Gaming Features

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X/S: Which Console is Right for You in 2024?

September 7, 2024

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PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the next generation of consoles were released in 2020 and since the lockdown, the gaming landscape has seen a huge incline. While smartphones are considered the powerhouses of gaming today by a few individuals, gaming on PS5, or Xbox console is a whole lot of different feeling.

Even when we enjoy playing a huge array of games on mobiles, it cannot give the experience of playing AAA titles on a bigger screen with high-resolution texture. However, a console requires external hardware like a controller, a TV screen, and a headset. But, playing a high-end game on a big screen is surely worth it and the number of consoles that have been sold since their release says it all. Both of the consoles have strong communities with numerous classic & exclusive titles, and the topic of PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X/S is not an easy one. Choosing one among both is tough but there are a few details that can be looked into before choosing a console and this article will help you through it.

Table of Contents

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X/S: Key Points to Remember Before Purchasing in 2024

Before we dive in, remember that choosing the right console can be subjective. Both PlayStation and Xbox have established legacies, and the past consoles you have played on might influence your decision.

However, if you choose to buy a PS5, Sony has announced the PS5 Slim which comes with a sleeker, lighter experience at the same price as the classic. This digital-focused console comes with the option to add a detachable disc drive, catering to physical game preferences.

PS5 and Xbox Series X both pack a punch, but choosing between them is all about your gamer DNA. Do you crave epic exclusives like God of War and Horizon Forbidden West? The PS5 might be your destiny. Or do you value convenience features like Quick Resume and FPS Boost or Xbox exclusives like Halo, and Starfield? The Xbox Series X could be your perfect match. Both Microsoft and Sony are constantly upping the ante, pushing their consoles to new heights.

Both PS5 and Xbox Series X burst onto the scene in late 2020, igniting the next-gen console war. While the PS5 arrived a week later (November 19th) than the Xbox Series X (November 10th), both machines boast impressive processing capabilities. While Microsoft may edge out slightly in raw power, the true battle lies in your gaming preferences. Both consoles pack a punch under the hood, but the Xbox Series X has a slight edge in terms of processing capabilities.

Both consoles are champions in their own right. We’ve meticulously compared them to help you choose the one that aligns with your gaming spirit.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S: Specs

Feature	PlayStation 5	Xbox Series X	Xbox Series S
CPU	AMD Zen 2 3.8 GHz (variable frequency)	AMD Zen 2 3.8 GHz (variable frequency)	AMD Zen 2 3.6 GHz (variable frequency)
GPU	AMD RDNA 2 10.28 TFLOPs	AMD RDNA 2 12.0 TFLOPs	AMD RDNA 2 4.0 TFLOPs
RAM	16 GB GDDR6	16 GB GDDR6	10 GB GDDR6
Storage	825 GB custom SSD	1 TB NVMe SSD	512 GB NVMe SSD (expandable)
Optical Drive	Optional Blu-ray 4K UHD Drive	Blu-ray 4K UHD Drive	None
Resolution	Up to 8K	Up to 8K	Up to 1440p
Frame Rate	Up to 120 fps	Up to 120 fps	Up to 120 fps
Backward Compatibility	PS4 games (selected titles), PS VR games	Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games	Xbox One games
Subscription Service	PlayStation Plus	Xbox Game Pass	Xbox Game Pass
Cloud Gaming	PlayStation Now	Xbox Cloud Gaming	Xbox Cloud Gaming
VR Support	Yes (PlayStation VR headset)	No (current plans)	No (current plans)
Controller Features	Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers	None	None
Price	Rs. 49,990 (with disc drive), Rs. 39,990 (digital edition)	Rs. 47,990	Rs. 34,990

PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S: Exclusive Games

In three years, a lot of exclusive games have taken place on both platforms. PlayStation 5 holds an extensive array of huge titles while some are also playable on the PS4, offering backward compatibility benefits. In comparison, the Xbox Series X library currently features fewer exclusives, but Microsoft’s recent acquisitions point towards a more robust future offering.

Hardware

Processing Power: Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S feature powerful AMD Ryzen processors and next-generation graphics cards. While the PS5’s CPU and GPU are slightly faster, the difference is often negligible in real-world gameplay. However, in very demanding titles, the PS5 might have a slight edge.
Storage and Memory: The original PS5’s 825GB storage was often seen as limiting for gamers with large libraries. The newer PS5 Slim rectified this by offering a generous 1TB of storage, matching the Xbox Series X. Both consoles support expandable storage, but the PS5 requires an additional M.2 SSD while the Xbox Series X offers a dedicated expansion slot. The PS5’s higher memory bandwidth can potentially benefit certain games, especially those that heavily utilize system memory.
Physical Features: The PS5’s futuristic design is distinctive, while the Xbox Series X is more understated and compact. Both consoles offer disc drives and a variety of ports for connecting peripherals. The Xbox Series X is generally considered quieter due to its more efficient cooling system.

