Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Let’s take PS5 vs Xbox Series X in a head-to-head to see who comes out on top.
PlayStation has always been tough competition for Xbox, with PS4 being the second best-selling house game console of all time, second only to PlayStation 2. We’ve already discussed the vast differences between PS5 vs PS4, concluding that PS5 seriously is a next-gen gaming console. But where does Xbox Series X stand?
Since both Xbox and PlayStation are household names, it’s difficult to choose an outright winner since it depends on personal preference. What we will do is put the specs side by side and explain how they translate to your gaming experience.
Other points of difference including exclusive games like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West & Gran Turismo 7 which are only playable on PS5. For Xbox, it’s games like Halo Infinite, Gears 5 & Microsoft Flight Simulator, though these are playable on PC. If you’re attached to specific games, then this will probably be a determining factor in your console of choice.
There’s also Sony and Microsoft’s gaming accessories. Sony has been teasing their DualSense Edge controller for some time ahead of its January release, whilst you can upgrade to the VelocityOne Flight Control System or another flight stick to play Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Or maybe your gaming set-up is sorted for everything apart from your mini-fridge, which you can now pre-order direct from Xbox in December.
Of course we’ll be considering all the usual subjects like price, durability and storage.
By the end of this article, you’ll be closer in your choice between PS5 vs Xbox Series X.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X – specs breakdown
First things first, we’ll take you through the key specs of PS5 and Xbox Series X:
| Specs | PS5 | Xbox Series X |
| Price | $499 (PS5); $400 (PS5 Digital Edition) | $500 |
| Backwards Compatibility | 99% backwards compatible with PS4 games | 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 |
| Disk drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray (Standard PS5 only) | 4K UHD Blu-ray |
| Frame Rate | Up to 120 fps | Up to 120 fps |
| Size (inches) | 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 | 11.85 x 5.9 x 5.94 |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs | 9.8 lbs |
From the table above, you can see how close PS5 and Xbox Series X come head-to-head.
Both consoles deliver 4K gaming at speeds up to 120 fps, if you have the right TV to match. In our guide for best TV for PS5, we’ve explained all the key specs to look out for to ensure your PS5 is reaching its full potential.
Read More: Best TV for Xbox Series X – 4K and budget gaming TVs.
A key difference is the GPU inside the Xbox Series X, which impressively runs at a locked 1,825Ghz regardless of the game or temperature your console reaches. Like the PS5, Xbox Series X also supports Ray Tracing, so you can expect stunning displays of light and reflection in your games.
This is no downer on PS5 though, which similarly has a custom GPU easily capable of hitting 4K at 60 fps if you have a good enough TV like Samsung S95B.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X – games
One thing you need to know is that PS5 and Xbox Series X approach their game libraries in very different ways.
If we’re being a little ruthless here, we definitely think PS5 has the more exciting range of titles. Games like God of War: Ragnarok, Elden Ring & Demon’s Souls are all incredible games that are making the name for next-gen gaming.
Read Now: God of War: Ragnarok becomes fastest selling first party game in PlayStation history
Exclusive titles are always going to give PS5 an impressive aura. In contrast, Xbox Series X boasted zero exclusive games at launch, instead announcing a list of 30 optimised games for Xbox Series X/S. It does have semi-exclusive titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 which are pretty impressive to play on Xbox Series X. If you already have a gaming laptop,
In terms of buying and downloading console games, both PS5 and Xbox Series X take different approaches. Xbox uses Game Pass Ultimate – a $15 a month subscription which allows you to download over 100 games across all their consoles, plus PC and even Android.
Read More: PSVR 2 games – every confirmed PlayStation VR 2 game
Sony opts for the PlayStation Plus Premium tier, which offers a far larger library of titles on all PlayStation platforms. Though we’d say that the service isn’t as smooth as Microsoft’s, we do appreciate the large range of titles.
This makes us lean towards PS5 as the winner in this PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison. Unless you’re attached to specific Xbox semi-exclusive games like Halo Infinite, PS5 definitely has the overall stronger lineup of titles.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X – controller
The controller you game with makes a huge difference to your gaming experience, and it’s interesting to see how Sony & Microsoft have approached the design.
The most exciting addition to PS5 is undoubtedly the DualSense controller, which utilizes Haptic feedback to deliver a truly immersive gaming experience.
Expect subtly vibrations in response to what’s happening in-game. It also features adaptive triggers, overall adding to new sensations like shooting a gun. Finally, it is fitted with a microphone, so you no longer need a gaming headset, although if you’d prefer the privacy, then we’ve got you covered with the best gaming headsets for PS5.
If we compare this to the Xbox Series X Wireless controller, you’ll find that it’s cheaper if you’re buying it separately which is definitely a win. It has what Xbox have dubbed dynamic latency input which basically minimises the response times between your controller and TV. However, the DualSense controller will probably reduce in price once Sony releases the DualSense Edge controller.
The one area we think Xbox takes the win is that their Wireless controller has a marginally better battery life than the DualSense controller.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X – design
Design is where PS5 & Xbox Series X seriously differ, and it’s all down to personal preference.
However, we can’t help but like the design of Xbox Series X more, namely because it uses its space better and is less flashy. Connecting via Bluetooth is easy, and the power button is easily located.
The PS5 on the other hand is a monster. At 15.4 inches tall, you’ll have to give some thought as to where it will live in your TV set up, whilst accommodating ample space for cooling. It does have the edge over Xbox Series X in terms of connectivity – it has a USB-C port which is pretty convenient for gaming accessories.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X – final word
You’ll find the gaming performance of these graphics cards virtually identical – meaning there isn’t much in it in the way of specs separating these two consoles.
We are leaning towards PS5, simply because of its large range of exclusive titles, plus the promise of PSVR 2 and DualSense Edge controller next year. It sounds like Sony has lots of new exciting releases in store – something we don’t want to miss out on.
Frequently asked Questions
Which console performs better – the PS5 or the Xbox Series X?
If you take a look at the raw specs, you’ll find the performance of these consoles are the same. The only minor difference is that Xbox Series X has marginally higher power, but this does not translate to a particularly different gaming experience.
When did Xbox Series X come out?
Microsoft released their console in November 2022, making Xbox Series X just over 2 years old.
