Comparison Sony PlayStation Portal vs Sony PlayStation Vita

The official release year of the game console. Usually, it is indicated by the date of official sale. This information allows you to determine the "age" of the device — and, accordingly, its functionality (to some extent), including within its own platform. So, for example, the difference between the Xbox One S and Xbox One X in terms of name is not particularly obvious; but knowing that the first was released in 2016, and the second — in 2017, you can definitely determine which model will be newer and more advanced. Accordingly , the novelties of 2020 and 2019 will be even better.

Additional items supplied in the kit in addition to the actual console. Joysticks are not taken into account in this category — their availability and quantity are indicated separately (see below).

— Game included. A game (or several games at once) for the console — usually on a separate medium like a DVD, but other options may be provided (for example, a license key for downloading the official version). The specific games supplied in the kit, even for the same model, may be different, this point needs to be specified separately. However, anyway, complete games have common features: they are initially optimized for this console, and often they are designed to demonstrate to the user all the advanced features of the device (for example, control using the motion controller described below or VR glasses). The cost of the game is included in the price of the bundle, but it is usually much cheaper than the same game sold separately.

— Motion controller. A game controller that allows you to control the gameplay not by pressing buttons and deflecting levers, but by the movements of the user. This allows you to play many games using the same movements as in the real world — for example, by waving your hand while holding the controller in it, imitating a bowling ball throw or hitting a tennis racquet. The design and principle of operation of such devices may be different. So, the controller for...the Nintendo Wii is held in the hand or in a special adapter (for example, imitating a pistol or rifle). Microsoft Kinect is a camera that monitors the position of the player's body and controls the game accordingly. The PlayStation Move from Sony works in a similar way — only, in addition to the camera, it uses an external manipulator with a bright marker ball. Anyway, the motion controller is able to significantly diversify the gameplay. It is best to purchase it immediately with a prefix — it is at least easier and faster, and often cheaper.

— Digital camera. Digital camera features vary by console form factor (see above). So, in portable models, it usually represents a “peephole” located above the screen or on the back side; sometimes there are two cameras at once. In games, such equipment can be used, in particular, to recognize a player by face, to work with augmented reality technologies, to automatically adjust the 3D screen to the position of the user's head, etc. In addition, many portable consoles with this function also allow “non-gaming” options for using the camera — in the same way as it is done on a smartphone or tablet: for video communication, broadcasting on the Web, shooting photos and videos, etc. The specific functionality in both cases may be different. As for desktop models, here the digital camera is usually implemented as a separate device and is most often used to operate a motion controller (see above) or virtual reality technologies (see below). At the same time, we note that Microsoft Kinect is not considered a digital camera — it is a full-featured motion controller that works without additional equipment. But the camera used in the PlayStation consoles only works with the PS Move controller and the PS VR system, so it belongs to this category.

— VR headset. A helmet or virtual reality glasses is an accessory that enhances the effect of immersion in the game. Wearing such a helmet, the user can turn and tilt his head, examining the virtual space as if he were looking at it in the real world — the sensor system changes the image in front of the eyes accordingly. Thus, the maximum "presence effect" is achieved, and the gameplay becomes more diverse and interesting. For example, in racing or a flight simulator, it is convenient to control the environment with the help of a helmet, and in shooters and “roaming games” it may even be possible to look around the corner with your head stretched out. Models bundled with VR accessories can be sold without them, but the console and headset set is usually cheaper than the headset and set-top box separately (not to mention the fact that buying everything at once is more convenient and faster). Note that a VR headset may require a digital camera (in particular, this is the system used in PlayStation consoles); in such cases, if there is no camera "on the farm", it would be useful to clarify its presence in the kit.

In addition to those described above, other optional accessories may be included in the package.

The diagonal of the set-top box's own display. The display is by definition found in handheld models and game pads (see Form Factor); in desktop models, this element of equipment is quite rare and is usually installed not in the set-top box itself, but on standard controllers (which sometimes can even work as separate devices).

The larger the display size, the larger, respectively, the overall size of the image that the user sees on the screen. However, it is worth considering 2 points. Firstly, an increase in the display size has a corresponding effect on the dimensions of the set-top box itself, and therefore even in advanced tablets it does not exceed 7". Secondly, the image quality depends not only on the size of the display, but also on its resolution (see below). Moreover, at the same resolution, the picture on a larger screen will be less clear and more "grainy" due to the larger pixel size.

Set-top box native display resolution. This parameter largely determines the quality of the image: the higher the resolution (with the same diagonal) — the more even and smoothed the “picture” will be, the less noticeable will be the individual points that make up it. Here, however, it must be borne in mind that the corresponding graphics resolution should be provided for in the games themselves. Ideally, it should match the display values — otherwise the image will look either too rough, "grainy" (if the game resolution is less than that of the screen), or small and cloudy (if the game resolution is higher). However, most platforms for portable models have certain requirements for screens, and manufacturers, even unofficial ones, usually try to follow them.

The presence in the design of the set-top box of a screen that is sensitive to touch — like those used in modern smartphones and tablets; in fact, gaming tablets (see "Form factor") are equipped with such screens by definition. The touch display significantly expands the control possibilities — in some games it is most convenient to control the process with the help of touches on the screen, and in general, as a controller, it is quite universal. In addition, this function can be very useful when using additional, non-gaming features (for example, while surfing the web).

