在这些经济困难时期，我们都需要娱乐，但也需要节俭。随着新一代相当昂贵的游戏机的发布，问你辛苦赚来的钱能得到什么是公平的。
您应该购买下一代游戏机还是坚持使用更旧且更实惠的产品？购买最昂贵的游戏机值得吗？
将所有选项放在桌面上
我们在这里谈论的是哪些控制台？本文标题中提到的“最昂贵”的游戏机是PlayStation 5（带光驱）和Xbox Series(Xbox Series X) X。这两款游戏机的售价均为 500 美元。至少在增加销售税之前，他们在关键地区是这样做的。这是很多moolah！
然后有来自同一代游戏机的更便宜的选择。PlayStation Digital Edition没有光驱，售价 399 美元。在Xbox方面，Xbox Series S售价 299 美元。Series S也没有磁盘驱动器，并且与更昂贵的兄弟(Series S)Series X相比，图形芯片的功能要小得多。
接下来，我们有（现在）上一代控制台选择。PlayStation 4、 Playstation 4 Pro(Playstation 4 Pro)、Xbox One S和Xbox One X。(Xbox One X)PS4 Pro和Xbox One X是对这些旧游戏机的中代升级，在一定程度上提高了图形处理能力。
我们不打算在这里包括Nintendo Switch，因为它并没有真正在与其他两个游戏机相同的空间中竞争。如果您想知道是购买Switch还是Switch Lite，请查看Nintendo Switch Lite 和 Nintendo Switch 之间的最大差异(Biggest Differences Between Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch)。
了解最新控制台(Latest Consoles)的优势(Benefits)
无论如何，这些昂贵的新游戏机有什么大不了的？这是一个摘要：
- 超快速固态存储(solid-state storage)，可缩短加载时间并提供新的游戏设计可能性。
- 更快的CPU(CPUs)。使每秒 60 帧成为新标准，在某些标题中可能达到每秒 120 帧（使用兼容的电视(compatible TV)！）。
- 显着更好的GPU(GPUs)，支持4K或接近 4K 的图像质量和光线追踪(ray tracing)。
- 与上一代游戏的向后兼容性(Backwards compatibility)，以及对那些旧游戏的显着增强。
如果您购买这些新的高端游戏机之一，您将获得更清晰的图形、更流畅的动作以及对您已经拥有和喜爱的游戏的改进。除了成本，从游戏的角度来看，这一切都是积极的！
既然所有选项都摆在桌面上，并且您知道花一些钱会给您带来什么，那么让我们依次进行每个重大决定。
Xbox 还是 PlayStation？
索尼(Sony)和微软(Microsoft)都有非常引人注目的游戏平台，没有比这更普遍的选择。如需深入比较这两个主机品牌，请查看Playstation 与 Xbox：如何选择适合您的产品(Playstation vs Xbox: How To Choose What’s Right For You)。
最后，这是个人选择，取决于您喜欢玩什么类型的游戏，您的朋友在玩什么，您更喜欢哪种在线服务以及哪个品牌与您交谈。您是否关心将现有游戏收藏带入下一代也很重要。
对于大多数人来说，比较两个品牌的游戏机并不是那么有用，因为您不太可能从中立位置进行选择。更重要的是选择是否为您选择的品牌选择最昂贵的型号。
我们的建议：倾听你的心声。(Our Recommendation: Listen to your heart.)
