Since more than two years ago, Sony and Microsoft have fought for the hearts and minds of gamers all around the world in the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X conflict. Which current-gen console, though, is best for you if you’re still debating making the purchase? Although it’s an often-asked question, the solution is not straightforward.

The truth is that it’s quite difficult to choose one console over another. That won’t stop people from vehemently defending each plastic box online, but this kind of tribalism doesn’t aid in decision-making. In actuality, there isn’t much to differentiate the two consoles in terms of functionality or cost other than the fact that both are exceptionally well-designed and capable of playing some excellent games. Or at least that’s how it used to be…

The price: PS5 vs. Xbox series X

The PlayStation 5 is now up to 21% more expensive than an Xbox Series X in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Canada as a result of pricing increases by Sony in some areas.

Price-wise, the PS5 and Xbox Series X are comparable—at least in the US. Both systems are $499, but the PS5 Digital Edition is only $399 if you don’t mind giving up the optical disc drive. However, choosing the regular PS5 will end up being less expensive in the long term, as we noted in our comparison of PS5 disc vs. digital. The Digital Edition is also far more difficult to locate in stock, and the price is determined by Sony’s PlayStation Store.

Even though we now know that buying a PS5 will cost more in practically every region outside of the US, Sony declined to rule out a potential price increase in July. We’ve seen some businesses, like Meta, raise the price of Quest 2 by $100 to counteract the impact of rising manufacturing and shipping costs, and Sony has done the same.

If you live outside of North America, the Xbox Series X is officially less expensive than the PS5 because Microsoft hasn’t declared a price increase for it. Customers can also choose from an Xbox Series S option from Microsoft that is more reasonably priced. The $299 smallest Xbox ever produced lacks Xbox Series X’s identical resolution and frame rates because it is a lower-specced device.

The Xbox Series S can play all the newest games, many of which run at 120 frames per second, so that doesn’t imply it isn’t next-generation ready. There is no disc drive, similar to the PS5 Digital Edition, so keep that in mind if you have a large library of Xbox One and Xbox 360 titles on the disc.

Xbox Series X is the winner. In all other nations save the US, the Xbox One is more affordable than the PlayStation 5, giving it the advantage in terms of cost. There can only be one victor for the time being, but that could change if Microsoft follows Sony’s example and raises the price of the Xbox Series X.

Space: PS5 Vs. Xbox series X

The PS5 and Xbox Series X have different specifications, and it is true to claim that Microsoft’s flagship console has an advantage in terms of sheer power. However, PS5 isn’t a slouch in terms of performance and visuals.

The two consoles’ differences are frequently insignificant, with one running a game at a greater resolution or a more consistent frame rate. Although some contend that PS5 has the best-looking games so far in this generation, graphics aren’t everything.

Here are the PS5’s official specifications:

• 💲 price: $499
• Drive for 4K Blu-ray discs: Yes
• 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 inches in size
• Weight: 8.6 lbs (3.9kg)
• 3.5GHz, 8-core CPU AMD Zen 2
• GPU: RDNA 2 GPU, 10.3 teraflops
• 16GB GDDR6 RAM
• SSD: Personalized 825GB SSD

The official Xbox Series X specifications are as follows:

• 💲 price: $499
• Drive for 4K Blu-ray discs: Yes
• Dimensions: 11.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 in.
• Weight: 9.8 lbs (4.45kg)
• CPU: 8-core, 3.8GHz AMD Zen 2
• 12.0 teraflop GPU Intel RDNA 2
• 16GB GDDR6 RAM
• SSD: Personalized 1TB SSD

The technical specifications of each console make it evident that Sony and Microsoft’s systems have some distinctions, with the Xbox Series X generally winning out.

With a GPU capable of 12 teraflops in processing power compared to the PS5’s 10.3 teraflops, the Xbox Series X boasts a more potent GPU. Additionally, the Xbox Series X’s 3.8GHz CPU is a little bit faster than the PS5’s 3.5GHz CPU. However, aside from that, the systems are evenly matched in terms of power. If your monitor supports HDMI 2.1, you can play games at 4K resolution and 120 frames per second. Additionally, both consoles offer a high dynamic range, auto-low latency mode, and variable refresh rate (VRR) (HDR). The only gaming system that supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision Gaming are the Xbox Series X.

