Both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 make big, nearly identical promises: to play games up to 120 frames per second at 4K resolution, and even play games up to 8K resolution. The consoles also include "ray tracing" because they both run on powerful, modern specs.

LG

Both the Microsoft Xbox Series X and the Sony PlayStation 5 will run on chips that will support "ray tracing," as well as games up to 8K resolution, according to both companies.

In a nutshell, ray tracing is a technology that makes in-game lighting more realistic, which makes a bigger impact than you might think, and improves the overall look of a game.

Microsoft and Sony also both said their consoles will offer 120 frames per second (fps) at 4K resolution.

Confirmed Xbox Series X chip specs, so far:

A custom AMD processor based on AMD's Ryzen Zen 2 generation.

A custom graphics chip based on AMD's latest "RDNA" generation, also known as "Navi," with GDDR6 graphics memory.

Confirmed PlayStation 5 chip specs, so far:

A custom eight-core AMD processor based on AMD's Ryzen Zen 2 generation.

A custom graphics chip based on AMD's latest "RDNA" generation, also known as "Navi."

Interestingly, these specs are recognizable, even comparable, to specs that today's PC gamers would put in their powerful gaming PCs. Previous consoles typically used chips that are designed for low-power computers. (It's actually amazing how good games look on previous consoles considering their typically underpowered chips.)