Tag: Austin Evans

  • Next Xbox Console May Feature Multiple Manufacturers

    Next Xbox Console May Feature Multiple Manufacturers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upcoming Xbox console will be a first-party device, distinct from Asus’s ROG Xbox Ally handhelds.
    2. Other companies may create their own versions of the Xbox console based on Microsoft’s design, leading to a variety of options for consumers.
    3. The AMD Magnus chipset is expected to allow different configurations and tiers of Xbox consoles, similar to the current Series X and S.
    4. New Xbox consoles are predicted to be more expensive than the Series X and will compete in the prebuilt desktop market.
    5. The strategy of allowing third-party manufacturers to create customized versions of Xbox hardware could lead to competition that helps keep prices in check.

    Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has stated that the upcoming Xbox console will be a first-party device. This is different from the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds created by Asus. However, the situation might be more complicated than what Spencer has indicated. YouTuber Austin Evans thinks that other companies will also make their own versions of the console.

    The Future of Xbox

    In his latest video, Evans raises the question of whether the Xbox brand is truly dead. He believes that the brand will endure, but future consoles might look quite different from the current ones. The company plans to develop a flagship system and will encourage other manufacturers to build their own systems based on this design.

    Various Options for Buyers

    Evans predicts that the AMD Magnus chipset will be flexible enough to support various configurations. Buyers might find different tiers of Xbox consoles, similar to the Series X and S. However, with several vendors involved, the devices could have unique designs and features.

    Pricing and Market Comparison

    Like the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, the new Xbox consoles would cater to different price points. Despite this, Evans believes that most options will likely be more costly than the Series X. These hybrid PC/consoles would compete in the prebuilt desktop market instead. Microsoft could face challenges in subsidizing hardware costs while its partners focus on making profits.

    This strategy might remind gamers of the expensive 3DO console, which featured manufacturers like Panasonic and Sanyo. Nevertheless, mini PCs like the Valve Steam Machine may serve as a better comparison. Both allowed third-party partners to create customized versions of the hardware. Critics have noted that both products also faced quality-control problems, and ultimately, neither met sales goals.

    If Evans is right, Microsoft is working on Xbox-branded hardware as a reference point. At the same time, consumers would have options for gaming systems made by different manufacturers. Hopefully, this competition will help keep prices from being as high as some fans are concerned about.

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  • PS5 Pro Teardown Shows Better Efficiency, DualSense Controller Issues

    PS5 Pro Teardown Shows Better Efficiency, DualSense Controller Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new PS5 Pro model (CFI-7121) has the same 2TB storage as the PS5 Slim but is slightly easier to transport and more energy-efficient.
    2. The design of the PS5 Pro is similar to previous versions, with a matte finish replacing the shiny surface, but it is 87 grams lighter mainly due to an updated internal fan.
    3. Internal updates include a slimmer power supply and heatsink, removal of VRMs from the motherboard, and improved efficiency in gaming performance (3-4% more efficient).
    4. The PS5 Pro operates 20% quieter than earlier models, while still maintaining similar performance levels.
    5. The new DualSense controller (CFI-ZCT2W) lacks a replaceable battery feature and the extra rear microphone, but uses lighter parts; a new version may be released soon.

    Following a new version of the PS5 Slim Digital with less storage, Sony has rolled out a modified PS5 Pro in select regions. YouTuber Austin Evans brought the CFI-7121 model from Europe to check out how the console has been updated. He also took apart the new DualSense PS5 controller, which is rumored to have a battery that can be replaced.

    Performance Insights

    The latest PS5 Pro wasn’t expected to show better performance. Like the PS5 Slim, it also carries the same 2TB storage space. Nevertheless, Evans noted that this pricier PlayStation console is slightly easier to transport and uses less energy.

    Design Changes

    In terms of looks, the new PS5 Pro is almost identical to its earlier version. Sony decided to swap the shiny finish on the PS5 Slim for a matte surface, but fingerprints could still be a problem for the more expensive model. After finding out that the console is 87 grams lighter, the teardown sought to uncover why.

