While many details regarding Microsoft’s Xbox Scorpio are still being kept tightly under wraps until E3, the Redmond-based industry giant has at last given us a clue just how the new console will perform—and more importantly, how the PS4 Pro will stack up against its impending rival. Is it an upgraded console? Is it more of a new generation of hardware? How does it benefit existing Xbox One owners?
Related: PS4 Pro review
Nearly a year after its initial announcement, today finally marked the reveal of the Xbox Scorpio specs (via Eurogamer), confirming just how Microsoft’s mid-cycle device stacks up in the horsepower department, and we’ve cobbled together all the necessary info below to give you an idea how PS4 Pro compares to the New Kid on the Block. Yes, there’s still a lot of unanswered questions about the console; an official price, release date, and name have yet to be unveiled, but if it’s tech you are after, we’ve got you covered.
PS4 vs Xbox Scorpio – how do they compare?
Xbox Scorpio specs
- CPU – Custom x86 (Jaguar Evolved) 8 core @ 2.3 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache
- GPU – AMD RADEON clock speed @ 1172MHz
- GDDR5 12GB
- DirectX12
- 7.1 Dolby.Atmos
PS4 Pro specs
- Main processor – Single-chip custom processor
- CPU: x86-64 (Jaguar Evolved) 8 core @ 2.1 GHz
- GPU: AMD RADEON clock speed @ 911MHz
- Memory – GDDR5 8GB
- Storage size – 1TB
- BD/ DVD drive BD × 6 CAV (read only)
- DVD × 8 CAV
- Input/ Output – Super-Speed USB (USB 3.1 Gen1) × 3
- Networking – Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)×1
- IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth® 4.0 (LE)
- AV output – HDMI™ out port (supports 4K/HDR)
- DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) port
- 7.1 Dolby
While the numbers speak for themselves, yes, it is pretty clear that the PS4 Pro is not as powerful as Xbox Scorpio. In terms of raw tech specs, Microsoft’s new hardware is the clear winner in this respect. However, as Eurogamer notes, the PS4 Pro is still capable of producing some fantastic content, providing it’s in the right hands and how the software actually runs. It’s worth noting that Xbox Scorpio also boasts backwards compatibility with Xbox One and Xbox 360 titles, and they run better than ever.
Related: PS4 Pro Boost Mode games list
Should Sony be scared? Probably not at this stage. The format holder has already secured a significant leap over its chief rival, and with a huge number of exclusive content coming, it’s up to Microsoft to fight the uphill battle to win the hearts of consumers and developers, since Sony’s already been there and got the t-shirt. Speculation has been rampant on a new PlayStation console coming out in 2018 as a response to Xbox Scorpio, but that just isn’t going to happen. If anything, Sony won’t roll out its next major hardware, presumably PS5, until 2020 or later.
That’s not to say it can’t do something about the situation with PS4 Pro, mind. If anything, Sony could stand to up the marketing for its high-end console and really push its 4K gaming capabilities, as we’re still under the impression that Joe Public doesn’t really give two hoots about PS4 Pro or what it’s even capable of at the moment. Rumors of another PS4 Slim (or perhaps even a PS4 Pro slim?) would definitely make a lot of sense though; what better way to battle Scorpio than with a cheaper PS4 out in the wild?