Should I buy PS5 or Xbox Series X?

PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are the ninth generation of video game consoles. Both have a lot of cool features to offer, but which option is right for you? Let's compare PS5 and Xbox Series X in some key aspects to make the right decision.

Models and prices

Xbox Series X and the standard model of PlayStation 5 both cost $500. The PlayStation 5 was also initially offered in a Digital version for $400, with the only difference being the lack of a disc drive (and slightly smaller size). Now, PS5 Slim is the newest product currently. Its digital-only version costs $450, with the removable drive sold separately for $80.

If you want an Xbox but don't have the finances, Microsoft is offering the Xbox All Access program (pay $37/month for Xbox Series X, plus a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, for 24 months).

Note that Microsoft also offers the Xbox Series S, a smaller and less powerful console that doesn't have a disc drive.

While both consoles were notoriously difficult to find for years after their release, they're now available in stores and online.

Winning options: Draw. The core price is the same and both offer an alternative.

System parameters

The PS5 and Xbox Series X are both powerful devices. They support 4K gaming and can run games at 60FPS, with some games running at 120FPS.

Each console has an SSD for faster loading than previous generations, although sizes vary depending on the model. The original PS5 had a custom 825GB SSD, the PS5 Slim upgrades this to a 1TB drive. Meanwhile, the Series X has a 1TB SSD.

On paper, the Xbox Series X is a bit more powerful. However, in reality, both systems have comparable performance. Features like Quick Resume on Series X, which allows multiple games to be continued from where they left off, can give you an advantage.

Winning option: Draw , as there isn't too much difference in practice.

Console design

The PS5 and Series X differ greatly in design. The PS5 is a giant console, rivaling any other system, even the Slim version and its curved design.

On the other hand, the Xbox Series X is roughly the same length and width, making it feel more like a desktop PC. It's not as large as the PS5, so if there are space constraints, this console will fit the setup better.

The PS5 has one USB-C port on the original models and two on the Slim models, while the Series X lacks these ports. Otherwise, this part is largely a matter of preference, as both consoles operate in portrait or landscape position.

Winning option: Xbox Series X due to its more compact size - although the PS5 has a more interesting design.

Supports new handles and old handles

This time Sony and Microsoft have taken different approaches to the console controller. The Xbox Series X controller is almost identical to the Xbox One controller. The only differences are a reshaped D-pad, a dedicated Share button , and additional texture for ease of grip.

The Xbox Series X controller still uses AA batteries. You can buy an Xbox rechargeable battery pack if you don't want to worry about constantly replacing batteries, but this is an additional cost. Another benefit is that all Xbox One controllers are fully compatible with Xbox Series X (and vice versa).

On the other hand, the DualSense controller for PS5 looks quite different from the PS4's DualShock 4. Adaptive Trigger is the highlight - the L2 and R2 buttons can dynamically adjust their resistance so you "feel" what you're doing in the game, such as the trigger becoming tighter when driving over a car mud.

DualSense also includes a mic in the handle, allowing communication without a headset. And haptic feedback allows for more detailed vibrations than with older handles. There's a lot to love about the DualSense, but it's not perfect (average battery life and joystick drift).

Otherwise, it still has the familiar PS button layout, including the touchpad found on the PS4's DualShock 4. Like the old controller, the DualSense is rechargeable (via USB-C port). DualShock 4 can be used on PS5 when playing PS4 titles, but PS5 games require DualSense.

Winning option: PS5 . The AA battery is a bummer, and the DualSense has some cool new features. However, the Xbox controller is still very reliable.

Game library

Of course, no console is worth buying without good games, which is why the available titles may be the biggest factor in the final decision. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X have a number of aspects to consider in this area, so let's break them down one by one.

Exclusive game title

The PlayStation 5 hasn't received many true exclusives since launch, as many of its main titles are also available on PS4 (and PC, in many cases). The biggest PS5 exclusives to date include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the Demon's Souls remake, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and Stellar Blade. Previously exclusive titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Returnal are now available on PC, but they remain console exclusive because they're not available on Xbox.

