All you need to know about the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5
Microsoft and Sony unveiled hardware specifications for the upcoming Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 through digital presentations this week. Screen Rant explains that the Xbox Series X is shaping up to be the more powerful of the two, but the PlayStation 5 will be faster. Engadget, on the other hand, notes that players can “rest a bit easy” since both consoles will offer similar levels of performance. The Verge, CNN, and CNET have breakdowns of the specifications.

Gamers, Unite!
Gaming is on the rise as more people hunker down following the COVID-19 pandemic. GamesIndustry.biz reports global viewership has jumped by 10% on Twitch and 15% on YouTube Gaming. Similarly, The Hollywood Reporter and Polygon note that a recent study by Verizon found online gaming spiked by 75% during “peak hours” in North America. GameDaily.biz claims it’s no surprise that gaming has increased since people around the globe began to self-isolate, but there are a number of unknown effects that the isolation may have on the gaming industry in the near future.

How not to handle COVID-19
GameStop is in hot water after it was reported that multiple locations have remained open despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Kotaku, Polygon, Ars Technica, and more note that GameStop claims it is an “essential retail” service, comparable to groceries and pharmacies, and therefore should not close its doors. The company has received backlash online following the news, with VICE reporting that the situation is more dire than it appears – some GameStop employees have been left without adequate cleaning supplies for their stores and others have been asked to reinstall interactive demo stations despite the risk they pose for spreading the virus.