PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Which console you should pick this Black Friday

When it comes to console gaming, you simply cannot think of any gaming consoles other than Sony's PlayStation or Microsoft's Xbox. Moreover, if you want to get the best console gaming experience right now, you will need to invest in one of the flagship gaming consoles, i.e., either the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X.

So, you have set your budget and are fully prepared to make the purchase this upcoming Black Friday sale. But then comes the million-dollar question: how do you choose which one to get?

Well, to help you find that answer and to make that dreading purchase decision a bit easier for you, we have prepared this in-depth comparison guide. In this article, we have compared the flagship gaming consoles from Sony and Microsoft - PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, putting forth all the similarities and differences between these two market-leading gaming consoles. Check out the following sections for all the details!

Sony PlayStation 5 vs Microsoft Xbox Series X: An in-depth comparison!

Now, before we proceed to the actual comparison between the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, we'd like to mention a few things to help you understand this comparison guide better.

Firstly, we have compared both gaming consoles on 6 key factors here - Design, Specs and Performance, Controllers, Exclusive Games and Backward Compatibility, and, Subscription Plans and Price. You will find dedicated sections for all these factors below in which we have compared the PS5 and Xbox Series X to discover which one is better in most of these aspects.

Secondly, it is important to keep in mind that some of the opinions about the gaming consoles in this article can contradict yours, and that is completely fine. This is where we want to mention that in the end, it all comes down to personal preference. With these things out of the way, let's now quickly get into the comparison between the two next-gen, flagship-grade gaming consoles!

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Design

Starting with the physical designs of both gaming consoles, they are quite different from each other. Both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X have a futuristic look to them, though they look very different side-by-side.

If you take a look at the design of the PlayStation 5 console, it is much chunkier than the Xbox Series X. The PS5 features a flat, ice-cream sandwich design with the main module placed between two wing plates on both sides. Now, the fun part about this design is that it is highly customizable.

Users can purchase additional wing plates for their PS5 consoles from Sony or third-party vendors and easily replace the stock ones to change the look of their consoles completely.

The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, is not that customizable and comes in a more conventional, boxy design. Unlike PS5, users cannot replace any physical part of the Xbox Series X. On the bright side, this prevents users from spending additional moolah on their already-expensive gaming consoles.

Another thing that we think you ought to know is that as the PlayStation 5 is bigger and wider than the Xbox Series X, it does not always fit tight spaces. So, if you have limited space on your desk or your entertainment centre where you plan to set up the gaming console, the Xbox Series X might just be a better choice.

So, in terms of design, we think that the Xbox Series X deserves the win in this comparison between the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Specs and performance

Now, when it comes to the specs of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, they are comparable to each other. However, there are a few key differences.

While both the flagship gaming consoles feature custom AMD-powered systems with an 8-core Zen 2 CPU, the Xbox Series X is a tad bit faster than the PS5 with its CPU speed of 3.8 GHz compared to its competitor's 3.5 GHz CPU. Both the consoles also feature a similar GPU system with AMD's RDNA 2 graphics, though the Xbox Series X's GPU can deliver 12.8TFLOP which is higher than PS5's 10.2TFLOP GPU speed. However, both the consoles support Ray Tracing, which is an advanced technology that enables highly detailed reflections and shadows in supported games.

As for the RAM, both consoles come with 16GB of it. Most notably, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X now feature SSD for memory, which enables much faster loading times for games. While the Xbox Series X comes with 1TB of NVMe SSD, the PS5 comes with 825GB of custom SSD. Additionally, both consoles support up to 8K resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate.

Although the on-paper specs of the Xbox Series X might seem superior to the PlayStation 5, when it comes to real-world performance, both consoles perform similarly. The games run smoothly and the load times are quick. However, there is this amazing "Quick Resume" feature in the Xbox Series X that allows players to jump between multiple games without needing to completely close any of them. This feature is unique to the Xbox console and is completely missing on the PlayStation 5.

