GAMERS buying the new Xbox or PlayStation will likely have to fork out for an expensive new telly to get the most out of the high-end consoles.
The machines’ landmark features will require a 4K or 8K screen, HDR support and a new type of HDMI connection only built into a handful of pricey TVs.
That could mean players burn even bigger holes in their pockets than expected when the consoles hit shelves later this year, with each predicted to cost up to £600.
Dubbed the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, the pair will reportedly share similar price tags, specs and features.
Microsoft confirmed a few weeks ago that its new console will support 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second.
That’s twice as fast as the 60fps offered by today’s consoles, and will result in a crisper and smoother gaming experience.
The PS5 will also support 4K gameplay at 120fps, according to Sony.
To take full advantage of these landmark features, players will have to shell out for a TV with HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
HDMI 2.1 is the next generation of HDMI connections (up from 2.0), and is only available on select tellies.
They’re mostly newer TVs (2019 onward) and you’d be lucky to find one priced at under £900 in the UK.
The new Xbox Series X has a strange vertical design
On top of this, your TV will also benefit from a High Dynamic Range (HDR) display – technology that makes your picture brighter and more colourful.
Almost all 4K and 8K boxes are loaded with HDR support, but many older tellies are not.
It’s important to note, of course, that the Series X and PS5 will almost certainly function on TVs without all of these pricey features.
That means you’ll probably be okay to play them on an older set that doesn’t support 4K, HDR or HDMI 2.1.
However, if you do, you won’t get the full experience with the best possible graphics – arguably one of the biggest draws of the new consoles.
Microsoft confirmed in December that its new console would be named the Xbox Series X.
The machine will apparently run games at 4K resolution – double that of HD – with the possibility of running 8K.
It will also process games faster so as to “eliminate” loading times. A new Halo title will launch with the console.
Sony got in a bit before Microsoft, revealing details of its PS5 console in October, 2019.
Loading up a game on the PlayStation 5 will be ten times faster than on PS4, according to Sony.
It should come as no surprise that the consoles are expected to be among the most expensive ever released.
In January, analysts predicted gamers will have to for out between £450 and £600 for one of the machines.
Microsoft unveiled its upcoming console last year.
Read our round-up of the latest rumours about the Xbox Series X and PS5.
And find out why both of these consoles could be the last you ever own.
Are you excited for the new consoles? Let us know in the comments!
