Do console specs really matter?

The gaming console space is more crowded than ever, with everything from handhelds that function as PCs in a portable format to $700 “Pro” consoles that let you play games in  4K resolution at 60 FPS. While this gives you a lot of choice, console specs are becoming increasingly important. But in a device where you can’t really upgrade anything other than the memory, do console specs really matter?

Why console specs don't really matter?

PC gamers look closely at the specs of their setup when deciding which components are best to choose. But for gaming gamers, specs don't matter as much for two reasons...

1. You do not get to choose the console specs

Whether you prefer a PlayStation, Xbox, or any other console, there really isn't much choice when it comes to hardware specs. Consoles are designed to be a one-size-fits-all product, where companies release one console in a few variations, and that's it.

If you're considering buying a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, two of the newest consoles from Sony and Microsoft, you'll quickly realize that you have only a few options when it comes to making a purchase.

If you're on the PlayStation team, you can choose between the slim, disc-less version or the Pro; while Xbox offers two latest-generation consoles - the Series X and Series S, the latter being a more budget-friendly option with less powerful hardware. Quantrimang.com has compared the specs between the PS5 and Xbox Series X if you want to dig into the details.

This is true even for handheld consoles, the most obvious example being the Nintendo Switch. You can choose the standard Switch, OLED, or Lite version. The Lite gives up some amenities like detachable controllers and TV output in exchange for a lower price. The Switch and Switch Lite are almost identical when it comes to processing power, so it makes more sense to consider things like form factor, display, battery life, and other aspects rather than specs.

A handheld gaming PC is the only “console” you should consider specs for, simply because so many companies are making handheld PCs and they use different components that the performance differences are viable enough to factor in hardware specs. However, at that point, you’ve moved away from traditional console gaming and into the realm of PC gaming.

2. Lack of upgrade options

Compared to building a PC, where you have a myriad of configuration options between motherboard, CPU, GPU, memory, storage, cooling solution, power supply, etc.; the choice of console variants is not even close. You also can't swap out individual console components like the CPU or GPU later, so there's really no need to worry about hardware specs.

On most consoles, the only thing you can actually upgrade is the storage. Everything else is soldered to the console’s motherboard, meaning there’s no room for upgrading or swapping out components. And even if you had the expertise to take a soldering iron to a console’s motherboard and replace parts, there’s a good chance you’ll damage your console.

There are some technical advantages to consoles when you look at console generations within the same ecosystem. For example, the PlayStation 5 Pro may be arguably more powerful than the base PlayStation 5 due to its better specs, but there are still reasons why you shouldn't upgrade to the Pro. Everything the PS5 Pro can do, the PS5 can do, just with a slight reduction in performance and graphics quality.

Things to really consider when buying a console

Instead of specs, you should focus more on the games you like to play, your favorite ecosystem, which controller option is better for you, external hardware support, and what you intend to use the console for beyond gaming in general.

For example, if you want to play a PlayStation exclusive game, you have to buy a PlayStation – there is no other option. This also applies to all console generations, as games released for newer, current-generation consoles will not run on older consoles.

Different consoles also have different controllers. For example, you might prefer an Xbox-style controller while someone else might prefer a PlayStation 5 controller. So if you choose a console, that person will naturally gravitate towards a PlayStation while you might want an Xbox.

Another example is VR. If you want the best possible VR gaming on a console, the PS VR2 and PlayStation 5 are your best companion devices. Note that you can also play VR games on Xbox, but you'll need Meta Quest and then configure it to play on Xbox, while PlayStation supports PS VR out of the box.

There are a number of things you should consider before buying a new console, but specs aren't one of them. You buy a console to have fun playing games, not to engage in a "spec war" with other players. What matters most is the fun you have with your console, not the specs inside it.