It’s only natural – whenever Playstation and Xbox release their newest console, everyone rushes to the gate to compare them on release. Accordingly, while this is great for an intitial understanding, all such reviews are short-sighted for multiple reasons. Bearing this in mind, read on as we compare PS5 vs Xbox Series X – two years later!
Starting with the Hardware – Remaining Close, PS5 Expanding
Starting things off, let’s kick things off by understanding how both consoles currently stack up behind the glass in stores. For this, we’ve used an undisclosed and popular technology store on the Maltese islands:
- Xbox Series X 1TB – €599.00
- Xbox Series S Digital Edition 512GB – €329.00
- PS5 w/ Pulse 3D Wireless Headset – €599.00
Similarly priced two years later, overall the Xbox is currently more available in stores and has a lower entry price thanks to the Xbox Series S. Also note, that the PS5 price has raised slightly in some regions, and since launch, there are two models of PS5 – CFI-1000 launch version and revised CFI-1100 unit.
As everyone knew on release, both consoles have similar specifications (we will be referring to the PS5 and Xbox Series X):
- 8-core CPUs (AMD)
- CPU speed – Xbox (3.8 GHz), PS5 (3.5GHz)
- GPUs Power – Xbox (12 teraflops), PS5 (10.28 teraflops)
- SSDs – Xbox (up to 1TB), PS5 (825GB)
- Both capable of 4K and high-frame gameplay
However, despite having better specifications on paper, the PS5 has been reported to run smoother thanks to very well designed firmware.
Also, PS5 will be experimenting with PS VR 2 to show off its capacity, while Xbox has not revealed such plans. In addition, some design choices both physically and in terms of software give PS5 the edge in terms of looking the part such as the far superior PS5 Dualsense controller.
Anyways, while we’d give the PS5 the edge here, there’s more to discuss below!
PS5 vs Xbox Series X – Top Exclusive Titles Now and Tomorrow
Exclusives – this is the one topic which simply cannot be discussed on release of the console. Indeed, while publishers may promise, now we can evaluate how they’ve delivered on those promises.
So, what do we mean by ‘exclusive’ titles? No, we will not be referring to titles ONLY available on the next-generation titles. For example, most PS5 games have a PS4 version, while Xbox Series X games have a PC and Series S version.
Since we’re comparing Playstation and Microsoft, we’ll be comparing Playstation exclusives and Microsoft exclusives since the release of both titles. What titles are available to you if you choose to buy either console?
Playstation Exclusives Released Since PS5
- Astro’s Playroom
- Demon’s Souls
- Destruction All-Stars
- Deathloop
- Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
- Returnal
- Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade
- Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
- Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Gran Turismo 7
- The Last of Us Part 1
- God of War: Ragnarok
- Horizon Forbidden West
- Sackboy: A Big Adventure
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Stray
Xbox One Series X Exclusives
- Indies: As Dusk Falls, Grounded, Immortality, Pentiment, Vampire Survivors
- Halo Infinite
- Forza Horizon 5
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
Well, I’m afraid there’s no competition here. Yes, Microsoft has some major titles in the form of Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 – but do these compare to God of War Ragnarok and the other Playstation exclusives?
Notably, God of War crushed it at the Game Awards 2022, together with Stray and Final Fantasy XIV (Playstation won 7 awards). In comparison, Xbox didn’t win too many.
Regardless, let’s look to the future – what exclusives do we have to look forward to?
Upcoming PS5 Exlusives
- Forspoken
- Final Fantasy 16
- Horizon Call of the Mountain
- Spider-man 2
- Marvel’s Wolverine
Upcoming Xbox Exclusives
- Starfield
- Redfall
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
- Fable
- State of Decay 3
- Everwild
- The Outer Worlds 2
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
- STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
In terms of future, the likes of Hogwarts Legacy, Age of Empires and Starfield look to offer up some great potential for Xbox. Meanwhile, Playstation will likely maintain their form.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X – Comparing Sales Figures and Subscriptions
Moving onto sales – while we can discuss which is better – let’s see where everyone put their money. The following numbers were taken from an article from vgcharts:
- PS5 – 27,565,306
- Xbox Series X/S – 19,687,577
Overall, the PS5 is winning, but not by too massive of a margin.
Do note, that apart from the console, as a consumer you’ll have to invest in the online subscription service – either Playstation Plus or Xbox Game Pass. Offering different prices, game libraries and benefits, such as PC crossplay with Xbox, they are worth evaluating if you’re deciding between the two. Comparing the two services completely would be an entirely different article.
In Conclusion – No Clear Choice to Make
For context, all my life I’ve only owned Playstation over Xbox. Anyways, considering the game library and what you want from your console, 2 years later one can make a much more educated choice.
Fancy better quality exclusive titles with more critically acclaimed games? Go for the PS5. Fancy better backwards and PC compatibility? Go for the Xbox? Want to try out VR? Try out the PS5. Want technically marginally better performance? Try out the Xbox?
Let us know your opinion on this debate below! What’s it like owning either of these next-generation consoles?
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