If you’re wondering which console suits your gaming habits best, you’re not alone. On the surface, both consoles are great and get the job done. Still, their differences in features may lead to different gaming experiences, which could influence your purchase decision. Read on as I guide you all the way to your shopping cart in this PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison.
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PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which One Should You Go For?
The Verdict: If you’re into PlayStation’s exclusives, the immersive controller features like adaptive triggers, and faster loading times, I’d recommend going for the PS5, but if you’re looking for raw power, support for older games, and a huge library through Xbox Game Pass, I’d say the Xbox Series X is the better choice for you.
After diving headfirst into the PS5 vs Xbox faceoff, here’s what I found—The PS5 stands out with its fast loading times and exclusive titles, while the Xbox Series X offers more raw power and a better backward compatibility lineup.
Let’s break it down and see which one makes more sense for you. I’ll walk you through key aspects to focus on, and by the end, you’ll know exactly which console fits your needs.
Go For PS5 If:
- You like PlayStation exclusive games: If you’re excited about titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Demon’s Souls, or Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, the PS5 is your best choice.
- You want faster load times: The PS5 has an ultra-fast SSD that makes games load in seconds, like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet & Clank, which load in just a few seconds.
- You’re into new controller tech: The PS5’s DualSense controller has cool features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that makes games like Astro’s Playroom more immersive.
- You want a unique design: The PS5 has a bold, futuristic look that stands out, especially with its white and blue accents.
- You prefer the PlayStation Plus Collection: PS5 owners get a collection of popular PS4 games like God of War and The Last of Us Remastered for free if you subscribe to PlayStation Plus.
- You like Sony’s Virtual Reality system: If you’re interested in VR, the PS5 is the better choice since it supports PlayStation VR, and upcoming PSVR 2 is set to offer even more immersive experiences.
Go For Xbox Series X If:
- You want better raw power: The Xbox Series X has more powerful hardware, which means smoother graphics and better performance in some games, like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Cyberpunk 2077, where it runs at higher resolutions and frame rates.
- You have a collection of old Xbox games: If you have Xbox One or 360 games, the Series X can play them—and sometimes even improve them. Games like Gears 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 benefit from improved performance and visuals.
- You love Game Pass: Xbox Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee, including all new Xbox games like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 the day they release.
- You prefer a compact design: The Xbox Series X is smaller and more compact, so it fits easily in entertainment setups.
- You want an all-in-one media center: The Xbox Series X supports features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, making it great for streaming and home theater setups.
- You care about cross-platform play: Xbox has a more open approach to cross-platform play, meaning you can play with friends on PC or other consoles in games like Fortnite or Minecraft.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Detailed Breakdown
| PlayStation 5 (PS5) | Xbox Series X | |
| Price | $499 (Standard Edition) / $399 (Digital Edition) | $499 |
| CPU | 8-core AMD Zen 2, variable frequency up to 3.5 GHz | 8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.8 GHz |
| GPU | AMD RDNA 2, 36 CUs at up to 2.23 GHz, 10.28 teraflops | AMD RDNA 2, 52 CUs at 1.825 GHz, 12.155 teraflops |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB GDDR6, 256-bit, 448 GB/s bandwidth | 16 GB GDDR6, 256-bit, 10 GB at 560 GB/s, 6 GB at 336 GB/s bandwidth |
| Storage | 825 GB custom NVMe SSD, expandable via NVMe SSD slot | 1 TB custom NVMe SSD, expandable via NVMe SSD slot |
| Optical Drive | Ultra HD Blu-ray Drive (Standard Edition only) | Ultra HD Blu-ray Drive |
| Resolution | Up to 4K at 120 Hz, supports 8K output | Up to 4K at 120 Hz, supports 8K output |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Ports | 1x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A (rear), 1x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, power | 3x USB Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, power |
| Dimensions | 390 mm x 260 mm x 104 mm (Standard Edition) / 390 mm x 260 mm x 92 mm (Digital Edition) | 301 mm x 151 mm x 151 mm |
| Weight | 4.5 kg (Standard Edition) / 3.9 kg (Digital Edition) | 4.4 kg |
| Backwards Compatibility | Yes (with PS4 games) | Yes(with Xbox One games, and selected 360 games) |
| Exclusive Titles | Demon’s Souls, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal | Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Fable (upcoming) |
| Game Loading | Faster loading with the custom SSD | Faster loading with the custom SSD |
| Controller | DualSense, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers | Xbox Wireless Controller, improved ergonomics, better latency |
By now, you probably have a good idea of where you’re headed after reading the previous section. In this part, I’ll break down the key differences in specs and features between the PS5 vs Xbox Series X to help you make a confident purchase decision. Let’s dive in
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: CPU & Performance
- Best Smoothness: Xbox Series X
- Best Faster Loading Times: PS5
Both consoles are powered by custom AMD processors, but the Xbox Series X has a slight edge with its 3.8 GHz CPU, while the PS5 runs at 3.5 GHz.
