PlayStation 5 Vs. Xbox Series X: Which Is Best For You?

Video games are more accessible and popular than ever, with players of all stripes and skill levels able to enjoy their favorite, thumb-blistering pastime on a variety of platforms, from mobile phones to pricey computer rigs. But while you can game on just about any gadget this side of a George Foreman grill, those looking to dive into a premium home console experience primarily have two options: Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X.

With both systems just over three years into their life cycles, these current-gen consoles offer the full package, harnessing the considerable horsepower beneath their hoods to deliver incredibly ambitious, immersive, cinematic gaming experiences. In fact, the PlayStation and Xbox are very similar in this regard, offering power and performance nearly on par with a premium—and much pricier—gaming PC.

Still, while both platforms equally impress, they do so in different, often subtle ways. They also possess unique features and elements that cater to specific tastes. With that in mind, I’ve broken down each consoles’ pros, cons, features and more to help determine which of these gaming consoles is the best fit for you.

CPU: 8-core 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2 | RAM: 16 GB GDDR6 | GPU: 10.3 teraflop AMD RDNA 2 | Storage: 1 TB custom SSD | Optical Disc Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray HD

Best for:

• Accessing Sony’s strong first-party library of exclusive games
• Players looking to build on the core console experience with a game-enhancing ecosystem of compatible hardware and accessories
• Experiencing added immersion and realism with a true next-gen game controller

Skip if:

• You’re looking to play your existing library of physical PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 games

CPU: 8-core 3.8 GHz AMD Zen 2 | RAM: 16 GB GDDR6 | GPU: 12.0 teraflop AMD RDNA 2 | Storage: 1 TB custom SSD | Optical Disc Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray HD

Best for:

• Longtime Xbox console owners looking to play their existing Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox game libraries
• Ditching individual game purchases in favor of accessing a large, varied, changing library of titles through a Netflix-like subscription service
• Console and PC gamers that want to play their digital libraries on both platforms via cross-platform compatibility

Skip if:

• You want access to the strongest first-party line-up of AAA exclusive game franchises

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Sony PlayStation 5 Vs. Xbox Series X: Design And Power

Similar Prices, Different Designs

While the PlayStation and Xbox share similar price points, their aesthetic designs couldn’t be more different. Where Microsoft’s matte black box sports a subdued, PC tower-like appearance, Sony’s white device almost resembles a piece of recovered alien technology. While the PlayStation is elongated, the Xbox isn’t a slim device either, opting for a boxier chassis. Regardless of your personal preference on that front, both consoles offer you the option to position them vertically or horizontally.

In terms of raw power and performance, the differences are far more subtle. Before the platforms were released, plenty of attention was paid to each piece of hardware’s CPU, GPU, storage capacity and other critical gameplay-supporting specifications. And while it was determined the Xbox Series X technically has a slight edge over the PlayStation 5, three years on, the differences are pretty negligible to the naked eye.

Both consoles are incredibly fast, capable of producing stunning 4K visuals, significantly reducing load times and generally have more power than they need to support today’s games. There are exceptions, of course, but these typically fall more on the software quality than the hardware’s capabilities. Certain games might run a bit smoother on one system, for example, but look slightly prettier on the other—and vice versa. Many of today’s console games also support both performance and graphics modes, allowing players to choose their preference. Unlike comparing the much older Nintendo Switch to either of these next-gen consoles, putting the Xbox and PlayStation side-by-side yields very similar results.

At the end of the day, run the systems through their paces, and you’ll see both support substantial power—fueling everything from peppy frame rates to realistic HDR-powered lighting—to produce visually stunning, highly immersive experiences. In fact, you needn’t look further than recent Xbox and PlayStation releases Forza Motorsport and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, respectively, to fully appreciate the photo realism-rivaling potential of both platforms.

Different Models, Different Controllers

As similar as they are in terms of raw power and performance, some notable differences arise when you look not just at the Xbox Series X and standard PlayStation 5, but the sister consoles within their respective ecosystems. The Xbox Series S, for example, is Microsoft’s all-digital take on the Series X. In addition to not having a disc drive, the more affordable Series S doesn’t deliver 4K visuals, instead offering a 1440p, or Quad HD, resolution. It’s not as detailed as 4K, but it still looks good for most gaming needs.

Similarly, Sony’s new, slimmer PlayStation 5 model comes in disc-based and digital varieties, though both possess the exact same specs. In addition to being smaller and lighter, the newer PlayStation 5s are also modular, meaning you can swap its SSD, change its face plates and add a disc drive to the digital version. It’s best for a tinkerer who wants to have those customizable features, or for someone who has a massive library of games that take up a lot of storage space.

But the absolute biggest differentiator is the two systems’ controllers. Considered one of the best, most ergonomic gamepads available, the Xbox’s wireless offering is pretty similar to its predecessor, the Xbox One, and even the Xbox 360 gamepad before that. While it hasn’t significantly evolved over the previous generations, it’s comfortable, reliable and incorporates Impulse Trigger technology to up the immersion via vibrations and feedback.

The PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller, on the other hand, offers a pretty dramatic leap from its PlayStation 4 predecessor. Its basic design and button layout remains unchanged, but Sony really doubled-down on next-gen features, significantly ratcheting the immersion with an enhanced touchpad, built-in speaker, and incredible Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Trigger tech that must be experienced to be truly appreciated.

Both Sony and Microsoft’s consoles also support peripherals focused on meeting the very specific, personalized needs of players with limited mobility. Closely developed and designed in collaboration with the the accessibility community, the PlayStation 5’s Access Controller and the Xbox’s Adaptive Controller are highly customizable devices, aimed at meeting gamers’ diverse requirements. Leveraging both digital personalization options and physical, compatible accessories, players can tweak and tailor these controllers to suit their individual needs to enjoy both platforms’ games and features. They each offer their own design, so if you are seeking a specific build for any adaptive needs, you’ll want to read the fine print on each before making your decision. But really, because they each offer solid customization options, you can’t go wrong with either option.

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Sony PlayStation 5 Vs. Xbox Series X: Gameplay

It’s All About The Games

A game console can have enough tech under its hood to power the Death Star, but none of it adds up to a whole lot without software to take advantage of it. Thankfully, both platforms have massive libraries, encompassing both third-party multi-platform games and first-party exclusives.

Of course, it’s that latter category that most influences buying decisions. While you can play the latest Assassin’s Creed or Call of Duty entry on either console, you need a PlayStation to swing into Spider-Man 2 and an Xbox to soar through Starfield.

Sony has typically been the leader in console exclusives, with blockbuster franchises —from God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West to the Uncharted series and The Last of Us Part II—only available on their platform (and, in some cases, PC). While these major titles get the most buzz, there’s a number of smaller exclusives that deserve equal attention. The recently released Helldivers 2, for example, has blown up as a record-breaking co-op game, while surprise hit Ghost of Tsushima now stands as one of the brand’s big exclusive series.

Until recently, the Xbox Series X’s library lagged behind. Outside of Halo Infinite and the Forza series, the platform’s exclusives have mostly been smaller, albeit worthwhile entries like Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves and Grounded. And in a recent, surprising move, Microsoft revealed these entries and more will eventually be available on PlayStation 5.

Xbox gained some game-exclusive ground with the previously referenced Starfield, the first of many titles spawned from years of Microsoft acquiring studios to beef up their first-party line-up. And it seems that cadence will continue, as Xbox-only entries Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Avowed, S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl and Indiana Jones And The Great Circle are all due to land before year’s end.