Holiday 2020 presented console gamers with a very difficult decision: PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. To many, the PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S debate might not be a simple one as both have so much to offer. However, by knowing more about the systems and what makes each one great, this decision might become that much easier. We’ve compiled the most pertinent information to help you decide which one to take home – but our strongest suggestion will always be that you should get both.
The Background
The Sony PlayStation 5 is the long-anticipated follow-up to the PlayStation 4 that initially released in 2013. After six long years, in the spring of 2019, Wired presented some of the initial details about the inner-workings of what would eventually be the Sony PlayStation 5. After more than a year of speculation, hints, and only a limited number of confirmed details, Sony hosted a reveal event where fans finally learned what the Sony PlayStation 5 would look like along with a sneak peek at some of its major titles. With one more event in September 2020, Sony put all of its cards on the table, letting the world know they could get their hands on the Sony PlayStation 5 as early as November 2020.
When considering the PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S, the Microsoft Xbox’s rollout was a bit different. Consumers learned the official title of the next-gen Xbox as well as what it looked like in December of 2019. Up until that point, the then-upcoming Xbox was known as Project Scarlett at Microsoft, following the naming trend of previous early-stage Microsoft Xbox developments. However, like the Sony PlayStation, September brought major announcements for Microsoft Xbox’s next big release. Fans learned that there would be two versions of the console (the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S) and both would be available globally on November 10, 2020.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S: The Technology
When deciding between the PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S, both Sony and Microsoft have made massive leaps with the technology onboard their flagship consoles. It is worth noting that aside from the price and presence of a disc drive, there are not any other differences between the PS5 Blu-ray Edition and PS5 Digital Edition. The Sony PlayStation 5 utilizes an 825 GB solid-state drive (SSD) which allows gamers to blaze through load screens and get in the game much faster. The Sony PlayStation 5 also has ray tracing capabilities, bringing some of the most realistic graphics through lighting and shadows. Gamers can also take advantage of their 4K TV’s capabilities as the PS5 offers 4K gaming. The best part is that the PS5’s controller is almost as impressive as the console itself. The Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense wireless controller utilizes haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, creating an even more realistic experience from the screen to your fingers. The controller also has a built-in speaker and mic, allowing you to go completely headset-free if you desire. Both the console itself and its included controller come in a super sleek white.
While the Sony PlayStation 5 has some major power behind it, the Microsoft Xbox Series X/S has some competitive tech that really makes the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X/S debate valid. While on the sticks with the Series X/S, gamers get to enjoy 4K gaming with a frame rate up to 120 FPS, similar to the PS5. However, the Xbox Series X is also loaded with 12 teraflops (compared to the PS5’s 10.3) of GPU power to process even the most advanced games. Like the PS5, the Xbox Series X also supports ray tracing thanks to its Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architecture from AMD. However, the Xbox Series X has the PS5 beat in onboard memory, as it boasts 1 TB of SSD space (as compared to the PS5’s 825 GB).
Even the more affordable Xbox Series S has specs that make it a great pickup. Lacking a disc drive, the Xbox Series S still offers 4K gaming, fast loading, and frame rates up to 120 FPS just like the Series X. Plus the Microsoft Xbox Series S still manages to store 512 GB of storage, so don’t hesitate to download those games to your console.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S: The Games
A good console is all about the games. When considering the PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S, you must consider your preference in games more than any other factor before copping a console. Thankfully, there are so many great games that are cross-platform. Sports games including 2K, Madden, NHL, and FIFA are available for both the Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Series X/S. And the same goes for Call of Duty and and ever-popular battle royale games including Warzone, Apex Legends, and Fortnite.
But on Microsoft Xbox, gamers will be able to enjoy the exclusive series they’ve known and loved from past Xbox systems including Gears of War, Forza, and Halo. Microsoft Xbox will also play host to Psychonauts 2, the long-awaited sequel to the debut in the mid-2000s. And with Xbox’s acquisition of Bethesda, you can feel at ease knowing that future installments of franchises like DOOM, Fallout, and The Elder Scrolls will be at home on an Xbox.
On PlayStation, Spider-Man: Miles Morales has proven to be an incredible game that takes advantage of Sony PlayStations’s graphics capabilities and DualSense controller. Those who pick up a PS5 will also be able to play acclaimed games and series like Demon’s Souls, Gran Turismo, Ratchet & Clank, God of War, and countless others.
In the discussion of PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S, both systems have incredible exclusive games that run the gamut of genres. Even better, both systems offer subscription-based streaming services that allow users to test and play a wide selection of titles for a monthly fee.
Maybe you’ve already known which next-gen console you were going to get since they were both announced, maybe you’re still figuring out which system is best to buy, or maybe you’re going to get both. Thankfully, Sony and Microsoft made it easy for everyone because you can’t go wrong with either of them. Both systems come from leaders in gaming who have perfected their technology while building on a 20+ year legacy. Long-awaited games and classics alike are paired with the most advanced technology to bring endless entertainment. No matter which way you lean in the PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S, you can always rely on StockX to Buy or Sell systems, accessories, and games.
