Less than three years into the current console generation and we’re already buying or making plans for upgrades. Madness, right? and dam right expensive….
Microsoft has already released its Xbox One S, which brings some notable upgrades to the original model, while Sony just debuted the powered-up PlayStation 4 Pro for a November release. And Microsoft is already thinking ahead, dating another, more powerful Xbox One revision called Project Scorpio for a 2017 debut.
The Xbox One S and PlayStation 4 Pro are effectively half-step measures that deliver more power and capabilities without abandoning the current hardware, while Scorpio could represent a larger step up… even if Microsoft says it’s still an Xbox One.
All of which is rather confusing if you’re thinking of buying one, and especially so if you already own an Xbox One or PlayStation 4.
Is it time for a change then? We’ve gone hands-on with two of the three and had a close look at all of the details to bring you this sage advice.
Should you upgrade to Xbox One S?
Doubtful. Assuming you’re happy with your PlayStation 4, there’s little reason to drop it now for the Xbox One S. Microsoft’s revised box has a 40% smaller frame and packs in 4K Blu-ray and streaming support, as well as HDR lighting for games and media alike, which are great perks.
But when it comes to games, ditching your PS4 means leaving behind wonderful exclusives such as Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Ratchet & Clank, as well as upcoming highlights including God Of War, The Last Guardian, Detroit: Become Human, and Horizon: Zero Dawn. Microsoft’s E3 lineup this year didn’t pack nearly the same wallop.
Should you upgrade to PlayStation 4 Pro?
Now this one makes a load of sense, but only if you’re the kind of player who needs to be on the absolute cutting-edge of tech. The upgraded will allow for significantly improved performance, including speedier frame-rates, sharper resolution, enhanced textures, and much more immersive PlayStation VR experiences.
Also, all the same PS4 games will work on both consoles – so you don’t have to ditch your current library, and the new games will simply run better on the next box. If you’re not as concerned about the highest-end graphics or have a huge interest in VR, then you probably don’t need the PS4 Pro anytime soon: your current console should still have years of fun left in it.
Should you upgrade to Project Scorpio?
It’s too early to tell, but based on Microsoft’s promises, Project Scorpio sounds like a major jump in tech, with the possibility of fully native 4K gaming and next-gen VR experiences within. If true, and it ends up being much more powerful than the PlayStation 4 Pro, then it’ll be a whole new front for the console wars.
Project Scorpio is set to release in late 2017, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy your PS4, see how the PlayStation 4 Pro really turns out, and then evaluate Microsoft’s next console once it is fully revealed – next year, likely. But the tech sounds exciting, at least.
The Xbox 360 was a roaring success, but the Xbox One had some stumbles out the gate – and the PS4 took a commanding and ever-growing lead. Fortunately, you’ve still got lots of great games available… but the case for an upgrade is easier to make in some cases.
Should you upgrade to Xbox One S?
For most people, probably not: the Xbox One S is still essentially an Xbox One, albeit with enhancements that are more for movies and TV shows than games. Support for 4K media, HDR, and upscaled games are great, but unless you’ve got a high-end TV, your games and media will essentially look and act the same way as before.
Anyone on the bleeding edge might consider selling off their Xbox One and putting the funds towards the Xbox One S, however, as the 4K media will look spectacular on a properly equipped TV, and HDR will help games such as Forza Horizon 3 and Gears of War 4 look even more unbelievably amazing this autumn.
Should you upgrade to PlayStation 4 Pro?
Feel like you backed the wrong horse this console generation? Well, the PlayStation 4 Pro might be your best chance to course correct, given all the upgrades within. Not only will you be able to enjoy the current PS4 greats, but you’ll also be well equipped to enjoy the next few years of PS4 games at their highest possible quality.
This is especially true if you’re excited about virtual reality. The PlayStation VR is out this October, and the PlayStation 4 Pro will follow just a month later. Grab both and you should be able to experience immersive VR in your living room, whereas Microsoft probably won’t have VR until next year’s Project Scorpio.
Should you upgrade to Project Scorpio?
If you’re an Xbox die-hard, then yes, almost assuredly. Microsoft says Project Scorpio will be the most powerful console ever released when it hits the market next year, and it will very likely release with a new Halo shooter and other exclusives. Longtime fans of the green and black won’t want to miss out on that.
On the other hand, Microsoft’s claims suggest that Project Scorpio is still part of the Xbox One line and that there will still be some compatibility between them – so if you don’t want to shell out potentially several hundred pounds to play improved versions of the same games, then your regular ‘ol Xbox One might be good enough.
Should you upgrade to Xbox One S?
If you’re an Xbox aficionado or love Microsoft’s exclusives and can’t wait another year, then yes, the Xbox One S seems a smarter bet than the standard Xbox One. It’s smaller and packs in 4K media and HDR support, plus offers up to 2TB storage.
Should you upgrade to PlayStation 4 Pro?
As we’ve said before, the PlayStation 4 is this generation’s leading console and arguably has the better exclusives – and the PlayStation 4 Pro is the more powerful version of it. Will it be worth the higher price (£349) for you, though? You’ll have to make that call, but buying the higher-end model is a smart, future-proofing bet.
Should you upgrade to Project Scorpio?
Sort of feels like skipping an entire console generation, no? At this point, it’s too early to tell whether Project Scorpio will live up to Microsoft’s claims, as well as whether it will be a much more powerful console than the PlayStation 4 Pro.
If you can keep yourself entertained with your current console (whatever it is) for another year, you can save up more cash and go big with Project Scorpio next year. It might be worth the short-term suffering.