So, we think the Xbox Series X takes the cake in the performance department as well.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Controllers

The controller of your gaming console plays a huge part in the overall gaming experience, and so, we have gone in-depth to know which of the two gaming consoles comes with a better controller.

Starting with the Xbox Series X controller, it is not much different from previous Xbox controllers. However, Microsoft changed the design of the Series X controller to make it more ergonomic and comfortable to use for long gaming sessions. It also comes with a redesigned D-pad, the signature XYAB buttons, two pairs of trigger buttons at the front, the Xbox button, and three functional buttons. Nothing much special.

Now, coming to the DualSense controller that comes with the PlayStation 5, it is an interesting instrument. In terms of looks, the DualSense controller looks modern and futuristic, and when it comes to features, there are so many of them. Apart from the usual D-Pad, joysticks, and dynamic-functions buttons, the DualSense controller features a touchpad to let users easily navigate through interfaces. However, the highlights of DualSense are its dynamic adaptive triggers that can automatically adjust the pressability of the buttons depending on in-game situations.

So, in this department, we have to give the PlayStation 5 the edge over the Xbox Series X, thanks to the DualSense controller.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Exclusive games and backward compatibility

Exclusive games from renowned game developers and production studios are also key factors in deciding the right gaming console. You see, both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series have exclusive titles that are only available on either of the platforms.

For instance, Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is available on the PS5 but not for the Xbox Series X. Similarly, games like Sea of Thieves, Forza, and others are exclusively available for the Xbox Series X. However, since both the flagship gaming consoles were released two years ago, Microsoft has not expanded its exclusive games list compared to Sony's efforts.

When it comes to the backward compatibility on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 gaming consoles, it is similar. Both the gaming consoles support games of the previous generation models. This means that the PS5 can run most PS4 games and the Xbox Series X can run almost all Xbox 360 and all Xbox One games, with better load times, increased frame rates, and other optimizations.

In this aspect, both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X are tightly locked and it is difficult to choose a clear winner.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Subscription plans and price

For players who do not want to invest in individual games on their gaming consoles, the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 both have their subscription plans that allow players to stream and download hundreds of games for free on their consoles.

For PlayStation 5, there are the PlayStation Plus subscription plans starting at $17.99/month that allow players to access over 100 classic and new titles. Meanwhile, on Xbox Series X, you will be able to get the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $16.99/month with access to hundreds of high-quality games, early access to new games, and EA Play membership as well.

As for the prices of the next-gen gaming consoles from Sony and Microsoft, there is not much difference. The Xbox Series X comes in a single version costing $499, while the PlayStation 5 comes in two different versions - Standard and Digital, priced at $499 and $399, respectively. For a simpler understanding of the prices, take a look at the table right below.

Xbox Series X	$499
PlayStation 5 Standard	$499
PlayStation 5 Digital	$399

The Digital Edition of the PlayStation 5 comes without a built-in disk drive, unlike the Standard Edition. This means that if one gets the PS5 Digital Edition, they will not be able to run their previous PS4 games that have physical copies.

Now, the prices and the subscription plans of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X are really close to each other. While the Xbox Game Pass plan seems better than the PlayStation Plus plans, the fact that Sony offers customers the option to get a cheaper PlayStation 5 Edition with the same specs and a minor setback is commendable. So, for that, we think that the point should go to the PlayStation 5.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Which one to get?

Now, coming back to our initial million-dollar question of which next-gen gaming console should you get this Black Friday, it is clearly difficult to pick out a winner. Taking a look at the five key factors based on which we compared the gaming consoles, both are tied-out, it seems. So, it all comes down to your personal preference!

We'll tell you our pick in this battle between the gaming console giants but before that, you should keep in mind that no matter which one you end up buying this Black Friday, you will be getting a solid gaming console that will last you for the years to come.

With that said, we'd like to note that if we had a choice to get only one gaming console out of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, we'd pick the Xbox Series X. Why, you ask? Well, that is our personal preference!

On that note, we conclude our comprehensive comparison guide for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. We hope this article helps you understand the key differences between the gaming consoles, identify your personal preference, and make the right purchase decision in the coming days.

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