Storage capacity is another way that the Xbox Series X and PS5 vary. While the Xbox Series X has a 1TB SSD with 802GB of usable capacity, the PS5 has an 825GB SSD with 667GB of usable space. The Xbox Series X gives you 135GB more space, although you can increase the storage on both consoles. If you want extra room for your games, see our PS5 SSD upgrade guide and the best SSD for PS5 round-up. The PS5’s SSD is faster than the Xbox Series X’s, but in our testing, the difference in load times between the two consoles was minor, with both competing in terms of boot times.

The PS5’s weight is one aspect of its specifications that has changed since its introduction. The console’s original weight was 4.5kg; however, after two model changes, the disc variant’s weight was reduced by 600 grams, making it substantially lighter. This indicates that the PS5, despite its size, is now 3.9 kg lighter than the Xbox Series X.

Xbox Series X is the winner. Another triumph for Microsoft’s top console. On paper, the Xbox Series X is more powerful. It also boasts a larger SSD and more games with 120 frames per second. This is not to suggest that the PS5 isn’t an excellent device, but the Xbox Series X really edges it in terms of specs.

Size: PS5 Vs. Xbox series X

If the specifications weren’t evident, the PS5 is noticeably larger than the other system. Its dimensions are 11.9 inches high by 5.9 inches broad by 5.9 inches deep. The end product is a tower-like shape that can be positioned either vertically or horizontally and is similar to a small gaming PC. Most of the heat is dissipated through a sizable vent on the top of the console, which operates quietly when in use.

The PS5 is Sony’s largest system to date. Its dimensions are 15.4 inches high by 10.2 inches broad by 4.1 inches deep. It may be set up vertically or horizontally, just like the Xbox Series X, although a stand is necessary. Finding room for the console in your home setup may be challenging due to its massive footprint, but at least its enormous size guarantees that it is quiet when in use.

The PS5 is incredibly quiet when in use, much quieter than the jet engine-like noise a PS5 launch-day PS5 could make when under heavy load.

Xbox Series X is the winner. The Xbox Series X’s PC-like tower may be more aesthetically pleasing than the PS5’s futuristic design, but the PS5’s larger size makes it more difficult to integrate into most people’s setups. I’m going to have to give Microsoft’s console this category because it also has the drawback of requiring a stand for both orientations.

Sales rate: PS5 Vs. Xbox series X

Sales don’t necessarily indicate a fantastic console, in my opinion. Good sales numbers, however, are a surefire indication that a platform will receive support from developers and, as a result, additional games. Fortunately, because both the Xbox Series X and PS5 are selling like hotcakes, neither Microsoft nor Sony need to worry about their respective consoles’ sales. Unfortunately, supply problems have prevented both devices from reaching their full potential, especially the PS5, which is still harder to acquire than the Xbox Series X.

While we know that PS5 sales have surpassed 25 million, VGChartz estimates Xbox Series X|S console sales to be around 18 million. Given that the consoles were released in November 2020, that is a great outcome for both businesses. Sales will probably increase as availability gets better in order to make up for the pent-up demand from customers who haven’t been able to get their hands on a console. It remains to be seen whether Sony will deliver on its promise that PS5 stock will rise in time for the holidays.

PS5 is the winner. After more than two years of the PS5 being available for purchase, the situation is finally improving as demand for Sony’s platform still outpaces supply. Sony reports that 25 million PS5 units have been sold, compared to an estimated 18 million Xbox Series X|S units. Microsoft doesn’t provide console sales data, in contrast to Sony.

Games: PS5 Vs. Xbox series X

Fundamentally, your selection over which system to choose should be influenced by the games. Which exclusives—PS5 or Xbox Series X—do you prefer? You alone are the only one who can respond to that.

The strong lineup of Sony-exclusive games includes The Last of Us: Part 1, God of War Ragnarok, Returnal, Horizon Forbidden West, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Sea of Thieves, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Forza Horizon 5, and Halo Infinite are just a few of the amazing games that you won’t find on Sony’s system, even though Microsoft was named Metacritic’s game publisher of the year.

So it’s crucial to think about what games you enjoy. The good news is that you’ll always have something to try thanks to Sony and Microsoft’s respective membership services, PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, which both offer hundreds of games for consumers to jump into right away.

