Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X launch in less than two weeks and tensions between their respective fanbases are growing high, with all eyes are on the first wave of multiplatform next-gen console releases to provide greater insight into how each console will perform. But fans may not have to wait until launch to find out. Ubisoft shared early information about Assassin's Creed Valhalla's 4K performance on both PS5 and Xbox Series X recently, a description with a surprising difference between the two consoles.
In a blog post released earlier this week, Ubisoft described how 4K will work on PS5 and Xbox Series X for Assassin's Creed Valhalla. A very small, but also very notable difference in language was used for the two consoles. Specifically, Ubisoft said Assassin's Creed Valhalla will be "4K resolution at 60 frames per second" on Xbox Series X, while it will be "4K and 60 frames per second" on PS5. The implication being that the PS5 version of the game may not offer native 4K resolution and 60fps within the same mode.
After being asked for clarification, Ubisoft compounded the situation with a statement to DualShockers. Ubisoft delivered a message confirming that "Assassin's Creed Valhalla runs at 4K at 60 fps on PS5 (upscaled 4K)." The key words being "upscaled 4K" in that statement, rather than native 4K. In other words, the PS5 version of Assassin's Creed Valhalla is confirmed to have upscaled 4K at 60fps, while the Xbox Series X version of the game is implied to be native 4K at 60fps.
While it's not directly related, Sony recently announced a parallel decision for the PS5 launch title Demon's Souls. Demon's Souls will feature two modes, Cinematic and Performance. Cinematic offers native 4K at 30fps, while Performance offers dynamic 4K at 60fps.
To make abundantly clear, this is simply the implication of Ubisoft's language used to describe both consoles' versions of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. It's not entirely reliable, as Ubisoft hasn't wholly clarified the situation -- and likely intentionally so. Until Ubisoft does provide further clarification, it's best to remain skeptical about the details.
Console fans of either PlayStation or Xbox aren't likely to hold back, of course. If it's true that Assassin's Creed Valhalla will run at native 4K on Xbox Series X and only upscaled 4K on PS5, it's a clear argument that not only is the Xbox Series X is the more powerful console, but publishers will be able to create tangible improvements for their games on Xbox Series X compared to the PS5. The console wars are starting to heat up.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla releases November 10 on PC, PS4, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S, followed by a PS5 launch on November 12.
Source: DualShockers