be hopping from app to app.
The PlayStation 5 is curiously lacking in media apps at the moment, mostly focusing on the big names in streaming: Disney +, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Apple TV+. It does, however, organize the shows from these services on a single screen, with selections from each app’s library there for your perusal. It’s convenient, to a degree: nicer than the way your cable provider organizes on-demand content, but not as nice as an Apple TV.
Best Console for Gaming
This is the trickiest question to answer. The two new top-of-the line consoles are pretty evenly matched in processing power, offering mostly the same experience with only a handful of differentiating factors. Both are also a little unrefined: the Xbox’s slate of exclusive games is almost entirely hypothetical right now but makes up for it with the value of Game Pass. The PlayStation 5 is a bit of an unfinished mess, with users reporting frequent game crashes and bugs (though none that completely tank the system so far), while also being saddled with the worst user interface in some time.
Deciding which is the one for you depends on how you answer a couple of questions. Do you plan to play games with friends? You should probably all get the same console. (Maybe that’s the Nintendo Switch.) Do you like to keep up with the cultural conversation around games? Consider getting the console with the most exclusives. (Right now: the PlayStation 5). Did you miss out on the last few generations of video games? Maybe get the one with the deepest bench of older games (the Xbox Series X).
Want us to make the decision for you? Get a PlayStation 5 with a disc drive. It currently has the advantage in exclusive games, a considerable amount of momentum given the PS4’s success, and a number of fun new features — from its DualSense controller to extensive social features for sharing games with friends — that make the whole package feel worthwhile. It’s not without its share of hiccups, but so far there aren’t any problems that can’t be fixed with an update or two in the coming weeks or months. Or years, if we’re really unlucky.
The Nintendo Switch is a close second, but it’s starting to show its age and is rumored to get an updated version soon. It may be worth waiting to see what that looks like.
The PlayStation 5 is curiously lacking in media apps at the moment, mostly focusing on the big names in streaming: Disney +, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Apple TV+. It does, however, organize the shows from these services on a single screen, with selections from each app’s library there for your perusal. It’s convenient, to a degree: nicer than the way your cable provider organizes on-demand content, but not as nice as an Apple TV.
Games to Check Out
If you get one of the now-current generation consoles, you’ll want to see what it can do. Here are some games to take for a spin.
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An outrageous gangster soap opera that absolutely sings on an Xbox Series X/S. Explore a vibrant Japanese city while seeking revenge on the crime syndicate that abandoned you and befriending a team of misfits.
Right now, this is the only game that you absolutely need a PlayStation 5 in order to play — and it’s a weird one. Demon’s Souls is a lavish remake of a cult-favorite PlayStation 3 game. An opaque acquired taste, Demon’s Souls is both rewarding and strange, a game that isn’t for everyone but nonetheless is the best showcase for what the new generation of games can look like.
Since it’s preinstalled on every PlayStation 5, you might be inclined to ignore this game. Don’t. Astro’s Playroom is a delight — an all-ages adventure that doubles as a demo for all the fun things that can be done with the DualSense controller.
It’s not a graphical showcase, but it’s easily one of the best games launching on the Xbox consoles. A revelatory take on one of the most familiar video games ever made, Tetris Effect: Connected is a delight.
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.
