Video games are more accessible and popular than ever, with players of all stripes and skill levels able to enjoy their favorite, thumb-blistering pastime on a variety of platforms, from mobile phones to pricey computer rigs. But while you can game on just about any gadget this side of a George Foreman grill, those looking to dive into a premium home console experience primarily have two options: Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X.
With both systems just over three years into their life cycles, these current-gen consoles offer the full package, harnessing the considerable horsepower beneath their hoods to deliver incredibly ambitious, immersive, cinematic gaming experiences. In fact, the PlayStation and Xbox are very similar in this regard, offering power and performance nearly on par with a premium—and much pricier—gaming PC.
Still, while both platforms equally impress, they do so in different, often subtle ways. They also possess unique features and elements that cater to specific tastes. With that in mind, I’ve broken down each consoles' pros, cons, features and more to help determine which of these gaming consoles is the best fit for you.
PlayStation 5
CPU: 8-core 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2 | RAM: 16 GB GDDR6 | GPU: 10.3 teraflop AMD RDNA 2 | Storage: 1 TB custom SSD | Optical Disc Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray HD
Best for:
- Accessing Sony’s strong first-party library of exclusive games
- Players looking to build on the core console experience with a game-enhancing ecosystem of compatible hardware and accessories
- Experiencing added immersion and realism with a true next-gen game controller
Skip if:
- You’re looking to play your existing library of physical PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 games
Microsoft Xbox Series X
CPU: 8-core 3.8 GHz AMD Zen 2 | RAM: 16 GB GDDR6 | GPU: 12.0 teraflop AMD RDNA 2 | Storage: 1 TB custom SSD | Optical Disc Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray HD
Best for:
- Longtime Xbox console owners looking to play their existing Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox game libraries
- Ditching individual game purchases in favor of accessing a large, varied, changing library of titles through a Netflix-like subscription service
- Console and PC gamers that want to play their digital libraries on both platforms via cross-platform compatibility
Skip if:
- You want access to the strongest first-party line-up of AAA exclusive game franchises
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Sony PlayStation 5 Vs. Xbox Series X: Design And Power
Similar Prices, Different Designs
While the PlayStation and Xbox share similar price points, their aesthetic designs couldn't be more different. Where Microsoft's matte black box sports a subdued, PC tower-like appearance, Sony's white device almost resembles a piece of recovered alien technology. While the PlayStation is elongated, the Xbox isn’t a slim device either, opting for a boxier chassis. Regardless of your personal preference on that front, both consoles offer you the option to position them vertically or horizontally.
In terms of raw power and performance, the differences are far more subtle. Before the platforms were released, plenty of attention was paid to each piece of hardware's CPU, GPU, storage capacity and other critical gameplay-supporting specifications. And while it was determined the Xbox Series X technically has a slight edge over the PlayStation 5, three years on, the differences are pretty negligible to the naked eye.
Both consoles are incredibly fast, capable of producing stunning 4K visuals, significantly reducing load times and generally have more power than they need to support today's games. There are exceptions, of course, but these typically fall more on the software quality than the hardware's capabilities. Certain games might run a bit smoother on one system, for example, but look slightly prettier on the other—and vice versa. Many of today’s console games also support both performance and graphics modes, allowing players to choose their preference. Unlike comparing the much older Nintendo Switch to either of these next-gen consoles, putting the Xbox and PlayStation side-by-side yields very similar results.
At the end of the day, run the systems through their paces, and you’ll see both support substantial power—fueling everything from peppy frame rates to realistic HDR-powered lighting—to produce visually stunning, highly immersive experiences. In fact, you needn't look further than recent Xbox and PlayStation releases Forza Motorsport and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, respectively, to fully appreciate the photo realism-rivaling potential of both platforms.
Different Models, Different Controllers
As similar as they are in terms of raw power and performance, some notable differences arise when you look not just at the Xbox Series X and standard PlayStation 5, but the sister consoles within their respective ecosystems. The Xbox Series S, for example, is Microsoft's all-digital take on the Series X. In addition to not having a disc drive, the more affordable Series S doesn't deliver 4K visuals, instead offering a 1440p, or Quad HD, resolution. It’s not as detailed as 4K, but it still looks good for most gaming needs.
Similarly, Sony's new, slimmer PlayStation 5 model comes in disc-based and digital varieties, though both possess the exact same specs. In addition to being smaller and lighter, the newer PlayStation 5s are also modular, meaning you can swap its SSD, change its face plates and add a disc drive to the digital version. It’s best for a tinkerer who wants to have those customizable features, or for someone who has a massive library of games that take up a lot of storage space.
But the absolute biggest differentiator is the two systems’ controllers. Considered one of the best, most ergonomic gamepads available, the Xbox's wireless offering is pretty similar to its predecessor, the Xbox One, and even the Xbox 360 gamepad before that. While it hasn't significantly evolved over the previous generations, it’s comfortable, reliable and incorporates Impulse Trigger technology to up the immersion via vibrations and feedback.
The PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller, on the other hand, offers a pretty dramatic leap from its PlayStation 4 predecessor. Its basic design and button layout remains unchanged, but Sony really doubled-down on next-gen features, significantly ratcheting the immersion with an enhanced touchpad, built-in speaker, and incredible Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Trigger tech that must be experienced to be truly appreciated.
Both Sony and Microsoft’s consoles also support peripherals focused on meeting the very specific, personalized needs of players with limited mobility. Closely developed and designed in collaboration with the the accessibility community, the PlayStation 5’s Access Controller and the Xbox’s Adaptive Controller are highly customizable devices, aimed at meeting gamers’ diverse requirements. Leveraging both digital personalization options and physical, compatible accessories, players can tweak and tailor these controllers to suit their individual needs to enjoy both platforms’ games and features. They each offer their own design, so if you are seeking a specific build for any adaptive needs, you’ll want to read the fine print on each before making your decision. But really, because they each offer solid customization options, you can’t go wrong with either option.
Sony PlayStation 5 Vs. Xbox Series X: Gameplay
It’s All About The Games
A game console can have enough tech under its hood to power the Death Star, but none of it adds up to a whole lot without software to take advantage of it. Thankfully, both platforms have massive libraries, encompassing both third-party multi-platform games and first-party exclusives.
Of course, it's that latter category that most influences buying decisions. While you can play the latest Assassin's Creed or Call of Duty entry on either console, you need a PlayStation to swing into Spider-Man 2 and an Xbox to soar through Starfield.
Sony has typically been the leader in console exclusives, with blockbuster franchises —from God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West to the Uncharted series and The Last of Us Part II—only available on their platform (and, in some cases, PC). While these major titles get the most buzz, there's a number of smaller exclusives that deserve equal attention. The recently released Helldivers 2, for example, has blown up as a record-breaking co-op game, while surprise hit Ghost of Tsushima now stands as one of the brand's big exclusive series.
Until recently, the Xbox Series X's library lagged behind. Outside of Halo Infinite and the Forza series, the platform's exclusives have mostly been smaller, albeit worthwhile entries like Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves and Grounded. And in a recent, surprising move, Microsoft revealed these entries and more will eventually be available on PlayStation 5.
Xbox gained some game-exclusive ground with the previously referenced Starfield, the first of many titles spawned from years of Microsoft acquiring studios to beef up their first-party line-up. And it seems that cadence will continue, as Xbox-only entries Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Avowed, S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl and Indiana Jones And The Great Circle are all due to land before year's end.
While the newest and upcoming releases tend to steal the spotlight, a console's value also lies in its existing library. Both Sony and Microsoft have spent decades building their respective libraries, and their newest platforms take vastly different approaches to giving consumers access to their classic line-ups. The Xbox Series X earns big points for embracing backwards compatibility, allowing fans to not only play all Xbox One titles on the system, but also many entries from the Xbox 360 era and even some from the original Xbox.
Sony's offers a similar, but not quite as robust, approach. The PlayStation 5 can run nearly all PlayStation 4 games, but only select older titles are playable—and only if you subscribe to the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription service. For a $17.99 per month fee, fans can dig deep into the company's back catalog to download or stream a curated slate of PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable games. If you want to opt in for the full 12 months, it costs $160—a hefty price.
On this same note, both the PlayStation and Xbox support these Netflix-like streaming services, allowing fans access to huge game libraries. These services come in a variety of tiers and pricing structures, letting players pick the monthly option that best meets their needs. Ranging from $10 to nearly $20 per month, these subscriptions offer everything from simple online connectivity for multiplayer gaming to massive selections of first and third-party titles. Thanks to these services, players can completely forgo purchasing full-priced games in favor of accessing these online libraries. The biggest difference between Sony's and Microsoft's services is that most of the latter's tiers, like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, offer access to new, first-party exclusive games the day they launch. Being a member of Xbox’s services also gives you seamless cross-platform compatibility with your PC.
PlayStation 5 Vs. Xbox Series X: Ecosystems
Build Your Perfect Gaming System With Extra Accessories
A console is no longer just about the games you can play on it, but also the other entertainment-evolving options it offers. Both Sony and Microsoft have built ecosystems around their platforms, encouraging players to enhance their experiences in a variety of innovative ways.
Both consoles support sold-separately, first-party headsets. More than just generic hardware sporting their branding, the Xbox Wireless Headset and Sony's Pulse 3D Wireless Headset are similarly priced, quality gaming accessories packing many of the high-end features you’d expect from a game-dedicated audio device.
