Xbox Series X or PS5, which is better? Many users may be asking this question. We explain whether you should buy a PlayStation or rather an Xbox.
With PS5 and Xbox Series X you can buy two powerful consoles. But which console should I buy if I have to choose one?
MeinMMO explains the similarities and differences between PS5 and Xbox Series X. You will also find out which console you should ultimately choose.
- Xbox vs PS5: Appearance, Design, and Build
- Xbox vs PS5: Specs and Hardware
- PlayStation 5 vs Xbox: Which Games?
- PS5 and Xbox Series X: Backward Compatibility
- Xbox vs PS5: Price
- PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which is the best console for you?
- PS5 or Xbox?
Latest Updates: 16.02.2024, 15.06.2022
Xbox vs PS5: Appearance, Design, and Build
What does the Xbox look like? The Xbox Series X features a cube-shaped design and a black color. For the smaller Xbox Series S, Microsoft opts for a white design. The Xbox Series X comes with a drive, while the Series S has none. The Xbox Series X is about 30 centimeters tall and measures 15.1 cm in length and depth. The Xbox Series X is almost twice the size of the Xbox One.
What does the PS5 look like? The PS5 is sold in a white design and is currently the largest console on the market. With its height of 39 centimeters, it is significantly taller than the Xbox Series X and is also somewhat heavier. It measures 10.4 cm in length and 26 cm in depth.
The design of the PS5 is highly controversial and there are colorful side plates for the PS5, allowing you to personalize the PS5. The Digital Edition of the PS5 is also white but does not have a built-in drive.
By now, Sony has also introduced a slim version of the PS5: This is a significantly slimmer version of the PS5 that you can buy with or without a drive. Additionally, a drive can be installed afterward. The slim version will eventually replace the old model.
You can read about the difference between PS5 and PS5 Digital in our detailed guide.
Here is an overview of all dimensions and weights of the mentioned consoles:
| Unit | Xbox Series X | PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 Digital | New Slim Model PS5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions in cm | 30.1 x 15.1 x 15.1 | 39 x 10.4 x 26 | 39 x 9.2 x 26 | 35.8 x 9.6 x 21.6 |
| Weight | 4.4 kg | 4.5 kg | 3.9 kg | 3.2 kg |
Specs and Hardware
What does the Xbox Series X offer? The Xbox Series X features an AMD processor with a graphics chip. The processor runs at 3.8 GHz, and the graphics chip has a raw performance of 12 teraflops. It also has 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD with a write speed of 2.4 GB/s. The Xbox Series X supports Full HD, WQHD, 4K, and 8K resolutions. The Xbox Series X offers you a maximum of WQHD (1440p).
It is convenient that you can also use your old Xbox controllers with the Xbox Series X. Microsoft has only slightly updated the controller for the new console. The best controllers for Xbox Series X and Xbox One can therefore continue to be used with the Xbox Series X.
What does the PS5 offer? The PS5 also features an AMD processor with a graphics chip. The processor runs at 3.5 GHz. However, the clock speed can be controlled by the hardware. The graphics chip has a raw performance of 10.3 teraflops, which is less potent on paper than the Xbox Series X. However, a developer explained that teraflops are not so important for the PS5. It also comes with 16 GB of RAM and an 825 GB SSD with a write speed of 5.5 GB/s.
Unlike Microsoft, Sony has given the PS5 a new controller, the DualSense controller for PS5. It differs significantly from the old DualShock 4.
The PS5 supports Full HD, 4K, and 8K resolutions. However, the PS5 does not offer WQHD resolution.
What do both consoles offer? Both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X support resolutions up to 8K. Both consoles also feature a 4K HD BluRay drive. Both consoles offer hardware-accelerated ray tracing, as both the PS5 and Xbox rely on the same AMD chip.
Xbox Series X vs PS5 comparison:
| Xbox Series X | PS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | AMD Zen 2 (8 cores, 3.8 GHz) | AMD Zen 2 (8 cores, 3.5 GHz, variable clock rate) |
| Graphics chip performance (GPU) | 12.0 teraflops | 10.3 teraflops |
| Hard drive storage | 1 TB SSD (2.4 GB/s) | 825 GB SSD (5.5 GB/s) |
| RAM | 16 GB GDDR6 | 16 GB GDDR6 |
| Frame rate | up to 120 Hz, Variable Rate Shading | up to 120 Hz, variable Refresh Rate |
| Resolution | up to 4K (native or upscaled), support for 8K | up to 4K (upscaled), support for 8K |
PlayStation 5 vs Xbox: Which Games?
What games does the Xbox offer? The Xbox has few exclusive titles, including Starfield, which will not be released for the PS5. The biggest strength of the Xbox Series X is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It includes many top titles right at release, but also smaller games from indie studios. Overall, you have access to several hundred games for just about 13 euros per month.
