Three years after the launch of these rival game consoles, the competition is still fierce between the PS5 vs Xbox Series X. In the world of gaming, the PlayStation and the Xbox stand tall as giants – but few gamers will actually own both. If you’re loyal to neither Sony nor Microsoft, it’s only natural to be asking which of the two consoles is the better one to add to your setup. 2023 has been a strong year for both devices, with both the PlayStation and Xbox platforms getting a handful of game exclusives such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Starfield respectively.
So, it’s clear from the get-go that the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series each offer impressive capabilities and a high-quality gaming experience. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the key factors to consider when deciding between either the PS5 or the Xbox Series X, such as their specs, features, and pricing.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X Specs
| Specs | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 390 × 104 x 260 mm | 301 x 151 x 151 mm |
| 4K capability | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Storage | 825 GB SSD | 1 TB internal NVMe SSD |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Weight | 3.9kgs | 4.5kgs |
PS5 vs Xbox Series X Features
Now that you know their specs, let’s delve into their features.
Design and Size
One of the first things that catches the eye is the design of the consoles. The PS5 boasts a towering and futuristic design, while the Xbox Series X takes a more minimalistic approach with its cuboid shape. The PS5 is the largest console Sony has ever made, which may present challenges when it comes to finding a suitable place to house it. However, just because it’s obtrusive, doesn’t mean that it can’t look stylish – we’ve got a list of the best faceplates for the PS5 for those looking to customize their console. On the other hand, the compact size of the Xbox Series X makes it easier to fit into any gaming setup.
Performance
Both consoles are undeniable powerhouses in terms of performance. The PS5 is equipped with a custom-built AMD Ryzen chipset, featuring eight cores with the new Zen 2 architecture and Navi graphics. Its GPU offers 36 compute units running at 2.23GHz, delivering 10.28TFLOPs of performance. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, boasts a customized AMD Zen 2 CPU with eight cores and 16 threads, running at a locked 1,825GHz, and its GPU offers 12 teraflops of computing performance. The Xbox even uses FPS Boost to bring its graphical prowess onto older titles
So, it seems that in terms of raw performance, the Xbox Series X does actually have the edge over the PS5 when it comes to GPU and SSD hardware. However, both consoles have next-gen graphics capabilities, supporting variable refresh rate and auto low latency modes. There’s also strong performance of ray-tracing, meaning the natural lighting, shadows, and reflections throughout in-game graphics are a lot more realistic, and it’s hard to narrow down if either device does this better.
Power
While the Xbox Series X has a slight advantage in terms of raw power, the difference in real-world performance has been indistinguishable so far. Both consoles support 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates, providing gamers with incredibly smooth and immersive gameplay. The PS5 also supports screen resolutions up to 8K, while the Xbox Series X offers backward compatibility with previous Xbox generations, including the full Xbox One library.
Storage and Loading Times
When it comes to storage, there are some differences between the two consoles. The standard PS5 comes with an 825GB custom-built SSD and the slim version comes with a 1TB storage, offering incredibly fast load times and allowing developers to overcome streaming and data bottlenecks.
On the other hand, the Xbox Series X is equipped with a super-fast 1TB NVMe SSD, which can be expanded with a proprietary NVMe card. Both consoles offer ample storage for games, but it’s worth noting that the PS5’s storage may fill up quickly due to the larger file sizes of next-gen games.
Controllers and immersion
The controllers of both consoles have also received significant upgrades compared to their past generations. The PS5’s DualSense controller introduces haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, providing a more immersive gaming experience. The haptic feedback allows players to feel subtle vibrations, enhancing the sense of realism. The adaptive triggers offer varying levels of resistance, simulating actions more accurately. On the other hand, the Xbox Series X controller builds upon the familiar Xbox One controller, with refined dimensions and improved ergonomics.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X price
Price is often a significant factor when choosing a console. The PS5 is priced at $499 for the Slim model and standard edition with a disc drive, while the digital edition without a disc drive comes in at $399. On the other hand, the Xbox Series X is priced at $499, offering similar performance and capabilities, positioning it equally to the PlayStation. Both consoles provide value for their price, but of course, it’s essential to consider factors like storage capacity and the availability of exclusive games when making a decision.
Will I need to get a subscription as well as a console?
Both PlayStation and Xbox offer subscription services that offer you game deals and other perks across your console and account. In terms of pricing, the PlayStation Plus Essential will cost you $10 a month, and the Xbox Game Pass will similarly cost you $10 a month. These are tiered subscriptions, meaning a bigger investment will get you even more perks for your device.
Is the PS5 better than the Xbox Series X?
Well, ultimately the decision between either the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X comes down to personal preferences and priorities, as well as which one gamers in your circle have been leaning towards. While the PS5 offers a strong lineup of exclusive games, a revolutionary controller, and a beautiful user interface, the Xbox Series X provides backward compatibility, Microsoft’s commitment to Xbox Game Pass, and the potential for exclusive titles in the future.
Overall, both consoles offer impressive performance, fast load times, and high-quality gaming, but perhaps it could be said that the Xbox Series X has a better-designed form and controller, more powerful hardware, and a more comprehensive game subscription service. However, it’s also worth noting that we’ve recently seen the launch of the PS5 Slim, which brings the PlayStation 5 back into the game with its refined design and smaller form factor.
