"It's huge!" that's how Serkan Toto, CEO of consultancy Kantan Games, explains the significance of the new few days for gamers.

Sony has just launched its new console, the PlayStation 5 and on Tuesday Microsoft's Xbox Series X went on sale. Tens of millions of people are expected to buy one or the other during their seven- or eight-year life cycle.

In addition to new graphics and audio capability, the Playstation 5 comes with an innovative controller that can match events on screen in the real world by, for example, blocking a button if a weapon jams.

Microsoft, which lagged its rival in the battle over the previous generation of devices, is banking on a powerful subscription games offering and also a cut-price version of its console.

The pandemic has proved a boon for video games and both technology giants will be hoping to wow existing users and win new fans with their offerings.