A new in-depth technical analysis puts the latest versions of Cyberpunk 2077 head to head, evaluating the game’s performance on three different platforms. The test compares performance on the PlayStation 5, on a PC with equivalent hardware specifications and on a customized machine running SteamOS, similar to an Steam Machine. The evaluation seeks to determine which system delivers the best experience on the streets of Night City.
The benchmark focuses on crucial metrics like frames per second (FPS) rate, resolution stability, loading times, and the quality of advanced graphics technologies. The platforms were subjected to stress tests in intense combat scenes and exploration of dense urban areas to measure behavior under high processing demands.
The results indicate a tight race, in which the software optimization of the Sony console competes with the flexibility and raw power of a computer’s hardware. The decision on the ideal platform varies depending on each player’s priorities, balancing convenience and customization.
Frame stability and resolution
The PlayStation 5 demonstrates consistent performance in its “Performance” mode, maintaining a rate of 60 frames per second most of the time, with occasional drops in moments of greater visual complexity. Dynamic resolution is a key factor in this fluidity, adjusting subtly so as not to compromise image quality, which highlights remarkable optimization work for hardware with fixed specifications.
On the other hand, a PC equipped with equivalent components, such as an RTX 3000 or RX 6000 series GPU, shows its ability to go further, surpassing the 60 FPS mark. With the support of upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR, you can achieve even higher frame rates even with maximum graphics settings, resulting in smoother gameplay on high-frequency monitors. Essa flexibility allows for fine tuning between visual fidelity and fluidity, something that is not possible in the closed environment of the console.
The experience with Ray Tracing
The implementation of Ray Tracing technology, which simulates the behavior of light in a realistic way, is one of the main differentiators between the platforms. The PlayStation 5 offers “RT Quality” mode, which enables improved reflections and shadows but limits the frame rate to 30 FPS, a tradeoff that directly impacts the game’s responsiveness for some users. Embora the visual result is superior, the drop in fluidity is considerable. On PC, the options are much wider, as powerful hardware can run the game with Ray Tracing activated and maintain frame rates above 60 FPS. Além Additionally, the platform has exclusive access to “Overdrive” mode, which utilizes Path Tracing for physically accurate and immersive lighting simulation. Essa technology transforms the atmosphere of Night City, but requires extreme graphics processing power and is only viable on high-end video cards.
Loading times
The PlayStation 5’s custom SSD stands out for offering extremely fast loading times.
Quick travel between points on the map and the initial loading of the game are performed almost instantly.
A PC equipped with a modern NVMe SSD performs very similarly, making the difference almost imperceptible.
The console’s architecture was designed to optimize data flow, but advances in PC SSDs have diminished this advantage.
The SteamOS factor
The custom machine running the game via Proton on SteamOS delivered surprisingly solid performance, very close to the native experience on Windows.
Advantages of each system
The PlayStation 5 stands out for its convenience, delivering an optimized “plug-and-play” experience without the need for complex configurations.
The PC, in turn, is the definitive platform for those looking for customization and maximum graphical potential, in addition to being the only one that allows the use of modifications (mods).
The final choice
The version of Cyberpunk 2077 for the PlayStation 5 is excellent, with stable performance and high-quality visuals.
However, for gamers who want the most advanced visual experience and the greatest fluidity possible in Night City, a well-configured PC remains the superior choice.