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If you’re struggling to decide between PS5 Slim vs Xbox Series X then we’re here to help. We’re comparing their specs, games, prices, and designs to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Between the two consoles, there are a lot of similarities but also crucial differences, and there’s no easy answer here. We’re going into detail about the PS5 Slim vs Xbox Series X so that you can buy the right system with confidence. Here’s everything you need to know.
PS5 Slim vs Xbox Series X – Specs breakdown
| Specs | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
| 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 | 1TB custom SSD | 1 TB custom NVMe SSD |
| Disk drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray | 4K UHD Blu-ray |
| Frame Rate | Up to 120 fps | Up to 120 fps |
| Size | 14.0 x 3.1 x 8.5in | 11.85 x 5.9 x 5.94in |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs | 9.8 lbs |
From the table above you can see how, in terms of sheer power, both consoles are essentially neck and neck. If you remember our PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison this won’t come as too much of a shock. This is because, nothing has changed for the PS5 Slim, it has the same 3.5GHz CPU, 10.3 teraflop GPU, and 16GB of RAM. All of which places it just a scratch behind the Xbox Series X which boasts a slightly faster CPU and GPU. In terms of how this translates to performance, both consoles can play in 4K at a maximum of 120fps, though you’ll want one of the best monitors for the PS5 to make the most of that speed and resolution.
The storage of the new PS5 Slim has, however, been upgraded, with the console now shipping with a full terabyte of storage available for users. This places it in line with the Xbox Series X. The PS5 Slim’s dimensions and weight are also improved. Somewhat unsurprisingly, it is slimmer than its predecessor, with a thickness of just 3.1 (3.7 with the detachable Blu-ray disk drive) inches vs 5.9 inches for the Series X. This also results in a lighter console, which weighs in at 5.7 pounds versus 9.8 pounds for the Series X.
PS5 Slim vs Xbox Series X – Games
The number of truly exclusive games seems to be declining each year. This is largely because PC gaming has taken up a significant chunk of the market. If we define exclusive as a game that is only released on a single console, there have actually only been 5 in total, and all of them are on the PS5. This list includes games such as God of War: Ragnarok and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. However, if we ignore PC, there are plenty of games you can place on Xbox that aren’t available on the PS5 Slim and vice versa.
On the Xbox side of things, you get access to games such as Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. While on the PS5 Slim, you can enjoy Gran Turismo 7, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and the brand-new Spider-Man 2. If you have your eye on any of these games, it makes sense to factor that into deciding which console to go for.
Backward compatibility is another important factor, especially for anyone with previous-gen games lying around. Both consoles have leaned into this pretty significantly, which is great to see. The result of this is that 99% of PS4 games are playable on the PS5 Slim, and all Xbox One games are playable on the Series X.
PS5 Slim vs Xbox Series X – Design
It’s the physical design of this new PS5 console where most of the changes have come. The original PS5 faced some criticism for its large and bulky design. This meant you had to have a significant amount of space dedicated to the console if you wanted adequate cooling. The good news in this new model is significantly less unwieldy. As Sony boasted in the blog post announcing the new console, it has a 30% reduced volume, resulting in a console that is 24% lighter.
Another flashy new feature is the removable Blu-ray disk tray. You can buy the PS5 Slim without this disk tray at all, and play exclusively digitally downloaded games. The good news is you even have the option to get this disk drive further down the line and simply attach it to your PS5 Slim.
What’s more, Sony has announced their new trio of colors for the PS5 Slim at CES 2024. The PS5 Slim can now be paired with a blue, silver, or red sideplate to allow for customization of your console.
PS5 Slim vs Xbox Series X – Price
The PS5 Slim’s price is different depending on which of the two models you go for, as there is one with the Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive and one without. The PS5 with the disk tray will launch at a price the same as the original model, $499.99, while the PS5 Digital is $449.99. If you go for the digital version and later decide you want to play physical games, you can buy the disk tray for $79.99. This means you save around $30 by buying the two bundled together.
The Xbox Series X launched at $499 and has remained at that price point ever since. If you have a look at what the Xbox Series X is equivalent to, you see that this is actually a pretty reasonable price.
Xbox Series X
CPU
8.8GHz, 8 cores
RAM
16GB GDDR6
Storage
1TB
Storage type
SSD
Frame rate
120 FPS
PS5 Slim
Weight
8.94lbs
Processor
AMD Zen 2, 8-core / 16 threads, 3.5GHz
GPU
AMD RDNA 2, 10.3 teraflops, 2.23 GHz
Storage
1TB SSD
PS5 Slim vs Xbox Series X – Final word
Making a choice between the PS5 Slim and Xbox Series X involves taking into account several different factors. There’s a pretty stark difference in aesthetic between the two consoles. Anyone with limited desk space will be tempted by the new and slimmer profile of the PS5.
That said, both these consoles are powerful and capable devices, able to handle all the latest titles. This means that the most important things that will shape your decision likely can’t be shown on a specs table. If there’s a specific game you want to play that is a PS5 exclusive, or perhaps if you own a load of old Xbox One games – it will alter which one makes the most sense for you.
If you want to get your hands on the new Sony console, check out our where to buy the PS5 Slim for all the latest information.
PS5 Slim or Xbox Series X: which one should you buy?
The decision to buy either the PS5 Slim or the Xbox Series X comes down to what games you want to play ultimately. Xbox Game Pass is a massive advantage for Team Green with access to hundreds of games for a low monthly price, but the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog is catching up. Sony has arguably stronger IPs but this will come down to what you like to play.
