PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Which should you get?
Next-generation consoles don’t come around very often so when they do it sparks chaos in not just the gaming community but in everyone. The two titans of Sony & Microsoft go head to head to try and convince us that their console is the one we should buy. The next-gen Xbox Series X and PS5 are no different. Its PS5 vs. Xbox Series X, but which one comes out on top?.
If you want to skip to the end to see my final thoughts and which one I’m going to buy, click here.
Still trying to get a next-gen console? Check out our tips on how to get one here in the UK.
Next Generation Consoles
Since November 2020, when these two consoles were released, there has been a huge hype around next-gen consoles and what they can offer. The previous generation of consoles are really starting to show their age in the present day, especially when you compare them to a lot of gaming pc rigs. These have been using powerful graphics cards and SSD storage for nippy loading speeds for a while now so when both Xbox and Sony released that they would be including these features on their respective consoles it caused quite a stir. In a nutshell, the next-gen consoles deliver 8k graphics, better frame rates, quicker loading speeds and more horsepower from the processors. There is a lot to get excited about with these new features. So which should you get?
Photo by Martin Katler on Unsplash
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Tech Specs
Now I’ll say this upfront, on paper the specs are slightly different but in reality the noticeable differences are negligible when it comes to performance. Below is a comparison of the specs for both consoles.
| PS5 | Xbox Series X | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU (Processor) | 8 core AMD Zen 2 3.5GHz | 8 core AMD Zen 2 3.8GHz |
| GPU (Graphics) | 10.3 teraflops AMD Radeon RDNA 2 | 12 teraflops AMD RDNA 2 |
| RAM (Memory) | 16 GB GDDR6 | 16 GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 825 GB Custom NVME SSD | 1 TB Custom NVME SDD |
| Useable Storage (Left after OS etc.) | 667.2 GB | 802 GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (although not currently) M.2 SSD stick | Yes 1TB Seagate Expansion card |
| Resolution | Up to 8K (Compatible TV Required) | Up to 8K (Compatible TV Required) |
| Frame Rates | 120 fps (Compatible TV Required) | 120 fps (Compatible TV Required) |
| Disk Drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray | 4K UHD Blu-ray |
| Ports | 1 x HDMI 2.1 3 x USB-A 3.1 1 x USB-C 3.2 | 1 x HDMI 2.1 3 x USB-A 3.1 |
| Wireless | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | 802.11ac dual-band (WiFi 5) |
| Dimensions | (H x D X W) 390 x 104 x 260 mm 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 in | (H x D X W) 301 x 151 x 151 mm 11.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 in |
| Weight | 4.5 kg 9.9 lbs | 4.45 kg 9.8 lbs |
As you can see from the specs above there really isn’t much between them. However, if we are nitpicking, the Xbox Series X is more powerful and provides more storage but the PS5 has WiFi 6 and a USB-C port. The use of SSD memory in both consoles means that the time it takes for them to boot up and load games will be massively increased from the previous-gen consoles. The suped-up graphics cards also enable an 8k-120 fps gaming experience.
Image by Thor Deichmann from Pixabay
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Pricing
The price for the top models of both consoles is the same, coming in at £449.99/$499.99. Getting your hands on them is a different ball game currently, whether you are willing to pay that money or not. They are currently rarer than a night out, in fact, you probably have more chance of getting a night out this year than snagging one of these consoles but I guess that’s what the buzz of next-gen does. It is also worth mentioning that both Sony & Microsoft are offering a watered-down version of the top-spec models in the form of the PS5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S. We won’t cover these models in detail in this review but there is a noticeable price difference here. The PS5 Digital Edition retails for £359.99/$399.99 whereas the Xbox Series S will set you back £249.99/$299. If you are focused on getting the top-spec range console only then there is no winner on price.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Design
Design is probably the most controversial topic when it comes to these two consoles. You will have seen the various memes circulating on social media about the console’s respective designs. Fridges and spaceships are commonly used words when describing the two’s aesthetics. Ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people love the PS5’s “futuristic” design and some hate it. Similarly, some people love the “minimalistic” design of the Xbox Series X and some think its a plastic fridge lookalike. Whatever your thoughts are on the looks of both consoles, it’s up to you which design you prefer. I would suggest looking at which one best fits into your home’s aesthetic unless you are looking for a centrepiece to stand out. Personally, I prefer the Xbox Series X design. I can’t imagine the PS5 in any room in my house and it not looking daft but as I mentioned, come to your own conclusions on this one.
Photo by Dennis Cortés on Unsplash
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Performance & Graphics
Performance
After comparing the tech-specs above you won’t be surprised that there isn’t too much to call between the two performance-wise. As the internals are very similar the result performance is evenly matched.
When it comes to speed and getting from a powered down state to in-game and playing the PS5 just edges it booting up in less than a minute. The Xbox Series X utilises that whole minute to do this. This is really nitpicking as compared to the previous-gen consoles both are lightning fast. Whilst you are in a game the loading speeds appear to be the same, like when you are fast travelling in open-world games or starting large games like GTA V. When you are in-game you will notice a difference, especially coming from the Xbox One or PS4. The experience is buttery smooth! There are no stutters or dropped frames and you will notice that more of the world will be loaded and visible. It truly is next-gen.
Graphics
The AMD RDNA 2 which is packed into both consoles, offers the ability to reach a whopping 8k resolution at 120fps. Now you can only reach this graphical mecca unless you have a compatible TV but an 8K TV would cost you around £2000/$2000+ currently so not necessarily an option for most people. If you are fortunate enough to own an 8K TV then prepare yourself to get the most out of these consoles. Both consoles support ray tracing. Now ray tracing may sound like some form of odd superpower but it is actually something that PC gamers will are very familiar with. Ray tracing traces the path of both light and pixels and simulates its encounters with objects in an image. This really helps to enhance the environment in-game and makes scenes just pop that bit more with added realism.