Some games are available on both PS4 and PS5, but not on other consoles. These include Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Horizon Forbidden West and God of War Ragnarok.

At the time of writing, Xbox Series X has very few exclusive games. Starfield is one of the biggest games, although it is also available on PC. Redfall is another title that is also available on PC but not on PS5, although it received many negative reviews. In 2024, Microsoft even started taking the opposite approach, with Xbox console exclusives Sea of ​​Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush previously announced for PS5 (these are also available on Xbox One ).

Almost all of Microsoft's major games are released on both Series X and PC. Meanwhile, the company announced in mid-2023 that Xbox One game development had ceased.

Winning option: PS5.

Backwards compatibility

PS5 is backward compatible with most PS4 titles. If you own a PS5 with a disc drive, you can insert the PS4 disc to play those games. On any PS5 model, you can access the entire digital library of PS4 games and download them to PS5.

However, the Xbox Series X's ability to play older games goes much further. While it's compatible with most Xbox One titles, it can also play more than 500 Xbox 360 titles and a few dozen original Xbox titles. That means users can enjoy many of the disc-based games they already own, while also updating classic Xbox games from previous generations.

On both systems, older games will run better thanks to more powerful hardware. The exact features available depend on the game; Microsoft promotes FPS Boost to run older titles with smoother frame rates.

Winning option: Xbox Series X , thanks to the large number of older Xbox games that can be enjoyed on the console.

Game registration service

Xbox's standout feature is Game Pass, a subscription service that offers unlimited access to hundreds of high-quality games for $11/month. It's available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, as well as a separate bundle for PC. If you want Game Pass on both Xbox and PC, plus multiplayer access on Xbox, you can pay $17/month for Game Pass Ultimate.

Game Pass is one of the strongest reasons to consider the Xbox Series X, especially since AAA game prices can go up to $70 per game in some cases. Game Pass lets you enjoy big-name games and indie titles at an affordable price, even without waiting for discounts. This is one of the best deals in gaming.

On the PlayStation 5 side, Sony updated its PlayStation Plus service in mid-2022 to offer a similar setup. The higher tiers (Extra and Premium) replace the old PlayStation Now streaming package. However, this has some weaknesses compared to Game Pass; in particular, there are more add-ons and the main PlayStation exclusives are absent from the catalog.

Winning option: Xbox Series X. Game Pass is hard to beat.

Virtual reality

If you love virtual reality, PlayStation 5 is the console for you. PlayStation VR (originally made for PS4) works with PS5, and PlayStation VR2 is exclusive to PS5.

Microsoft has no plans to introduce VR to the Xbox, so don't expect any VR support on the Series X.

Winning option: PS5.

Platform ecosystem

As seen, both PS5 and Xbox Series X have a lot of benefits. However, there is another important factor: Which console ecosystem is better for you.

Backwards compatibility is a lot more appealing when you've already built a library of games. But don't forget other aspects, like moving saved data, keeping trophies/achievements, being able to team up with friends, enjoying existing subscriptions, owning handles, etc.

So if you've been an Xbox gamer for many years, even if you find the PS5 appealing, it may make more sense to stick with Xbox. That way, you don't have to start over with all the above aspects and the actual upgrade cost will be lower.

Winning options: Draw , as this depends on each person's situation.

Should I buy PS5 or Xbox Series X?

There is no clear answer as to whether PS5 or Xbox Series X is the better console. Neither console has strong enough weaknesses to make it a weaker choice.

Therefore, the conclusion is as follows:

1. Buy a PlayStation 5 if you want to play PS5 exclusive games, aren't tempted by Game Pass, don't have a library of old Xbox games, or are interested in VR.
2. Buy an Xbox Series X if you want Game Pass, don't care about PS5 exclusives, or being deeply integrated into the Xbox ecosystem.

If you don't think either of these consoles is right for you at this time, don't forget that the Nintendo Switch is also great.

David Pac

Update 26 April 2024