Why did the console bit wars end? During the 32 bit era, PS1 and Saturn were 32 bit systems, and Nintendo was boasting about having a 64 bit system. The last time console makers boasted about bits in their system was the sixth generation, with the Dreamcast, GameCube, and PS2 being 128 bits.

Question

Why didn’t the bit war continue into the seventh generation? Why didn’t the amount of bits double to 256 bits like they did in past generations? Any insight into this would be appreciated.

In: 609

Answer 1

Because these days virtually all consoles have parts that are 128bit. Some parts even more. If memory serves correctly the amd chips in xbox/ps5 is 256bits for parts of the gpu.

Some parts help speed up moving data, some help calculations.

The ps2 had some extra micro(one was micro and macro) processors. They were entirely 128bit. But this is a bit of trickery. It allowed you to add/sub etc 4 decimal numbers at once for 3d calculations for example.