Of course, the two platforms also offer a ton of controller options, selling their standard peripherals in a variety of colors and styles. Xbox especially embraces this market, regularly releasing colorful, fun options, like its new Dream Vapor special edition controller. Even cooler is the brand's Design Lab, which allows you to customize your own controller, choosing colors for the shell, sticks, triggers and buttons.
Those wanting more than cosmetic customization can also invest in Sony's PlayStation DualSense Edge and Xbox's Elite Series 2 controllers. Aimed at competitive gamers looking to re-map buttons and triggers, tweak sensitivities and generally tailor every controller input to their specific needs, these accessories are awesome for enthusiast players, too. Both options also include extra back paddles and buttons, actually increasing the amount of inputs over the standard peripherals. But, keep in mind that both come with a hefty price: The DualSense Edge retails for around $200; the Elite Series 2 costs $180.
Beyond its first-party headset and Elite series of controllers, Xbox has mostly leaned into expanding its ecosystem through cosmetic options. Beyond the near-infinite style options available through its Design Lab controllers, Microsoft also offers shell wraps that can turn your black box into an Artic Camo-colored topic of conversation.
Sony has dug a bit deeper, significantly building on the PlayStation 5 with some impressive new hardware options that elevate the core console experience. For starters, it offers a full virtual reality platform supported by its own game library. The PlayStation VR2 is on par with the new Meta Quest 3, offering a feature-rich, immersion-ratcheting VR experience supported by both existing titles and first-party exclusives, like the excellent Horizon: Call Of The Mountain.
In some cases, the PlayStation VR2 even trumps its closest competitor, using both eye-tacking tech and a higher-resolution, 4K HDR display. Its biggest drawback has been the fact you need a PlayStation 5 console to run it. That's due to change very soon, as Sony recently revealed that it's aiming to add PC support to the VR headset. This move will not only make the platform accessible to non-PlayStation 5 owners, but will also dramatically increase the number of games it supports.
While not as technologically advanced as their deep dive into virtual reality, Sony's latest portable gaming venture—The PlayStation Portal—has become my new favorite way to enjoy my PlayStation 5 games. The handheld device is not a standalone system, like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, but rather a dedicated remote streaming device that allows you to consume whatever content is on your console via a high-speed Wi-Fi connection. So whether you’re lying in bed or enjoying a latte at Starbucks, the Portal can tap into your PlayStation 5 and stream its installed games, as well as access your PlayStation Plus library.
Other devices can, of course, pull off this same trick. I've also enjoyed streaming from my Xbox Series X via my iPhone 14 and the Backbone One controller. But as a dedicated, first-party platform, the Portal makes remote play an especially smooth, more elegant experience. It features a vibrant, 8-inch LCD touchscreen that plays games at a 1080p resolution, as well as all the Adaptive Trigger and Haptic Feedback features of a DualSense controller.
If you're craving the complete remote PlayStation 5 experience, you can also add Sony's Pulse Explore earbuds. Another recent addition to the PlayStation ecosystem, the AirPod-like buds pair perfectly with the Portal, but are also compatible with the PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and mobile devices. As a heads up, you cannot connect other earbuds to the Portal; it simply doesn’t offer other Bluetooth support right now.
Sony PlayStation 5 Vs. Xbox Series X: Verdict
One Offers More Gameplay-Expanding Options
In terms of power, performance and the ability to run massive, ambitious, visually stunning games, both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have you covered and then some. In fact, choosing which console is right for you largely comes down to which of those cinematic experiences you want to play most. If you're looking to dive into the new Spider-Man 2 or any of Sony's other exclusive offerings, you'll want to go with its platform.
But if you're anxiously anticipating that new Indiana Jones' game or the next Halo entry, Xbox has got your back. You’ll also want to research both systems’ monthly subscription services to discover which is most tailored to your gaming tastes and will give you the most bang for your buck.
If you want to go beyond the core console experience, you'll probably want to take a closer look at the PlayStation 5. While both consoles offer both disc-based and all-digital models, as well as support their own first-party headsets and have plenty of peripheral options, Sony so far holds the lead with ecosystem-expanding offerings. Both the PlayStation VR2 and the PlayStation Portal are nice additions to the PlayStation family. But again, if you're only in it for the base consoles' games, you'll really need to consider both systems' software libraries over their hardware specifications.
How I Tested The Sony PlayStation 5 And the Xbox Series X
I've had access to both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X since before both consoles released in 2020. Since leveraging that early access and covering both launches for a variety of gaming and tech outlets, I've continued to use both platforms regularly, playing dozens of games, across all genres, for several hours a week.
Beyond that, I've tested all new console models, including the Xbox Series S and Sony's newest, smaller PlayStation 5 devices. I've also spent extensive time testing all the various accessories, peripherals and hardware referenced above, from Xbox's Elite Series 2 controllers and PlayStation VR2 to the PlayStation Portal remote player.