With a trick, you can save a lot of money on the Game Pass. However, you can also play the Game Pass and many Xbox games on the PC, as Microsoft relies on Xbox exclusivity for very few games.
What games does the PS5 offer? Many games like “God of War”, “The Last of Us”, or the series “Ratchet & Clank” are released first for PlayStation and remain exclusive for a long time. However, Sony is now also taking a more open approach, and more titles are being released for PC. However, it is certain that many games can still only be played exclusively on PS4 and PS5. For new PS5 games, the PS4 controller is no longer sufficient, you need a new DualSense controller for PS5 games.
PS5 and Xbox Series X: Backward Compatibility
What about the Xbox? Microsoft is much more open here than Sony. The Xbox Series X officially offers backward compatibility for many titles for Xbox 360, Xbox, and Xbox One. Therefore, you can also play very old games on your new Xbox. The Xbox emulates the runtime environment of the old generation. Thus, you can still play the Xbox-exclusive “Fable 2” on the Xbox Series X.
What about the PS5? Officially backward-compatible on the PS5 are only games from the PS4 era. A handful of games do not work. Your old PS3 games cannot be played on the PS5. However, you can stream old PS1 and PS2 games on the PS4 and PS5 via PlayStation Now and, in the future, also with the new PS Plus.
The most important questions about backward compatibility on the PS5 are explained here:
Xbox vs PS5: Price
How much does the Xbox Series X cost? The official price for the Xbox Series X is 549.99 euros. For the Xbox Series S without a drive, you pay only 299 euros. Microsoft raised the price for the Xbox Series X in summer 2023 from 499.99 to 549.99 euros.
However, you can also purchase the Xbox consoles via a subscription with the Xbox Game Pass. Here, instead of the full price, you pay 24.99 euros per month (Xbox Series S) or 32.99 euros per month (Xbox Series X) over 24 months. MeinMMO explains how Xbox All Access works and whether it is worth it.
How much does the PS5 cost? You pay 549.99 euros for the PS5 with a drive. For the Digital Edition, that is the version without a drive, you pay 449.99 euros. Sony increased the prices for the PS5 consoles in August 2023.
Sony does not offer a subscription model with the console for the PS5. Here, you have to purchase the console and PS Plus subscription separately. In summer 2022, Sony introduced a new subscription model for “PS Plus”.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | 549.99 |
| Xbox Series S | 299 |
| PS5 | 549.99 |
| PS5 Digital Edition | 449.99 |
| PS5 “Slim” Edition | 449.99 |
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which is the best console for you?
This speaks for the Xbox Series X: On paper, the Xbox Series X is currently the fastest console on the market. With the Game Pass Ultimate, you have access to hundreds of games. If you only want to use the Game Pass, Microsoft offers an unbeatable bargain with the Series S if you want next-gen. With Dolby Vision, the Xbox also supports a technology that the PS5 does not have.
Besides the Game Pass, the Xbox Series X has few exclusive titles. Because you can also easily play many games on PC.
This speaks for the PS5: On the PS5, you have plenty of exclusive games that you can only play on PlayStation. Sony will continue to release exclusively for the PS5. With the DualSense, the PS5 also offers a controller with unique features that are not available on Xbox.
The PS5’s SSD storage is also very fast but smaller than that of the Xbox. If you want to install many games, you will need to buy a new SSD for your PS5 sooner or later. The design of the PS5 is also very large and may not fit in every TV cabinet.
PS5 or Xbox?
Why buy an Xbox? With the Xbox Series X, you are very flexible thanks to the game subscription and can play hundreds of games at no additional cost. This is especially convenient if you want to try many games and do not want to or cannot commit. The Series S also makes a great second console if you do not want to spend more than 300 euros on a console and just want to stream.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Xbox Series X - 1 TB* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Why buy a PS5? If you want to have the latest AAA titles from Sony and cannot imagine missing out on series like “The Last of Us” or “Ratchet & Clank”, then the PS5 is the better choice for you. If you have many PS4 games in your closet, you should go for the version with the drive.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Playstation®5 Standard Konsole (Slim)* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
If you do not care about the decision: In conclusion, it can be said that the consoles do little to compete with each other. Most games are released for both Xbox and PS5.
- Games like “Assassin’s Creed” or the “Call of Duty” series can be easily played on both consoles.
- Many games now also offer crossplay (playing across Xbox, PS5, and PC).
- Only with specific exclusive titles does the PS5 have a slight edge.
Further recommendations: You have decided on a next-gen console but still need the right TV? Then take a look at our buying guide on 4K TVs. Here we explain what you need to consider when buying a TV for your PS5 or Xbox:
4K TV for PS5 & Xbox Series X: Which gaming TV should I buy?