PlayStation 5 Digital vs Playstation 5与光盘驱动器(Disc Drive)？
谈到PlayStation 5，有两种型号可供选择。两者在各方面都是相同的，只是数字版(Digital Edition)没有蓝光(BluRay)驱动器并且成本降低了 100 美元，因此您不会在游戏保真度或下一代性能方面做出任何牺牲。
听起来很划算，对吧？好吧(Well)，100 美元的“节省”实际上对你来说可能是一笔不划算的交易，而对索尼(Sony)来说却是一笔大买卖。通过对驱动器说不，您可以让索尼(Sony)完全控制视频游戏的定价。
您将无法获得零售价格竞争、二手游戏、PS4光盘游戏以及播放 4K蓝光(BluRay)电影的能力。我们认为这些牺牲不值得节省 100 美元。通过节省价格，人们可以轻松地赚回这笔钱，甚至更多。但是，如果您确定这些特定的牺牲是您可以忍受的，那么数字版(Digital Edition)在短期内是一个更实惠的选择。
我们的建议：购买标准的 PlayStation 5(Our Recommendation: Buy the standard PlayStation 5)
S系列还是X系列？
Series S比Series X旗舰游戏机便宜 200 美元。然而，与这两款PS5机型不同的是，您放弃的不仅仅是光驱。Series S有一个（稍微）慢的CPU和(CPU)只有三分之一的GPU功率。但是，S 系列(Series S)的目标（最高）为 1440p 渲染分辨率。最好将其视为 1080p 控制台以避免失望。
如果您有一台 1080p 电视并且不打算很快升级到 4K，那么Series S是一个不错的选择。失去光盘访问权限会产生与无盘PS5(PS5)类似的问题。然而，微软(Microsoft)确实有它的游戏通行证(Game Pass)服务，这在很大程度上弥补了这一点。
您可以玩与Series S相同的所有游戏。您还可以获得相同的向后兼容性支持。游戏也应该以与Series X(Series X)相同的帧速率运行。主要区别在于较低的分辨率以及可能略微回拨的图形设置。
这里的选择实际上是基于预算。X系列(Series X)显然是客观上优越的。差价无疑是200美元。因此，如果您的预算允许，请购买更昂贵的设备。
我们的建议：如果您有选择，请购买 X 系列。(Our Recommendation: Buy the Series X if you have the choice.)
坚持上一代
如果您拥有PS4、PS4 Pro、One S 或 One X，您应该不会感到升级的太大压力。如果您对这些游戏机的分辨率和帧速率感到满意，您仍然可以期待新游戏在您的游戏机上可用一两年。
如果您不拥有任何这些更昂贵的游戏机，则选择变得更加困难。如果您是新买家，最好现在购买最新一代的游戏机。因为你会为接下来的五年做好准备。如果您购买其中一台即将推出的游戏机，即使价格不菲，您也会希望尽快更换。
由于PS5和Xbox 系列(Xbox Series)游戏机的向后兼容性，保留其前身的意义不大。虽然传出机器上的视觉质量仍然很好，但它们的帧率很差。这(Which)可能是最大和最直接的生活质量改善。
最昂贵的游戏机是否值得要价？绝对地。他们对你有价值吗？那是一个不同的问题。我们认为，与更便宜的一代游戏机相比，一长串的游戏体验改进是可观的。更不用说您将很难构建具有这些规格的游戏 PC。话又说回来，如果考虑到生命周期成本(lifetime costs)，游戏 PC 实际上可能不会贵得多！
Is Buying the Most Expensive Game Consoles Worth It?
In theѕe economically trying times we all havе a need for entertainment, but also a nеed to be frυgаl. With the release of a new generation of rather expensive game consoles, it’s faіr tо ask what you get for your hard-earned money.
Should you buy a next-generation console or stick with something older and more affordable? Is buying the most expensive game consoles worth it?
Putting All the Options on the Table
Which consoles are we talking about here? The “most expensive” consoles mentioned in the title of this article are the PlayStation 5 (with disc drive) and the Xbox Series X. Both of these consoles cost $500. At least they do in key territories before sales tax is added. That’s a lot of moolah!
Then there are cheaper options from the same generation of consoles. There’s the PlayStation Digital Edition, which lacks a disc drive, for $399. On the Xbox side of things there’s the Xbox Series S for $299. The Series S also lacks a disc drive and has a much less powerful graphics chip than its more expensive brother, the Series X.
Next, we have the (now) last-generation console choices. The PlayStation 4, Playstation 4 Pro, Xbox One S and Xbox One X. The PS4 Pro and Xbox One X are mid-generation upgrades to these older consoles that improved the graphical power somewhat.
We’re not going to include the Nintendo Switch here, because it’s not really competing in the same space as the other two consoles. If you’re wondering whether to get the Switch or the Switch Lite, check out the Biggest Differences Between Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch.
Understanding the Benefits of the Latest Consoles
What’s the big deal with these new expensive consoles anyway? Here’s a summary:
- Super-fast solid-state storage for short load times and new game design possibilities.
