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PS5 vs Xbox Series X – Comparison
After the longest-lasting consoles generation in the modern age, the next generation is finally here in the form of the PS5 (PlayStation 5) and the Xbox Series X.
This isn’t like the prior generation of console battles that have leaned towards ushering cutting-edge resolution because that already happened in the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X.
So you might be expecting 8K resolution to be the big news here because it was suggested by both Microsoft and Sony earlier, but either console does not support it.
Instead, the PS5 and Xbox Series X embody the FPS (frame rate per second) and ray tracing revolution.
4K gaming is still present on both consoles, but they feel more responsive, look substantially better and run faster.
However, that doesn’t tell the whole story; both devices take gaming to new and previously unreachable levels. So let’s take a look at how these consoles compare in-depth.
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X: Controllers
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X – Controllers
Both the PS5 and Series X have new controllers, but there is no denying that PS5’s new DualSense controller is more noteworthy and ultimately the better of the two.
On the face of the PS5 controller is a new ‘Share’ button inspired by the one in the PS4’s DualShock controller.
You can click on the button to take and save a screenshot and hold it down for a few seconds to capture the previous 30 seconds of gameplay.
On the other hand, Xbox’s Elite Controller Series 2 features what Microsoft calls DLI (dynamic latency input), which is supposed to synchronize each controller’s input with what appears on your screen.
Of course, your smart TV’s refresh rate comes into play here but speeding up the process at any juncture can only be a good thing.
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X: Design
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X – Design
Both consoles are noticeably different; the design of the Xbox Series X is similar to a matte black tower desktop.
It measures 300 x 150 x 150 mm, weighs 9.8 pounds, and has a 130mm fan that draws cool air using the bottom vents and shoots hot air from the top vents.
However, unlike previous Xbox generations, the Series X doesn’t have an HDMI or optical port.
The PS5 is sci-fi-like compared to the utilitarian appearance of the Series X. its glossy white finish and rounded edges contrast with the Xbox’s geometric and sharp silhouette.
Some say that the PS5’s white body looks like a high-collared cat suit with a fissure that plunges down to form the letter ‘V,’ denoting that this is the fifth-generation PlayStation.
With regard to dimensions, the PS5 is absolutely massive; it’s slimmer than the Xbox Series X, but it’s substantially taller, coming in at 390 x 104 x 260mm.
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X: Games
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X – Games
This console generation is different from any other because apart from a tiny number of cases, you don’t need to get a new device in order to play the latest games.
In fact, there is not a single game designed for Series X that can’t be played on the Xbox One. It’s the same story for the PS5, but not quite.
While practically all games designed for the PS5 can be played on the PS4, there are three noteworthy exceptions, namely Astro’s Playroom, the overhauled Demon Souls, and the spectacular Godfall.
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X: Key Specs
While it’s good to know which specs are incorporated in gaming consoles, that only tells a part of the story when it comes to performance.
We can say the XBOX Series X is the better console with regard to hardware and especially GPU and SSD.
That said; look at the table below to see how their specifications compare side by side.
| PS5 Vs Xbox Series X | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Backward Compatibility | Virtually all PS4 games, including optimized PS4 Pro titles | All Xbox One games / Select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games |
| CPU | 3.5Ghz AMD Gen 2 | 3.8Ghz AMD Gen 2 |
| GPU | 10.3 teraflop AMD RDNA 2 | 12.0 teraflop AMD RDNA 2 |
| Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 3x USB-A and1x USB-C | 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x Storage Expansion and 2x USB-A |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Resolution | Up to 8K | Up to 8K |
| Storage | 825 GB Custom SSD | 1 TB custom NVMe SSD |
| Dimensions | 390 x 104 x 260mm | 300 x 150 x 150 mm |
| Weight | 9.9 pounds | 9.8 pounds |
| Exclusive Games | Gran Turismo 7, Horizon II: Forbidden West and Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Forza Motorsport 8, Halo Infinite, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 and State of Decay 3 |
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X: Picture and Sound Quality
PS5 Vs Xbox Series X – Picture and Sound Quality
Both consoles offer native 4K gaming at frame rates roughly double what their predecessors offered, and there is additional graphical detail and polish.
You might play the same games as people with the PS4 and Xbox One, but there is no refuting the generation overhaul with regard to performance and presentation on both consoles.
The Series X leaves a bit of room for complaint when it comes to audio performance. But if you add the Xbox wireless headset, you can have DTS, and Dolby Atmos pumped into your ears.
The PlayStation 5, on the other hand, has very limited Dolby Atmos support, but its bespoke headphone-based 3D (three-dimension) audio makes up for this.
Final Thought
The PS5 and the Xbox One X are very capable gaming consoles and streamers as well. But when it comes to just gaming, the PS5 is the clear winner based on refresh rate, resolution, and delivering an overall experience that’s truly generational.
See Also
How to Transfer Data from PS4 to PS5