PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: What's the Difference?

When it comes to gaming technology, both Sony and Microsoft have raised the stakes by delivering consoles with jaw-dropping graphics, lightning-fast load times and a host of innovative features. The PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the Xbox Series X are forging a new era of immersive gaming experiences. So, what is the best video game console? We will explore everything these two systems have to offer by examining their hardware, capabilities, exclusive titles and unique features.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to upgrade your console or a newcomer to the gaming world, keep reading to learn the differences between Xbox Series X vs. PS5.

The gaming experience is practically defined by how good the graphics are. Both consoles offer 4K gaming with pristine, realistic imagery and are powered by custom hardware. When comparing the graphics for Xbox vs. PS5, it is important to look at:

• GPU performance. PS5 and Xbox Series X both feature customized RDNA 2 GPUs, and although there are some minor differences in clock speeds and compute units, the GPU performance is about the same.
• Ray tracing. Greatly improving the visual fidelity of games by simulating light in a more realistic way, both systems support hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
• Resolution. Each console runs games at 4K resolution, which is one of the reasons why PS5 games and Xbox Series X games look so much better than games from previous generations.
• Frame rates. Xbox Series X and PS5 both feature high frame rates. Many games target 60 fps, but some titles support up to 120 fps, providing ultra-smooth gameplay.

Since the graphical capabilities for PS5 vs. Xbox are so similar, the differences in performance between them are often subtle and not readily noticeable in most games. The graphics offered by both next-gen consoles are also better when presented on a 4K TV.

The amount of memory (RAM) in a gaming console significantly impacts performance, responsiveness and the overall gaming experience. Simply put, RAM ensures that games load quickly and run smoothly. RAM also allows each console to multitask, enabling users to switch between games, apps and the system’s interface. The PS5 and Xbox Series X are both equipped with 16 gigabytes (GB) of RAM, which helps deliver a fast and effortless gaming experience. This is twice as much RAM that each console’s predecessors, the PS4 and Xbox One, were originally equipped with.

In gaming, storage refers to the hardware component responsible for storing and retrieving data, system files, saved games and various digital content. The PS5 and Xbox Series X both utilize a solid-state drive (SSD), a sophisticated data storage device that is also used in computers. A PS5 console features a 825 GB SSD, with about 700 GB that is available to the user. Xbox Series X has a bit more storage, with a 1 terabyte (TB) SSD, with approximately 800 GB of available space. For even more storage, PS5 game drives and Xbox Series X game drives are available, which will come in handy if you stock up on digital downloaded games.

Overall, there are more PS5 games than there are Xbox Series X games, but both next-gen consoles offer immersive gaming experiences and redefine what is possible in the gaming world. When looking at Xbox X vs. PS5 in terms of games, several factors come into play, including:

• Exclusive titles. The choice of exclusive games can heavily sway a player’s preference. PS5 boasts popular exclusives like God of War and The Last of Us while Xbox is home to both the Forza Horizon series and Halo series.
• Backward compatibility. Xbox Series X has an extensive library of backward-compatible games, including titles from previous Xbox generations. PS5 also supports backward compatibility, but its list of games is more limited.
• Cross-platform play. Many games, particularly popular multiplayer titles, are available on both consoles and offer cross-platform play.
• PlayStation Plus vs. Game Pass. PS5 and Xbox Series X both have subscription services with access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee. PlayStation Plus has more titles to choose from, but Xbox Game Pass includes more new releases.

For some, affordability might be the most important factor when deciding between a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The standard editions of each system that includes a disc drive are usually priced the same. However, there is some variance in the slimmer, all-digital models. The original disc-free Xbox Series S is considerably more affordable than the PS5 digital edition, but that is because it has more storage space and supports 4K resolution.

PS5 consoles and Xbox Series X consoles are also both available to purchase in bundles. Often including bonus items, such as extra controllers, exclusive games and even access to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass, bundles are an excellent way to kickstart the gaming experience or upgrade a current setup.