- Much faster CPUs. making 60 frames per second the new norm, with 120 frames per second possible in some titles (with a compatible TV!).
- Significantly better GPUs, allowing for 4K or near-4K image quality and ray tracing.
- Backwards compatibility with previous generation games, as well as significant enhancements to those older titles.
If you buy one of these new top-end consoles, you’re getting crisper graphics, much smoother motion and improvements to games you already own and love. Apart from the cost, it’s all positive from a gaming perspective!
Now that all the options are on the table and you know what splashing some cash will get you, let’s go through each major decision in turn.
Xbox or PlayStation?
Both Sony and Microsoft have pretty compelling gaming platforms and there’s no such thing as a universally better choice. For an in-depth comparison between these two console brands, have a look at Playstation vs Xbox: How To Choose What’s Right For You.
In the end, this is a personal choice that depends on what types of games you like to play, what your friends are playing, which online service you like more and which brand speaks to you. It also matters whether you care about taking your existing game collection into the next generation or not.
For most people, comparing the two brands of consoles isn’t all that useful since you’re unlikely to be choosing from a neutral position. What’s more important is the choice of making the jump to the most expensive model for your chosen brand or not.
Our Recommendation: Listen to your heart.
PlayStation 5 Digital vs Playstation 5 With Disc Drive?
When it comes to the PlayStation 5, there are two models to choose from. Both are identical in every way, except that the Digital Edition lacks a BluRay drive and costs $100 less, so you make no sacrifices in terms of game fidelity or next-generation performance.
Sounds like a good deal, right? Well that $100 “saving” might actually be a bad deal for you and a great deal for Sony. By saying no thanks to the drive, you give Sony total control over video game pricing.
You lose access to retail price competition, used games, PS4 disc-based games and the ability to play 4K BluRay movies. We don’t think these sacrifices are worth the $100 saving. One could easily make that money back and more through price savings. However, if you’re sure that these specific sacrifices are ones you can live with, then the Digital Edition is a more affordable option in the short term.
Our Recommendation: Buy the standard PlayStation 5
Series S or Series X?
The Series S is a full $200 less expensive than the Series X flagship console. However, unlike the two PS5 models, you’re giving up much more than just a disc drive. The Series S has a (slightly) slower CPU and only one third of the GPU power. However, the Series S targets (up to) a 1440p rendering resolution. It’s best to think of it as a 1080p console to avoid disappointment.
If you have a 1080p television and aren’t planning on upgrading to 4K any time soon, the Series S is a fine choice. Losing disc access creates similar issues as it does on the discless PS5. However, Microsoft does have its Game Pass service, which goes a long way to making up for that.
You can play all the same games as the Series S. You get the same backwards compatibility support as well. Games should play at the same frame rates as the Series X as well. The main differences will be a lower resolution and perhaps slightly dialled-back graphical settings.
The choice here really is based on budget. The Series X is clearly and objectively superior. The difference is undoubtedly worth $200. So if your budget allows for it, get the more expensive device.
Our Recommendation: Buy the Series X if you have the choice.
Sticking With the Last Generation
If you own a PS4, PS4 Pro, One S or One X you shouldn’t feel too much pressure to upgrade. If you’re happy with the resolution and frame rates of these consoles you can still expect new games to be available on your console for a year or two.
If you don’t own any of these more expensive game consoles, the choice becomes harder. It’s better to buy the latest generation console now if you’re a new buyer. Since you’ll be set for the next five years. If you buy one of the outgoing consoles, even at a good price, you’re going to want a replacement much sooner.
Thanks to the backwards compatibility of both the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, it makes less sense to hold onto their predecessors. While visual quality on the outgoing machines is still fine, they suffer from poor framerates. Which is perhaps the largest and most immediate quality of life improvement.
Are the most expensive game consoles worth the asking price? Absolutely. Are they worth it to you? That’s a different question. We think the long list of gameplay experience improvements over the cheaper generation of consoles is substantial. Not to mention that you’ll have a hard time building a gaming PC with these specifications. Then again, a gaming PC might actually not be that much more expensive if you factor in lifetime costs!