Because it includes all of Microsoft’s first-party exclusives and Bethesda games and could eventually include all of Activision Blizzard’s games, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is still our favorite of the two services. If Microsoft’s takeover is successful, Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch will be included in Xbox Game Pass. Sony really doesn’t want Microsoft to control Call of Duty for this same reason.

PS5 is the winner. Sony’s selection of exclusive games continues to produce critically praised experiences that are frequently exclusively available on PlayStation, despite Xbox Game Pass being a very appealing service. In addition, Sony has obtained a number of timed exclusive agreements with third parties, such as Final Fantasy 16, which enhance the library and overall appeal of the console.

Features: PS5 Vs. Xbox series X

Despite having identical specifications, the Xbox Series X and PS5 each offer a few standout hardware characteristics that are worth highlighting. While Auto HDR and FPS Boost breathe new life into backward-compatible games by adding high dynamic range to older titles and increasing a game’s frame rate from 30fps to either 60fps or 120fps, Quick Resume on Xbox Series X enables you to suspend multiple games at once so you can pick up right where you left off at any time.

Owners of the PS5 can benefit from Activity Cards, which enable direct access to a game’s multiplayer mode or a specific quest. Short instructional videos called Game Help are included in several PS5 games to help you get through challenging levels or unlock trophies.

Result: A tie. The feature sets on the PS5 and Xbox Series X are both distinctive. On Xbox Series X, Quick Resume is a game-changer, but Game Help is also a clever feature on PS5 that can help you collect trophies or advance during challenging game sections. It would be impossible to choose a clear winner in this area.

Controllers: PS5 Vs. Xbox series X

With the Series X pad, Microsoft has taken a more “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” stance, improving the Xbox One controller’s existing design to make it more ergonomic and suitable for a wider range of hand sizes. The new Xbox Wireless Controller now stretches to suit the 3rd percentile of hand sizes, allowing millions more people to comfortably use it. The Xbox One controllers were designed to fit hands between the 5th and 95th percentile in size.

A brand-new D-Pad, a share button that is designated just for it, and tactile micro bumps that offer extra grip during those intense gaming sessions are also features of the Xbox Wireless Controller, as it is officially known. The DualShock 4 on the PS4 has been completely replaced with Sony’s DualSense controller. Owners of PlayStation 4 consoles will be accustomed to the touchpad, speaker, motion controls, and lightbar, but the DualSense also has a built-in microphone, haptic feedback, and adjustable triggers.

You may experience in-game actions like pulling back a bowstring or the sensation of rainfall striking your character, thanks to haptic feedback and adjustable triggers. It’s a significant improvement over the conventional rumble capabilities we’re used to, and virtually every developer creating titles for the PS5 has embraced it. The fact that there are now a variety of PS5 controller colors makes it easier to understand why so many people think the DualSense PS5 controller is the best feature of the PlayStation 5.

PS5 is the winner. The DualSense controller for the PS5 is revolutionary. Haptic feedback and adjustable triggers are real features, making it the greatest PlayStation controller to date. Although I still favor the asymmetrical analog stick arrangement of the Xbox controller, the DualSense is stuffed with capabilities that can give games a new dimension.

In conclusion

The PS5 and Xbox Series X are the finest options if you’re a committed gamer. By doing this, you won’t ever have to miss out on a game’s release on either platform if it’s exclusive, and you may opt to download online games wherever your friends like to play them. There are other factors to think about if you can only choose one. It’s possible that you like the Xbox Series X’s design to the PS5 or feel more at ease using a PlayStation controller. It’s possible that Xbox Game Pass or PSVR 2 has captured your attention.

It’s reassuring to know that whichever console you choose, you’ll get a system with a ton of excellent games, the ability to serve as a media center, and backward compatibility with the previous generation of titles (plus more in the case of Xbox Series X). Both consoles have improved since their first releases as well. While PS5 is now getting 1440p support, Microsoft continues to release system upgrades that bring new capabilities, such as Discord audio chat.

 Winner overall: A tie. The PS5 and Xbox Series X each have advantages and disadvantages. The Xbox Series X is a more potent system, has a superior overall design and is less expensive outside of the US, even if Sony’s platform currently offers more titles, a clever controller, and is more appealing to customers. The good news is that, when it comes to PS5 vs. Xbox Series X, you can’t go wrong. After reading this article, you might also like to read our blog on the best gaming projectors of 2023. We hope you find it informative.