One difference between the two consoles in the graphics category is that the Xbox Series X has Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency. These are nice features but to be honest you won’t notice the difference between them been there or not.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Controllers
Xbox Series X
You’ll struggle to notice a difference between the previous-gen Xbox controller and the one that comes with the Xbox Series X, like Microsoft’s own spot the difference edition. However, if you look really closely you will notice a new share button in the middle of the controller. These buttons are a bit gimmicky for me, I have never used the one on my PS4 but some people must like to use them. The only other improvements are added textured grips at the back of the controller and on the shoulder buttons. You still get the same layout and the same AA battery pack to power it, however, you can get a rechargeable pack to put in instead relatively cheaply. One benefit of Microsoft keeping the controllers the same is that you don’t need to replace your old controllers with the new ones. If like me you don’t care for a share button your old controllers will be compatible with the Series X which is a great touch from Microsoft.
PS5
Sony unveiled its DualSense controller with the PS5 and demonstrated its ability to add that extra layer of immersion between player and game. Its a far cry from the now seemingly outdated DualShock 4. A new two-tone colour scheme and a texturised finish has been added but the real party trick is the haptics that is built-in. The haptics delivers feedback that mimics what is happening in-game to add extra immersion. It will be interesting to see what developers do with this feature in new releases. This new feature will either add a new string to the bow of the PS5 or it will become another gimmick that nobody is bothered about. If this feature does work then the PS5 has the upper hand on the Xbox Series X in the controller department.
Photo by Tamara Bitter on Unsplash
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Games
This for me is the most important comparison you should be making. As mentioned already with regards to the specs, you really won’t notice much difference between the two consoles from a hardware perspective, but the games are where the differences between the two appear and will influence your decision. If you are going to invest in one of these consoles you’ll want to know that the games that will be released on it are actually games you will want to play.
Launch Release Titles
Firstly let’s look at the release titles for each, spoiler it won’t take long. Really we can only talk about the PS5 for release titles as the Xbox Series X didn’t launch with any. Sony launched with Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy: A Big Adventure and Demon’s Souls, Miles Morales been the headline release. Both did also benefit from cross-platform games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Watch Dogs: Legion, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and your usual sports titles like FIFA and Madden. Release titles is clearly a win for the PS5 but with literally no stock available globally for either console I don’t think it has hurt Xbox that much.
Future Release Titles
Here is a breakdown of some of the biggest anticipated exclusives on each console. These are the type of lists you will want to use to help make your decision. If you just play loads of cross-platform games like COD and FIFA then you won’t need to worry too much about this but if not then see what titles you like the look of.
PS5
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| God of War: Ragnarok | 2021 |
| Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart | 2021 |
| Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time | March 2021 |
| Gran Turismo 7 | 1st ½ 2021 |
| Horizon Forbidden West | 2021 |
Xbox Series X
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Halo Infinite | Fall 2021 (September time) |
| Forza Motorsport | TBC |
| Senua's Saga: Hellblade II | TBC |
| Fable | TBC |
| State of Decay 3 | TBC |
Photo by Martin Katler on Unsplash
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Backwards Compatibility
For playing old games on the new consoles there is only one winner at present and that’s the Xbox Series X which wins hands down. Xbox enables you access to a huge catalogue of not just Xbox One games but also 360 and original Xbox games to play on the Series X. The PS5, on the other hand, will get access to pretty much all PS4 games but you won’t be able to go back any further than that, so no PS3 or PS2 games which is a bit disappointing.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Cloud Gaming
Sony
Cloud gaming on both is pretty similar also. Again the titles you enjoy playing will dictate which one wins for you. PlayStation Now will cost you £8.99/$9.99 and will give you access to those PS3 and PS2 games you can’t access with the backwards compatibility plus a whole host of other games.
Microsoft
Xbox has the Game Pass which comes in slightly cheaper if you are in the UK at £7.99/$9.99 a month. Similarly to PlayStation Now, Game Pass gives you access to a full library of recent and old games to play. Microsoft has a trick up their sleeve with Game Pass though and that is the Game Pass Ultimate. For £10.99/$14.99 a month you get access to a Gold Xbox Live Membership, Game Pass, Game Pass for PC, Cloud Gaming & EA Play. Microsoft also includes their exclusive release titles in Game Pass Ultimate so expect to see the likes of Halo Infinite drop onto Game Pass Ultimate when it releases later this year. Sony just doesn’t offer this feature and although the PS Now library is bigger the quality of games isn’t as good as you would get with Game Pass Ultimate. However, if you just want to go with the basic level of Game Pass or PS Now there isn’t much between them.
Looking to play Xbox games on the go? Check out our walkthrough on how to play Xbox on Phone or Tablet devices here.
Photo by Kerde Severin on Unsplash
Final Thoughts
Now I am a PlayStation gamer and have been for a while now, having owned the PS1, PS2, PS3 & now PS4. However, my choice for the next-gen console will be the Xbox Series X and that is what I would recommend. For me, aesthetics plays a big part, I just cannot picture the PS5 in any room in my house without it looking ridiculous. Also, it’s time for a switch. The PlayStation layout and interface has all just become a bit boring and I want to change things up. Now, this doesn’t mean you should also ditch PlayStation and get an Xbox Series X. One major thing to consider is what do all your friends have? If all your friends are on Xbox and you’re on PlayStation then maybe this is your chance to switch over. However, if they are on PlayStation and so are you then it might be worth staying put as the social aspect of gaming is what makes it so great.
Thanks for reading this comparison review, I hope you found it useful. Let me know down in the comments if you are staying put or making a switch.
Until next time 