    Internal Updates

    Surprisingly, the internal fan of the system is responsible for about half the weight difference. Evans suspects that this component uses different bearings. He also found that the power supply and rear heatsink of the system are slimmer. Additionally, Sony removed VRMs from the motherboard, which impacts both weight and likely reduces power usage.

    When testing PS5 Pro Enhanced games like Gran Turismo 7, the CFI-7121 model was found to be three to four percent more efficient. Evans also estimates that the console operates 20 percent quieter, producing a less annoying hum. While the system runs a bit cooler and is less power-hungry, there weren’t any improvements in PS5 Pro performance.

    Controller Concerns

    Sadly, the included DualSense controller does not make it any easier to replace batteries. Identified as CFI-ZCT2W, the PS5 controller might actually be a step back. The teardown revealed that it doesn’t have the extra rear microphone designed to help with voice isolation. Otherwise, Sony is using lighter parts sourced from different manufacturers.

    The DualSense V3 may be released in the near future. Earlier rumors suggested that this controller would come with the $749.99 console starting in November. For now, it appears that Sony is focusing on avoiding any additional price hikes for the PS5 Pro or its accessories.

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  • PS5 Slim Teardown: Design Changes, Performance Tests & Storage Review

    PS5 Slim Teardown: Design Changes, Performance Tests & Storage Review

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony has released a new PS5 Slim model (CFI-210) in Europe with reduced storage from 1 TB to 825 GB to avoid price hikes.
    2. The PS5 Slim features an all-matte finish, replacing the shiny parts to reduce visible scratches.
    3. The new model is lighter at 2433 grams, due to a thinner steel plate, but the reason for the remaining weight difference is unclear.
    4. Performance tests show the PS5 Slim operates at similar power consumption with slightly elevated temperatures and a quieter fan.
    5. A new PS5 Pro model (CFI-7121) has also emerged, but further teardowns are needed to understand the changes.

    Recently, gamers were caught off guard to find out that Sony has started shipping a new PS5 Slim in Europe. The CFI-210 model aims to prevent additional price hikes by reducing the storage from 1 TB to 825 GB. However, it was only after a teardown by Austin Evans that fans learned about other changes made by Sony. Although some design modifications were noted, they didn’t seem to appease the critics.

    Design Changes

    One alteration that some fans might like is the move to an all-matte finish. The initial PS5 Slim had shiny parts on its side panels and the black trim around the ports. Now, owners could potentially avoid those unsightly scratches that come with normal usage.

    Weight Reduction

    Austin Evans confirmed that the new PS5 Slim Digital weighs 2433 grams, down from 2556 grams of the older model. The reduction in storage doesn’t seem to explain the 123-gram difference in weight. To find out more, the content creator took the console apart.

    Upon inspection, he found that the steel plate that protects the motherboard is thinner, which contributes to the lighter weight. The reason for the remaining weight difference remains unclear. Nevertheless, Evans noted that the heat pipes in the CFI-210 model have a different orientation. Additionally, the updated motherboard has fewer VRMs but surprisingly more NAND modules for a smaller SSD.

    Performance Insights

    Evans tested the power consumption and thermal performance of the latest PS5 Slim Digital and found nothing unexpected. The system doesn’t use more power and only operates at a slightly elevated temperature. Gamers might also notice that the large internal fan operates more quietly.

    While appreciating some smart design adjustments, the only downside mentioned by the reviewer is the reduced storage capacity. As games continue to grow in size, new PlayStation users may have to make tough choices or consider adding an expansion SSD. If Sony can’t prevent another price increase for the digital version, it will only heighten user frustrations.

    New Model Alert

    In addition, a new PS5 Pro version has surfaced in Europe, identified by the model number CFI-7121. It uses the same size drive, and only another teardown might reveal the reasons behind the changes to Sony’s flagship console.

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