Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X|S: Which Is Better?

Ever since Microsoft launched the first Xbox back in November 2001, a rivalry with Sony, the maker of PlayStation, has been going strong. With the arrival of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the debate is reignited: Which console is the best?

Both consoles dropped in November 2020, each promising next-generation gaming experiences with advanced graphics, shorter loading times, and impressive game libraries. A few years later, let’s break down their technical aspects, game catalogs, services, and overall experience to help you decide.

Design & Hardware

The PlayStation 5 stands out with its futuristic look, while the Xbox Series X goes for a minimalist vibe. Under the hood, both rock AMD Zen 2 CPUs and RDNA 2 GPUs, running games in 4K at 60 FPS (with support up to 120 FPS). The Xbox Series X has a slight edge in graphics (12 teraflops versus PS5’s 10.3). The Series S is the budget option but sacrifices some graphic power.

For storage, Xbox Series X comes with a 1TB SSD (~800GB usable), while the PS5 has an 825GB SSD (~700GB usable). You can expand the PS5’s storage with third-party SSDs, but the Xbox needs a proprietary model.

Backward Compatibility

A huge win for the Xbox Series X|S is its broad backward compatibility: it supports Xbox One, 360, and original Xbox games, many improved for the newer consoles. The PlayStation 5 only lets you play PS4 games, with some performance boosts here and there.

Subscription Services

Xbox Game Pass is king in this area, offering a huge library—including new releases on day one. The revamped PlayStation Plus has three tiers; the Extra tier is similar to Game Pass but doesn’t get you immediate new releases.

Controllers

The PS5’s DualSense controller brings next-level immersion with advanced haptics and adaptive triggers. The Xbox Series X|S controller is a refined take on the Xbox One controller, with subtle upgrades for long, comfy gaming sessions.

Price & Availability

At launch, the PS5 and Xbox Series X were close in price (around $1,200 and $900 respectively in Brazil; Series S: $540). Now, average prices have dropped: PS5 at about $600, PS5 Pro at $1,100, Series S around $500, and Series X at $800.

The Verdict: Which Console is Right for You?

It really comes down to your priorities. Love exclusive games and cool controllers? Go with PlayStation 5. Care more about backward compatibility and subscription services? Xbox Series X|S might be your pick.

Either way, both are top-tier gaming tech, offering incredible experiences. Your best choice depends on your gamer profile, budget, and personal preferences. For more info, check out: IE Games – PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S: Which Is Better?