PS5 vs Xbox Series X – Which Is Your Best Investment?

If you’re looking to add the best current console to your gaming setup, then the PS5 vs Xbox Series X is worth considering. Both come with a considerable number of impressive features, so you’re sure to have a quality gaming experience regardless of your final decision.

However, the next confusing question is which one is better for you? To solve your problem effectively, we have summarized all the information about these two consoles. Please read and think carefully about this PS5 vs Xbox Series X review to be able to get a clear picture of one of the consoles that suits you best.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Overall Comparison

As far as comparisons go, while there may be no objective winner, each offers something the other doesn’t. Both consoles are well-built to support 4K resolution and 120fps at lower resolutions, making both the PS5 and Xbox Series X excellent consoles.

It’s been more than three years since the launch of these two consoles, and yet the battle between the PS5 and the Xbox Series X rages on. Fans of both sides are eager to claim that their machine of choice has superior hardware.

So what about all the other specifics? Let’s take a closer look next.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Specs

Winner: Xbox Series X

Features	PlayStation 5	Xbox Series X
Release Date	November 19th, 2020 (Worldwide)	November 10th, 2020
CPU	8-core 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2	8-core, 3.8 GHz AMD Zen 2
GPU	10.3 teraflop AMD RDNA 2	12.0 teraflop AMD RDNA 2
RAM	16 GB GDDR6	16 GB GDDR6
Storage	825 GB custom SSD	1 TB custom NVMe SSD
Resolution	Up to 8K	Up to 8K
Frame Rate	Up to 120 fps	Up to 120 fps
Optical Disc Drive	4K UHD Blu-ray (Standard PS5 only)	4K UHD Blu-ray

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Price

Winner: Tie

Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X were priced at $499 when they first went on sale. But there’s been a definite change in Amazon pricing now. Today, the PS5 is priced at $431.04. However, the Xbox X is priced at $438.98.

That’s not a huge difference, so I’d say it’s more of a draw in that regard. Due to the ever-changing market, the two gaming devices may also drop their prices significantly at sale events afterward. For example, during last year’s Black Friday shopping season, the PS5 and Xbox Series X dropped to $349 at select Target stores.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Design

Winner: Tie

Each console’s aesthetic and structural design reflect distinctive approaches to integrating within users’ living spaces and personal tastes.

Xbox Series X Design Highlights:

• Functional Aesthetics. Matte black with tower styling that blends seamlessly into a variety of home entertainment settings.
• Well-ventilated. The design emphasizes thermal efficiency to help maintain stable performance.
• Size and weight. Although the footprint is smaller, it is larger than the older Xbox One, which may affect placement options.
• Interfaces. HDMI input and optical audio output have been eliminated to meet specific user needs.
• Quiet operation. Running sound is kept low while keeping temperatures low.
• No Legacy Ports. Streamlining of ports by excluding HDMI-in and optical audio output found on previous Xbox models.

PS5 Design Highlights:

• Futuristic Design. Sleek white casing with a sci-fi look for gamers who want their entertainment gear to have a modern feel.
• Size. Taller and thinner than the Xbox Series X but bulkier and may require more space.
• Vertical/horizontal placement. Vertical or horizontal placement is an option, but air circulation needs to be considered.
• Acoustic Profile. Designed to run quietly, the PS5’s fan usually generates noise that is not disruptive during gameplay or media playback.
• CD-ROM drive noise. When running a CD-ROM, the noise level is lower than the Xbox Series X.
• PS5 Slim version. Lighter, takes up less space, and is easier to place, but may require the purchase of an additional vertical stand.

For both consoles, the disc drive is noisier than the fan, especially when playing 4K Blu-ray discs. However, the PS5 is about 5dB quieter than the Xbox. That’s enough to make an impact, and while neither will interfere with your movie soundtrack, you’re more likely to notice the Xbox during quieter moments.

But don’t worry! This isn’t a problem for games, though. Because even games purchased on CD-ROM run primarily from the console’s internal storage.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Games

Winner: PS5

The PS5 and Xbox Series X game libraries continue to be updated and developed. I’d recommend the PS5 more based on the combination:

Sony’s first-party studios have historically been very strong, and they have a good track record of delivering high-quality exclusives.
In the last three years, Returnal,  Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Gran Turismo 7, Horizon Forbidden West, and the mighty God of War: Ragnarok have filled our gaming world. Additionally, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy 16 were launched on PS5 only in 2023. The PS5 will also launch with selected new games in 2024.

When it was first released, Xbox X didn’t have any exclusive games. But then Microsoft kept optimizing it, and now the games on Xbox X are loved by everyone. With Microsoft acquiring multiple game studios, including Bethesda Soft works, their exclusive portfolio is expected to grow significantly. Gears 5, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Forza Horizon 4, Halo Infinite, and Forza Horizon 5 are some of these super wonderful games.