In simple terms, this means that the Xbox Series X might handle games with a bit more smoothness, especially when it comes to intense, high-performance games like Halo Infinite or Cyberpunk 2077.
That said, the PS5 has a super-fast SSD that cuts down on load times. For example, when jumping into a game like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, you’ll be up and running in a flash. So, the Xbox gives you a bit more power, but the PS5 makes up for it with faster loading times. It’s a matter of whether you want the extra power or speed when playing.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X:Graphics & Visuals
- Best for Graphics: Xbox Series X
Graphics-wise, the Xbox Series X takes the lead with its 12.155 teraflops, compared to the PS5’s 10.28 teraflops. This means that the Xbox Series X can push more pixels, so it might show off higher resolution and smoother visuals in certain games. If you’re playing a visually demanding game like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you might notice sharper details on the Xbox.
However, the PS5 has some tricks up its sleeve with games like Demon’s Souls that really take advantage of the console’s hardware which can make the game look gorgeous. So, while the Xbox may have a bit more horsepower for graphics, the PS5 has some great exclusive titles that really showcase its visuals.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Storage & Load Times
- Best Storage Capacity: Xbox Series X
Both consoles come with custom SSDs, but the regular PS5’s SSD is smaller, at 825 GB, compared to the Xbox Series X’s 1 TB. While you might think the Xbox has more room to store games, the PS5’s SSD is lightning fast, meaning it loads games faster.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Controller Features
- Best Console Controller: PS5
The PS5’s DualSense controller is one of the standout features of the console. It’s got adaptive triggers that adjust resistance, so pulling a bowstring in Horizon Forbidden West feels different from driving in Gran Turismo 7. It also has haptic feedback, which makes the experience feel more immersive. For example, you’ll actually feel the tension in the controller when firing a weapon.
The Xbox Series X controller doesn’t have this level of fancy feedback, but it’s still a reliable, comfortable controller. If you’re someone who loves a deeper, more immersive feel, the PS5 controller wins hands down. But if comfort and familiarity are more your style, the Xbox controller does the job just fine.
Top 2 Accessories for PlayStation 5 Users
Below, I’ve listed two great accessories that will improve your PS5 gaming experience. Keep reading to see what each of them brings to the table.
PS5™ Console Covers (slim) – Chroma Teal
Link to Product: Prelaunch
Price (Pre-Order): $64.99
Release Date: January 23, 2025
These official PlayStation console covers are simple to install. Just remove your old PS5 covers and snap the new ones into place for a stunningly vivid gaming experience.
Want to explore groundbreaking products? Visit Prelaunch Marketplace for cutting-edge projects and exclusive deals. Find the latest trends and one-of-a-kind items all in one place!
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Link to Product: Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Price: $109
The Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, designed for the PlayStation 5, delivers 3D audio that makes games feel more realistic. Dual microphones reduce background noise for clearer voice chat. The headset connects easily and complements the PS5 perfectly. It’s a great choice for gamers seeking better sound quality.
Final Thoughts
Bottom line—if you’re all about faster load times and exclusive games, I’d say the PS5 is your go-to option. But if you’re looking for more raw power and support for older games, the Xbox Series X might be the better choice for you
