The PS5 vs Xbox Series X rivalry is a ferocious one. Ever since the two leading gaming consoles were released two days apart from each other (Xbox Series X on November 10; PS5 two days later) last year, the debate has been rife over which one is better.
It has been a year of intense stock shortages, leaving countless would-be customers hanging in hopes of snagging a new console. Today, it’s still a choice of paying extra to sellers on Amazon and eBay or repeatedly signing up for in-stock notifications and waiting in long lines at a retailer.
Hopefully, the supply shortages will cease with time. Meanwhile, we have conjured up a detailed comparison between both pieces to give you a better idea of which console is leading the race “PS5 vs Xbox”. One thing is for sure: Sony and Microsoft have truly pulled out all the stops to create amazing consoles for this generation.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Price
Sony’s standard PS5 costs $499.99, while the PS5 Digital Edition – without the 4K Blu-ray physical disc drive – goes for $399.99.
The Xbox Series X is available for the same price as its competitor, going for $499. Its more affordable version, the Xbox Series S, costs $299.
Having said that, it is no secret that the aforementioned supply shortages mean that retailers have the upper hand when it comes to pricing the consoles. The introductory prices are by no means set in stone; you’ll probably have to pay higher to get either set.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Performance
As for the performance between PS5 vs Xbox, the PS5 is driven by a custom-built variant of the third generation AMD Ryzen chipset that offers eight cores with the firm’s new Zen 2 architecture and Navi graphics. The CPU runs at 3.5GHz, while the GPU packs 36 compute units running at 2.23GHz. This enables the PS5 to support features like ray tracing.
The PS5 also supports screen resolutions of up to 8K and works at 120Hz refresh rates. This allows ultra-smooth movement in games, provided you have an HDMI 2.1-compliant display.
The solid-state drive in the PlayStation 5 offers 825GB of storage with a raw 5.5GB/s throughput, along with 9GB/s worth of compressed data. This leads to tremendously fast loading times when booting up a game.
Having said that, the DualSense controller is arguably the most electrifying element of PlayStation 5. Using haptic feedback, it can simulate all subtle vibrations in the hand, fine-tuning the sensations experienced by the players. It also features adaptive triggers, allowing you to feel the in-game sensations more profoundly.
The Xbox Series X also used custom AMD internals that boasts the same Zen 2 and RDNA architecture as its Sony counterpart. The GPU contains 12 teraflops of computing performance and has 3328 shaders allocated to 52 compute units. It runs at a locked 1,825GHz, and delivers the same clock speed, no matter what the temperature of the unit is.
The latest Xbox iteration also supports 8K resolution, and 120Hz refresh rates at 4K – another similarity to PS5. It contains 16GB GDDR6 standard RAM.
Microsoft also offers forward-thinking features in the Xbox Series X, such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), dedicated share button and textured triggers in the controller, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support that takes advantage of TV sets with HDMI 2.1 support.
Another great feature is Quick Resume, which lets you suspend multiple games at a time, so you can start playing another game and then pick up where you left off in the previous title. All of this happens within seconds.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Games
Both PS5 vs Xbox have radically different approaches to game libraries. The Xbox Series X assumes that gamers will want to continue with the same titles they left on Xbox One, demanding optimized performance across the board for them. On the other hand, the PS5 offers a plethora of exclusive titles that launched alongside the console.
If we just look at first-party titles, PS5 launched with the Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Astro’s Playroom, Demon’s Souls and the highly-enjoyable Slackboy: A Big Adventure.
In contrast, Xbox Series X didn’t have any exclusive titles at launch – rather, Microsoft dropped a list of 30 ‘optimized for Xbox Series X/S’ titles, including fan-favorites Forza Horizon 4 and Gears 5.
Beyond this, both consoles are heavily stocked with third-party titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 3 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
One thing worth mentioning is that Microsoft offers the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a $15-per-month subscription that allows players to download over 100 games and play them on different platforms like Xbox One, PC and even Android.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Design
The PS5 comes with curvaceous lines coupled with a glossy white finish. Dimensions-wise, it stands at 390mm x 104mm x 260mm with a weight of 4.5kg. It can be laid horizontally if preferred; however, its size can be a cause for concern for those with limited space in their equipment racks. There is also a USB-C port, unlike its counterpart.
The Sony console uses a single, large fan to keep itself cool. Though not totally inaudible, its consistent whirring is quiet enough to be drowned by any sound coming from your TV.
The design of the Xbox Series X resembles a matte black tower PC that can be laid horizontally or stood vertically. It measures 301mm x 151mm x 151mm, weighing 4.45kg. There is a clearly defined power button to ease the process of making wireless connections.
It works with a 130mm fan that draws cool air through the bottom vents and sends hot air through the top outlets. The fan is totally inaudible, even in a silent room, unlike the PS5.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Picture Quality
Both consoles provide native 4K gaming at frame rates much higher than their predecessors. Even if you are playing the same games as those playing on the PS4 or Xbox One, you’ll experience extra graphical detail and polish – there is undoubtedly more vividness and fluidity in both the latest-gen consoles.
When it comes to using them as a Blu-ray player, the Series X supports Dolby Vision, unlike the PS5. However, with regards to spinning a 4K Blu-ray, the PlayStation 5 doesn’t have the extra bit of loudness possessed by the Series X.
Talking about video streaming, the PS5 is capable of upconverting SDR content to HDR; this often creates color and contrast issues with select films and TV shows. The Series X doesn’t do this, and its Dolby Vision support is a great deal for streaming as well.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Sound Quality
The PS5 boasts the Tempest Engine, a dedicated sound-processing chip that drives 3D audio. The Engine delivers spacious and atmospheric sound with great placement of effects. It also convinces in providing a sense of three-dimensionality to the overall sound performance. If you don’t own a surround sound package, you can still have a tremendous experience with headphones you may already own.
The Series X is also extremely capable in terms of its sound quality. It gets to the core of any soundtrack and delivers it with utmost clarity, atmosphere and solidity. You’ll get the ultimate experience if you play an Atmos-enabled game or movie. If you add the Xbox Wireless Headset to the mix, you can enjoy the stunning audio going directly into your ears, making for a truly mind-blowing experience.
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Specs
Here is a detailed table comparing the specifications of both consoles.
| PS5 | Xbox Series X | |
| Price | $499.99 (PS5); $399.99 (PS5 Digital Edition) | $499 |
| Key Exclusives Released with Launch | Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Demon’s Souls, Gran Turismo 7 | N/A |
| Backwards Compatibility | Almost all PS4 games, including optimized PS4 Pro titles | All Xbox One games / Select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games |
| 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 |
Conclusion
There is no doubt that Microsoft and Sony have left no stone unturned in creating the ultimate consoles for this generation. But if there is one thing you should know, it’s that there is no outright winner here. For the most part, both the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X are as good as each other on the top features. And that is great news – the more these two giants battle for the throne, the better it is for the end consumers.
Despite certain differences in specs, the gaming delivery of PS5 vs Xbox is close to identical. The decision regarding which console to buy boils down to your unique needs and personal preferences. If you seek a better selection of more exclusive games, a more inventive controller and a fresher interface, go for the PS5. But if you prioritize better hardware, a comprehensive game subscription service and a more intense sound quality, the Xbox Series X is your best bet.
All in all, the good news for you is that you just cannot lose with either of these stunning consoles. The more pertinent issue has to be their availability rather than their competence – considering the supply shortfall, if you end up with either the PS5 or Xbox Series X, you are the ultimate winner.
Have anything to add? Don’t hesitate to let us know!
