Baldur’s Gate 3 has officially made its grand entrance onto the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, inviting players to immerse themselves in a sprawling fantasy world filled with rich storytelling and intricate gameplay mechanics. As console gamers dive into this critically acclaimed RPG, they will discover not only a captivating adventure but also new features like cross-save functionality and mod support that enhance their experience. With countless hours of exploration and strategy ahead, here’s what you need to know to embark on your journey through the Forgotten Realms.
PlayStation consoles
The PlayStation consoles have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry since their debut in the mid-1990s. The original PlayStation, launched in 1994, set the stage for a series of successful successors, including the PlayStation 2, which remains the best-selling home console of all time. The PlayStation 3 introduced high-definition gaming and a Blu-ray player, while the PlayStation 4 became known for its powerful hardware and extensive game library. The latest iteration, the PlayStation 5, released in late 2020, features advanced graphics capabilities and fast load times thanks to its SSD technology. With each generation, PlayStation consoles have pushed the boundaries of gaming experiences, making them a popular choice for players worldwide.
- PlayStation 5 is the only console on whichBG3 will be released in debut version. Unfortunately, its release won’t coincide with the PC release, with date of premiere slated for an about a month later. The release of the standard version is planned for September 6, 2023, but the owners of the Digital Deluxe Version will receive early access. They will be able to play from September 3, 2023.
- BG3will not be released on PlayStation 4. The console is simply too weak to handle this title. You will need a PS5.
Xbox Series S/X consoles
The Xbox Series S/X consoles represent the latest generation of gaming technology, offering players enhanced performance and immersive experiences. Launched on November 10, 2020, the Xbox Series X is designed for high-end gaming, capable of rendering games in native 4K at up to 120 frames per second, while the more budget-friendly Xbox Series S targets 1440p resolution with 4K upscaling capabilities. Both consoles utilize the innovative Xbox Velocity Architecture, which significantly reduces loading times and allows for seamless transitions between games through the Quick Resume feature. They also support advanced graphical features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and are backward compatible with a vast library of titles from previous Xbox generations, ensuring that players can enjoy both new releases and classic favorites on their consoles.
- The debut release of Baldur’s Gate 3won’t be available on Xbox Series consoles. This is due, among other things, to problems with optimizing the game for the significantly weaker Xbox Series S console. BG3 could not be released exclusively for the Xbox Series X, as Microsoft’s policy forces developers to release games for both versions of the Xbox Series hardware.
- According to unofficial information, Larian studio is working on adapting BG3 to work on Xbox Series S. This gives hope that the game may appear on Xbox Series consoles in the future, for example, in a few months.
- BG3will definitely not be released on Xbox One consoles. Similar restrictions apply here – the game could theoretically work on Xbox One X, but the developers would have to release it on all XONE models.
Nintendo Switch
Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently not available on the Nintendo Switch, and there are no indications that Larian Studios plans to release it on this platform in the future. Despite the Switch’s capability to handle various RPGs, the game’s extensive requirements and complexity make it unlikely to run smoothly on the console’s older hardware. While past titles like The Witcher 3 and Skyrim have been adapted for the Switch, they often involve significant compromises in performance and graphics. Furthermore, Larian Studios has shifted its focus to new projects, casting further doubt on a potential port. However, fans of the franchise can still enjoy earlier titles from the series, such as Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II, which are available on the Switch.
- There are no plans to releaseBG3on Nintendo Switch. Obviously, the console is too weak to run the game.
- A certain workaround would be offering Baldur’s Gate 3 in Cloud version i.e. via streaming. However, no such version has been announced.
What are the key differences between playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on PS5 and Xbox Series X
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a compelling experience on both PS5 and Xbox Series X, but there are notable differences between the two platforms that may influence player preference.
Visual Quality and Performance
- Graphics: Both consoles provide a visually appealing experience, but the PS5 generally exhibits superior anisotropic filtering and overall image clarity, particularly when viewed from certain angles. The Xbox Series X shows some degradation in these areas, making textures appear slightly less sharp in specific scenarios2.
- Frame Rates: The PS5 has shown improved frame rates, especially in CPU-intensive areas like the town of Baldur’s Gate. While both consoles target 30 FPS in quality mode, the PS5 tends to maintain a more stable frame rate compared to the Series X, which can experience dips below 30 FPS during crowded scenes.
Gameplay Experience
- Control and UI: Players have reported that the control schemes on both consoles feel somewhat clunky compared to PC mouse and keyboard setups. However, the overall gameplay remains consistent across platforms, as Baldur’s Gate 3 is designed to be turn-based, minimizing the impact of performance fluctuations.
- Multiplayer Issues: Xbox players have encountered significant bugs related to cloud saves and multiplayer matchmaking, which can disrupt gameplay. These issues have not been as prevalent on the PS5, making for a smoother online experience6.
Unique Features
- Split-Screen Mode: The Xbox Series X supports split-screen gameplay, allowing for local co-op play, while this feature is absent on the Series S. The PS5 also includes split-screen functionality4.
In summary, while both platforms deliver an engaging experience with minor visual and performance variances, players seeking stability and fewer bugs may prefer the PS5 version of Baldur’s Gate 3. Conversely, those interested in local co-op play might lean towards the Xbox Series X for its split-screen capabilities.
Which console has better performance in Baldur’s Gate 3, PS5 or Xbox Series X
In comparing the performance of Baldur’s Gate 3 on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the PS5 generally demonstrates better stability and frame rates, particularly in CPU-heavy scenarios.
Performance Overview
- Frame Rates: The PS5 version has improved significantly since its launch, maintaining a more stable frame rate, especially in crowded areas like the town of Baldur’s Gate. While it targets 30 FPS in quality mode and can drop into the low 30s during intense scenes, it often performs better than the Xbox Series X in similar situations, which can experience deeper dips below 30 FPS in demanding areas.
- Visual Quality: Both consoles offer visually comparable experiences, but the PS5 tends to have superior anisotropic filtering and texture clarity. The Xbox Series X may show slightly higher ground surface detail but suffers from lower texture filtering quality compared to the PS5 .
Mode Comparisons
- Quality Mode: On both consoles, quality mode targets 30 FPS at 1440p. However, the PS5 has been noted for its consistent performance without significant downgrades in visual fidelity.
- Performance Mode: The Xbox Series X achieves a target of 60 FPS in performance mode but can struggle with frame drops during busy scenes. The PS5’s performance mode also runs at 1080p but has shown improvements in frame stability over time.
Conclusion
Overall, while both consoles deliver a solid experience, players may find that the PS5 offers a more reliable performance with fewer fluctuations, especially in CPU-intensive scenarios. Therefore, for those prioritizing stable gameplay and visual fidelity, the PS5 may be the preferred choice for playing Baldur’s Gate 3.