On top of that, both consoles are stocked with a wealth of third-party games such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Elden Ring, EA Sports FC 24, Star Wars Jedi Survivor, and more.

Meanwhile, Sony has the PlayStation Plus Premium package, which offers hundreds of games with a larger library of original games that are surely worth trying.

Searching for information about games? You may excited to get here.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Performance

Winner: PS 5

In order to test the performance of the two devices, I decided to apply “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” and “Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition” for measurement.

The former is a massive open-world game where loading times can be easily measured as you zip from one point on the map to another far-flung location. The latter is a fast, frenetic action game, and any drop in frame rate is immediately noticeable.

Loading time:

• PS5: Sony highlighted the speed of its custom SSD, which does seem to provide blazingly fast load times for games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. 

• Xbox Series X: While games are a little slower to load initially, fast transfer times are on par with the PS5. 

Gaming performance:

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla appears to perform similarly on both consoles, with a consistent 4K resolution at 60 fps, suggesting the developers were able to optimize the game well for both platforms. 

Graphical fidelity:

In Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition, ray tracing is even richer on Xbox Series X. This could be due to differences in how each console’s GPU handles this intensive rendering technique or due to optimization details by game developers. 

There’s a slight smoothness advantage in 120 fps mode on Xbox Series X, suggesting a more powerful GPU may offer an advantage when pushing higher frame rates.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Controller

Winner: PS5

The controllers for the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X represent the competing visions and philosophies of Sony and Microsoft when it comes to next-generation gaming.

PlayStation 5’s DualSense Controller:

Innovative Features:

• Adaptive Triggers: The L2 and R2 buttons can provide varying degrees of resistance to simulate actions more realistically, such as drawing a bowstring or driving on different terrains.
• Haptic Feedback: Advanced rumble technology that offers a wide range of physical sensations, adding a new dimension to the gaming experience.

Design:

• The DualSense features a two-tone color scheme and a more rounded shape for comfort.

Interaction:

• Built-in Microphone: Allows for quick chats without needing a headset.
• Create Button: A reimagined “Share” button for capturing and sharing gameplay content with more flexibility.

Charging:

• Uses a USB-C port for faster and more convenient charging.

Battery Life:

• Larger battery capacity compared to the DualShock 4, but actual battery life can be affected by intensive use of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

Xbox Series X’s Wireless Controller:

Subtle Improvements:

• Ergonomics: Slightly smaller than its predecessor, designed to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes.
• Textured Grip and Triggers: Improved grip on the handles, triggers, and bumpers for better control and comfort.

Design:

• It retains a familiar layout with a more refined design, including matte-finished triggers and bumpers.

Interaction:

• Share Button: A new button that simplifies taking screenshots or recording gameplay.

D-pad:

• The D-pad has been redesigned to be more responsive and is a hybrid between a traditional cross and a faceted dish.

Connectivity:

• Features Bluetooth Low Energy for easier pairing with devices and includes the proprietary Xbox Wireless connectivity for seamless integration with the console.

Charging:

• Uses a USB-C port and supports AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack sold separately.

Universal Compatibility:

• Designed to be compatible across the Xbox family of devices, including PCs.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Backwards Compatibility

Winner: Xbox X

Xbox Series X backward compatibility:

Xbox Series X features robust backward compatibility that extends to nearly the entire Xbox One library. Includes a selection of Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, with improvements not only in playability but also in performance and visuals for many games.

Games from previous generations can be played directly from physical discs or digital purchases without the need for streaming. The result is a seamless experience that is very close to the gaming experience on the original hardware.

Enhancements to older games include higher resolutions, faster frame rates, reduced load times, and Auto HDR, which adds HDR enhancements to games originally developed without HDR.

PlayStation 5 backward compatibility:

PlayStation 5’s backward compatibility is primarily with PS4 games. Sony said that the vast majority of thousands of PS4 games can be played on PS5 thanks to the new console’s more powerful hardware. However, it does not extend to PS3, PS2, or original PlayStation games through native support.

Never mind! A selection of classic games from PS3 and previous generations can be streamed through the PlayStation Plus Premium service.

The Ending Verdict

PS5 and the Xbox Series X are both excellent considerations. The Xbox X has a slight edge in terms of raw performance, design, and backward compatibility, but the PS5 is arguably the leader in the most important category, as it boasts a library of games that the Xbox can’t currently match.

After our repeated and comprehensive comparisons, the Play Station 5 could be your best bet. The PS5 also has access to next-generation virtual reality technology via the PS VR2 headset accessory. However, Microsoft doesn’t have an equivalent VR offering for Xbox users just yet.