Microsoft revealed the Xbox Series X as the world’s most powerful console, boasting superior hardware than its rivals. Nearly three years later, this gap has not manifested in meaningful differences between the two. However, Alan Wake 2 has finally put this hardware to good use.
With next-gen visuals and a performance mode, Remedy has been able to push both consoles to their limits. This can sometimes result in scenarios where the PS5 struggles to maintain 60FPS, but this is not the case for the Xbox Series X.
Why it matters: Most games over the last few years have shown similar results on both consoles despite the difference in hardware.
According to the analysis, Alan Wake 2 renders at 847p in performance mode and 1270p in quality mode. The modes appear to be running at similar resolutions and settings across both consoles, but the Xbox Series X pulls ahead in terms of performance.
Despite the demanding visuals, the Xbox Series X can maintain a mostly smooth experience. This is true for both modes, with only a few dips here and there during the most intense sequences.
However, in the case of the PS5, the Sony hardware struggles to hold its target in areas where the Xbox Series X is consistently smooth. Digital Foundry notes that this can lead to an unstable feeling at times, though the game is still playable overall.
Side-by-side comparisons clearly highlight this difference, with Alan Wake 2 finally doing justice to the more capable Xbox Series X. In terms of load times, however, the PS5 pulls ahead, although the difference comes out to just a few seconds.
With Alan Wake 2 being one of the most demanding games of this generation, Microsoft is likely to be happy with these results.
PlayStation is also aware of the need for a more capable console, and rumors claim the PS5 Pro is already in development with a more capable GPU. Therefore, the power dynamic between these consoles may shift next year.
Overall, Remedy has ensured a good console experience for Alan Wake 2 on all platforms. Still, the best experience is available on PC, where the game can let go of hardware limitations and utilize path tracing for arguably the best-looking horror game to date.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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