Every few years, developers release new consoles, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with incredible graphics, innovative features, and games that blow us away. We’ve journeyed through the history of video game consoles, from the pixelated classics to the 3D marvels of today. Now, we’ve reached the cutting edge with the ninth generation of consoles, which kicked off around 2020 – and it’s already brought us some amazing experiences.
In this article, you’ll learn about what defines this generation, its powerful consoles, groundbreaking games that are pushing the limits of technology, and the exciting trends shaping the future of gaming.
This article is part of a complete series where we do a deep dive into each video game generation.
The tech behind the ninth generation of video game consoles
The ninth generation of video game consoles is all about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. While the eighth generation brought us stunning visuals and immersive open worlds, the ninth generation takes things to a whole new level – sharper graphics, faster loading times, and a smoother overall experience.
So, what exactly makes these new consoles so powerful? One of the biggest changes is the raw horsepower under the hood. These consoles boast powerful CPUs and GPUs that can crunch numbers faster than ever. This means developers can create games with more detailed graphics, complex physics simulations, and larger, more dynamic worlds.
Another game-changer is the introduction of real-time ray tracing. This technology simulates how light behaves in the real world, creating realistic reflections, shadows, and lighting effects. Games look more lifelike and immersive, with environments that feel almost tangible. Sometimes, it’s like stepping into a Pixar movie rather than playing a game.
But the improvements aren’t just about visuals. The ninth generation also sees the widespread adoption of solid-state drives (SSDs). These super-fast storage devices minimize those annoying loading screens interrupting the flow of gameplay. Even games on the heavier side load much faster compared to previous consoles, making the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
This generation also enjoys higher resolutions. Many ninth-gen games are designed to run at 4K resolution (and some even at 8K), which means four times the detail of a standard HD display (1920×1080).
This results in crisper, much more detailed visuals that make the game world pop. Combine that with High Dynamic Range (or HDR), which adds a wider range of colors and contrasts, and you get visuals almost as breathtaking as Keanu Reeves.
Key consoles of the ninth generation
The ninth generation of video game consoles sees two main contenders vying for your living room space:
Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5)
The PlayStation 5 continues Sony’s dominance in the console market, delivering a powerful machine built for stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. The PS5’s custom-designed hardware, including a powerful CPU and GPU, enables games to run at higher resolutions (up to 8K) with smooth frame rates and advanced graphical effects.
One of the biggest innovations this console brought to this generation was its DualSense controller. With haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it provides immersion that goes a step further than sight and sound.
Microsoft Xbox Series X/S
Microsoft takes a different approach with its ninth-generation offerings, releasing two consoles: the powerful Xbox Series X and the more affordable Xbox Series S. Both consoles support the same games, but the Series X delivers better visual fidelity and performance.
Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service has also become a major player in this generation, offering access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. This approach, combined with the consoles’ backward compatibility with older Xbox titles, gives players nearly infinite entertainment options.
Beyond the big two: what are the other popular consoles?
While Sony and Microsoft dominate the traditional console market, other platforms are also making their mark in the ninth generation:
- Console-quality gaming on the go: while technically a hybrid handheld and home console from the previous generation, the Nintendo Switch continues to thrive. In 2021, the release of the Switch OLED Model further enhanced its visual appeal, solidifying its relevance;
- VR headsets: those working on virtual reality gaming likely won’t stop anytime soon. Headsets like the Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index offer very immersive experiences at increasingly affordable prices, bringing VR gaming to a wider audience;
- Retro-focused consoles: for those who love classic games, retro-focused consoles like the Atari 2600+ and the Evercade offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane. These devices provide a way to experience classic titles on modern TVs, often with enhanced features and improved emulation.
Console games pushing the boundaries: the greatest so far
The ninth generation of video game consoles is still young, but it’s already produced some incredible games that showcase their new hardware’s capabilities and developers’ creativity.
The PlayStation 5 delights gamers with exclusives like Demon’s Souls, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Horizon Forbidden West. These games boast stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and innovative use of the DualSense controller.
On the Xbox Series X/S, players have been enjoying titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and Psychonauts 2. These games show the console’s graphical prowess and the value of the Game Pass subscription service.
VR enthusiasts have access to experiences like Half-Life: Alyx, Beat Saber, and Resident Evil 4 VR, all of which were well received by the community. These games prove the immersive power of virtual reality, transporting players to new worlds and offering novel gameplay mechanics.
Even handheld gaming has seen exciting releases. The Nintendo Switch continues to entertain players with titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Dread, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Trends shaping the ninth generation of video game consoles
This generation is more than powerful hardware and stunning graphics, though. There are many evolving business models and ways to play.
One of the most significant trends is the rise of subscription services. Xbox Game Pass, in particular, offers players access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. This “Netflix, but for gaming” approach is changing how people discover and play games, making it easier and more affordable to experiment with various titles.
This trend leaves some people concerned, though. They say: you’ll own nothing, and you’ll be happy.
Cloud gaming is another trend gaining momentum. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and the defunct Google Stadia allow players to stream games over the internet, eliminating the need for expensive hardware.
Sure, cloud gaming still faces challenges like latency and internet speed requirements, but it could make gaming more accessible to a wider audience.
The metaverse is yet another potential trend for games of this and upcoming generations. While still in its infancy, the metaverse promises to create interconnected virtual worlds where players can interact with each other, create content, and participate in virtual economies.
Games like Fortnite and Roblox are already blurring the lines between gaming and social experiences, perhaps laying the groundwork for the metaverse’s future.
Finally, we also have VR, with new headsets offering increasingly immersive and realistic experiences while becoming cheaper and easier to use. It has yet to achieve mainstream adoption, but there’s a ton of untapped potential there – VR could become an even greater force in the gaming world at any moment.
A bright future?
All in all, the ninth generation of video game consoles shows us video games keep getting better and better, at least technologically. We have awesome graphics, novel ways to play, and games that glue us to our screens more than ever. There are also new trends like subscriptions, cloud gaming, and VR changing how we think about the gaming experience.
The future of gaming looks optimistic – but only time will tell.
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