— LAN (Local Area Network). The most common and in fact the dominant interface today for wired connection of various electronic devices to computer networks. Allows you to work with local resources, as well as access the Internet. In the case of game consoles, such a connection can be used for network games, for working with specialized gaming services, cloud storage, firmware updates, and even for full-fledged web surfing and/or playing music and videos from local resources or Internet sites; specific network capabilities in different models are different. Note that the LAN interface is installed exclusively in desktop consoles (see "Form factor") — it is poorly suited for portable ones for a number of reasons.

— Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). Game consoles use Wi-Fi wireless technology primarily to access the Internet. The ways of using such a connection can be different: multiplayer games, access to branded gaming services, social networks, full-fledged web surfing, updating games or firmware, etc. This method of connection is more convenient than wired, because it eliminates the hassle with cables; and for portable models (see "Form factor"), it is actually the only possible one. Specifically, the Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) standard provides data transfer rates up to 300 Mbps and uses two bands — 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The latter ensures compatibility with both earlier (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g) and later (Wi-Fi 5) standards. And the mentioned speed is consider...ed relatively low, but for most tasks it is more than enough.

— Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). Further, after the Wi-Fi 4 described above, the development of Wi-Fi technology. It uses the 5 GHz band and gives a data transfer rate of more than 1 Gbps (in the future — up to 6 Gbps). This speed not only simplifies the transfer of large amounts of data (for example, downloading games or updates to them), but also reduces lag in online games. For compatibility with older Wi-Fi standards using the 2.4GHz band, Wi-Fi 4 may also be supported in addition to Wi-Fi 5.

— Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). The latest version for 2020 uses the ranges from 1 to 7 GHz — that is, it is capable of operating at standard frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (including with equipment of earlier standards), and in other frequency bands. The maximum data transfer rate increased to 10 Gbps, however, the main advantage of Wi-Fi 6 was not even this, but further optimization of the simultaneous operation of several devices on the same channel (improvement of the technical solutions used in Wi-Fi 5 and WiGig). Thanks to this, Wi-Fi 6 gives the smallest speed drop among modern standards when the channel is loaded.

— Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). The Wi-Fi 6E standard is technically called 802.11ax. But unlike basic Wi-Fi 6, which is named similarly, it provides for operation in the unused 6 GHz band. In total, the standard uses 14 different frequency bands, offering high throughput in the most crowded places with many active connections. And it is backwards compatible with previous versions.

— Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be). As in the previous edition of Wi-Fi 6E, the technology supports operation in three frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. Wi-Fi 7 bandwidth has increased from 160 MHz to 320 MHz, allowing larger amounts of data to be transferred overnight. IEEE 802.11be uses 4096-QAM modulation, which also allows more symbols to be accommodated in a data transmission unit. The maximum you can squeeze out of the standard is up to 46 Gbit/s information exchange speed. In the context of game consoles, the development of MLO (Multi-Link Operation) looks like a useful innovation, with which you can aggregate several channels in different ranges. This significantly reduces delays in data transfer, while simultaneously ensuring low and stable ping in games. And when connecting multiple client devices, Multi-RU (Multiple Resource Unit) technology is designed to minimize possible delays.

— Bluetooth. Wireless interface designed for direct connection between various devices; very versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. In game consoles, use cases for Bluetooth include connecting wireless controllers, headphones and headsets, and sharing files with other gadgets (such as a laptop or tablet); the specific capabilities of this interface are different in different models. Bluetooth uses the radio range and has a range of about 10 m, while it can maintain a connection even through walls (except that the range in this case is reduced).

— NFC. NFC (Near Field Communication) is a wireless communication technology with a short range, of the order of several centimeters. Potentially, it has quite extensive capabilities, but today it is most often used as an auxiliary tool when connecting via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If both connected devices have an NFC, instead of searching, connecting, authorizing and other actions, it is enough to bring these devices to each other and accept the connection. The vast majority of game consoles with an NFC are portable (see Form Factor).

The model of the processor installed in the game console.

The processor is the main computing module of the device; the capabilities of the set-top box as a whole largely depend on its characteristics. However, it is worth noting that information about its model in game consoles is usually of a general reference and promotional nature. The fact is that set-top boxes are usually designed for a specific platform, and this implies certain requirements for the power of the hardware so that the corresponding games work normally. Of course, knowing the name, you can find more detailed information — characteristics, test results, reviews, reviews, etc. — and make the most clear impression of the capabilities of the processor; however, unless you plan to use the prefix in non-standard roles, this information is unlikely to be of real practical value. The only exception is gaming tablets (see "Form Factor"): since they are very versatile and can be equipped with a variety of programs, processor data can be useful in assessing how fast an application will run.

Note that advanced desktop set-top boxes can have multiple processors.

The presence in the design of the console slot for memory cards. The specific purpose of these cards may be different. In some models (mostly portable, see "Form Factor") they serve as an addition to their own built-in storage, and sometimes they are the only way to store a variety of information; in others, they are intended only for recording saved games. In addition, the formats of the cards used also vary; most commonly used today are SD and microSD, and the PlayStation platform (see above) works with the proprietary MemoryStick format.

In addition to expanding its own memory, removable cards can also be used to exchange information with other devices: for example, you can write new games to the card through a laptop card reader, and then install it in the console.

The capacity of the standard battery of a portable set-top box or game pad (see "Form factor"). Theoretically, the higher the capacity, the more energy the battery can store and the longer the device will last on a single charge. However, in fact, battery life is determined by a wide range of other factors, ranging from diagonal and display type to supported games. Therefore, the battery capacity is more of a reference value and is rather weakly related to specific indicators of battery life — it is better to clarify them according to official characteristics (or other sources, for example, user reviews).