Overall, while the PS5 might have a slight edge in terms of raw processing power and memory bandwidth, the Xbox Series X offers a more compact and potentially quieter design.

Software and Features

Operating System: Both have user-friendly interfaces, but PS5’s Activity Cards offer unique multitasking features. Xbox boasts Quick Resume for seamless game switching.
Games and Exclusives: Both have strong libraries, with PS5 featuring titles like God of War Ragnarök and Horizon Forbidden West. Xbox counters with Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5, but both platforms receive third-party games simultaneously.
Backward Compatibility: PS5 offers limited backward compatibility with PS4 games, while Xbox Series X boasts seamless compatibility with four generations of Xbox titles.
Subscription Services: PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass offer online multiplayer, discounts, and access to a library of games. Xbox Game Pass provides even greater value with day-one access to first-party titles.
Additional Features: PS5 boasts haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in its DualSense controller, while Xbox counters with cloud gaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Price and Availability

The PlayStation 5 is priced at ₹49,990 for the Standard Edition and ₹39,990 for the Digital Edition. Availability has been an issue since launch, with regular restocks being sold out within minutes due to high demand. However, in 2024, restocks have become more frequent, and you might find it easier to secure a console from major online retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, and Sony’s official website, as well as physical stores.

On the other hand, the Xbox Series X is priced at ₹52,990, slightly more expensive than the PS5 Standard Edition. The Xbox Series S, the more affordable option, comes in at ₹34,990, making it the cheapest next-gen console. The availability of Xbox consoles has generally been better than that of PS5 consoles, with less frequent shortages. Xbox Series S, especially, is more commonly in stock, and you can find both models in major retailers across India.

PS5 Slim

In late 2023, Sony introduced the PlayStation 5 Slim, a more compact version of the original PS5. It features a smaller, lighter design, but maintains the same hardware power as the standard PS5. The PS5 Slim comes in two versions: one with a disc drive and one without (Digital Edition), priced at ₹54,990 and ₹44,990 respectively. The Slim version is aimed at users who want the PS5 experience but prefer a more space-efficient and sleek design.

The PS5 Slim’s release has helped improve the availability of PlayStation consoles in India, with Sony pushing out more units to retailers, making it more accessible than before.

Note: The prices are subject to change and you may find discounts with select retailers.

Support of Devices

When comparing PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in terms of device support, both consoles offer compatibility with a range of peripherals and external devices, but with some key differences.

PlayStation 5

VR Support: The PS5 supports the PlayStation VR headset, though an adapter is required to use it with older PSVR models. Sony has also released PlayStation VR2, a next-gen VR system specifically designed for the PS5, offering higher resolution, better tracking, and improved immersion.
Backward Compatibility: The PS5 supports most PS4 accessories, including the DualShock 4 controller (limited to PS4 games), PS4 steering wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks. However, the DualSense controller is required for PS5 games.
Media Devices: It supports external storage devices like USB drives for media playback, although PS5 games can only be played from the internal SSD or an officially supported M.2 SSD. External hard drives are supported for PS4 games.
Headsets and Audio: The PS5 is compatible with a range of third-party Bluetooth headsets and wired headphones. Sony also released the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, optimized for the PS5’s 3D audio features, providing a more immersive sound experience in games.

Xbox Series X/S

Cross-Generation Support: Xbox Series X/S supports many devices across generations, including Xbox One controllers, headsets, and other accessories. This includes the Elite Series 2 controller and other Xbox-compatible devices, allowing players to carry over their existing peripherals.
Cloud Gaming: Xbox’s cloud gaming service, available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, allows the use of mobile devices, tablets, and PCs to stream games, increasing the range of supported devices beyond the console itself.
Backward Compatibility: The Xbox Series X/S has robust backward compatibility support for external storage devices, including the ability to run older games (Xbox One, 360, and original Xbox) directly from an external hard drive.
Storage Expansion: Xbox offers the Seagate Storage Expansion Card, a proprietary SSD that fits into a slot in the back of the console, making it easy to expand storage without complicated setups.

Overall, PS5 stands out with its cutting-edge VR support and immersive accessories like the DualSense controller and Pulse 3D headset. Xbox Series X/S excels in cross-generational compatibility, device support, and the flexibility offered by cloud gaming, making it easier to integrate older accessories and external storage options.

Verdict

Drawing a verdict between these consoles is hard but things you need to consider before making a purchase are :

Gaming Library: Do you have a preference for PlayStation or Xbox exclusive titles?
Subscription Services: Do you value the features and benefits offered by PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass?
Controller Features: Do you appreciate the unique features of the DualSense controller or prefer a more traditional controller experience?
Price: Is the price difference significant enough to influence your decision?
Storage: Do you need a large amount of storage for your game library?

Choose PS5 if you prioritize exclusive games and immersive controller features. Otherwise, go with Xbox Series X/S if you want the best value for a game subscription service (Game Pass), better backward compatibility, or raw performance. Ultimately, it comes down to your gaming preferences, with both consoles offering excellent experiences for different types of players.