PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Which new console should you get?

While it might seem strange to already compared two consoles when they've only just released, the truth is that so much information relating to PS5 and Xbox Series X is already known, that it’s really not too tough a task to do so. Both consoles, for instance, tout more powerful graphics processors, increased storage and even the ability to render games at 8K quality under certain circumstances.

These few features represent just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X up the ante compared to their predecessors. In this extensive advice guide we’ll pit both consoles against one another, exploring everything from software to specs, in the attempt to dissect how they compare. What’s more, we’ll continue to update this post throughout the year as we learn more, which will most certainly be the case.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Specs

Arguably the biggest question most people have with regards to the new consoles is what both are packing under the hood tech-wise. And to this Microsoft has been a lot more open about what to expect than Sony has with PlayStation 5, but we already know that the two will mark a significant step up with that’s come before. To prove this, we’ve rounded up all the confirmed spec details, so take a look for yourself:

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Graphics

In terms of the graphic capabilities of PS5 and Xbox One, one of the most important factors is that both PS5 and Xbox Series X will utilise an 8-core custom processor manufactured by AMD. Sony has said that this will allow their next-gen new console to deliver “dramatically improved graphics rendering” power compared to what we saw with PS4, and a lot of this is due to the console’s “improved computational power and a customised ultra-fast, broadband SSD”, as Sony also stated in a 2019 strategy meeting.

Things are also on the up and up in terms of graphics for the Xbox Series X, where a staggering 12 teraflops of power will see it best the Xbox One X (Microsoft’s current most powerful console) by quite some way. Ray Tracing is a fast up and coming technology, for instance, popular on PC that the current-gen consoles tend to struggle with. However, with an 8-core processor and 12 teraflops of power the Xbox Series X is now able to render particles, lighting effects and explosions more believably than ever before.

The big headline feature for both consoles, at least when it comes to graphics, is that PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can in theory render games in impressive 8K quality in specific cases - though there are hardly any games that showcase this at launch. This is because, as already stated by both manufacturers, it’ll be up to the developers themselves as whether they choose to harness this capability. Obviously only PS4 and Xbox One X owners can currently play games at 4K natively, but when PS5 and Xbox Series X release everyone will have the ability to experience up to double that.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Design

The Xbox Series X made huge waves during 2019’s The Game Awards when the look of the console was officially revealed. Most surprising was how Microsoft decided to showcase it in an upright position as opposed to the horizontal design of old. It looks most similar to a traditional gaming PC because of this, but Microsoft has since confirmed that the Xbox Series X can be stored either way. The finished console’s size sits at around 31cm x 16cm x 16cm roughly, which already makes it much larger than the Xbox One X currently on store shelves. Finally, the Xbox Series X’s design certainly looks extremely sleek in its matte black colour.

The PlayStation 5 is, by contrast, a totally different design to what we've ever seen Sony put out before. It’s been likened as sitting somewhere between a Dubai hotel and a Wi-Fi router, which is to say that the PS5’s final design is incredibly tall and touts a very futuristic-looking aesthetic. The vanilla version available at launch is a distinct white colour, coming in at 38.8 x 8 x 26cm in terms of its size. The reason for the PS5’s heftiness is because of the fan, which has been purposefully designed to keep the console quite and cool during long stretches of play.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Price

There being two different SKUs for both new consoles mean that there are, in fact, four prices to consider instead of two. The good news is that both the Xbox Series X and Standard PlayStation 5 (that both feature a disc drive) are priced the exact same at £459, give or take. Then you have the PS5 Digital edition which retails for £100 less at £359, while the Discless Xbox Series S sells in the UK for £249. The latter is the absolute best choice for those who want to enjoy 4K upscaled gaming at the lowest price, but equally PlayStation’s exclusives might be of more value to you.

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Games

Onto a section where there’s a little more clarity, and we already know a bunch of games confirmed to arrive on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. For the full breakdown you can head over to our complete list that’s kept regularly up to date, but the TLDR version is that there’ll be several Ubisoft games to dive into (as is usual for the publisher at the start of a console generation) and the odd exclusive or two. Xbox Series X exclusives include Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, while PS5 has the looter-slasher Godfall. Click below to see each platform's definitive list:

• Every confirmed PlayStation 5 launch game
• Every confirmed Xbox Series S|X launch game

PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X: Controller

With regards to the new Xbox Series X controller, Microsoft says its “size and shape heave been refined to accommodate an even wider range of people”. To achieve this its been trimmed down and is slightly smaller than before, while a Share button dedicated to letting Xbox players upload gameplay and screenshots has been added. However, those who think they’d prefer to use their existing Xbox One controller or have just picked up an Xbox Elite Series 2 controller can rest easy, as both have been confirmed to work with Xbox Series X going forward.

PlayStation 5’s controller, much like the console itself, is a little less traditional. The famed Dualshock line of PlayStation gamepads have been retired in favour of what’s called the Dualsense controller, given its name because of the impressive haptic feedback it’s capable of producing. Astro’s Playroom has been touted as the showcase launch game to demonstrate these effects, having the Dualsense vibrate and rumble in unique ways depending on your actions. Another upcoming PS5 title, Deathloop, intends to use the Dualsense’s adaptive triggers to indicate when your gun jams.