Gamers worldwide eagerly awaited the arrival of the next generation video game console, with which came the promises of redefined, immersive, and realistic gaming experiences. November 2020 saw this long wait end: the future of gaming was here, with Microsoft launching its flagship Xbox Series X and Sony launching its flagship Playstation 5. The two consoles advertise themselves to deliver unmatched gaming experiences to their users and do precisely that. This article identifies key details from both consoles, puts them together, and gives the reader the clarity to choose between them.
Processing Power and Performance
As expected, both consoles come with the latest cutting-edge hardware capabilities. Either console runs on a customized AMD Zen 2 processor coupled with RDNA 2 architecture. However, internal architecture and more minor hardware features create some variation between the two consoles’ computational capabilities. The Xbox Series X boasts a computational power of 12 teraflops, which supersedes the 10.28 teraflops offered by the PS5.
Regardless of this minor variation in computational capabilities, both consoles can render games in 4k resolution coupled with a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz. These features largely contribute to a smooth, seamless gaming experience for users.
Visual Appearance
The two consoles broadly differ when it comes to appearance. The PS5 comes with a sharp, futuristic design meant to appeal at first glance. Having a PS5 as part of your gaming setup or somewhere in your entertainment center guarantees it to stand out: its design is meant to do so.
On the contrary, the Xbox Series X is a reasonably simple, minimalistic, and sleek design. It appears similar to a tower PC casing, only slightly smaller in height. This more straightforward design will easily fit into a typical entertainment center setup.
Many users have heavily customized both consoles, so that remains a viable option as well. Surf through the internet for inspiration if you intend to do the same.
Backward Compatibility
Big-time gamers who have been enthusiastic about gaming since older consoles such as the original Xbox, Xbox 360, PS1, or PS2 were launched, and have played titles that came out on consoles that followed, are specific about being able to play older games. This makes backward compatibility an absolute must for these newer, next generation consoles.
The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 offer backward compatibility to their users. The PlayStation 5 is backward compatible with most titles launched on the PlayStation 4, giving users a large number of already available games to play from. The Xbox Series X, however, is ahead of the PS5 when offering backward compatibility. Users of the Xbox Series X can enjoy multiple games that came out on all generations of the Xbox: Xbox One. Xbox 360 and the original Xbox. The Series X might be your pick if you are big on older titles.
User Experience and Exclusives
Either console offers users easy-to-navigate, smooth user interfaces. The Xbox Series X somewhat maintains the familiar UI from older generation consoles, while the PS5 has a revamped, easy-to-access, simplistic UI.
The PS5 launches with a brand new DualSense controller with specific features that complement gameplay to give users a more immersive gaming experience. The Playstation has signature titles associated with it, such as God of War: Ragnarök or The Last of Us remastered.
The Series X comes with the familiar Microsoft Wireless Xbox controller, which functions smoothly with the console. Xbox Series X also has certain exclusive games associated with it, such as Halo Infinite.
Subscription Plans and Ecosystem
Either console has certain features that expand on the options that it offers. Playstation5 continues the PlayStation Plus feature from the PS4, allowing players to play multiple multiplayer games, socialize with fellow gamers, get free monthly games, exclusive discounts on specific titles, etc.
Similarly, the Xbox Series X works with Xbox Live and the Xbox Game Pass, features offering users multiple games regularly with potential discounts, access to online multiplayer, etc.
Microsoft vs Sony: Series X or PS5?
This article goes through the features either console offers in detail, covering most of the key features provided by either console. Users can accordingly pick which console suits their needs the best.
To summarize, both consoles function on similar processors and architecture, but the Xbox has a slight edge in computational capabilities. Design happens to be a significant distinctive factor between the two consoles. Either console supports backward compatibility, but the Xbox edges ahead.
Regardless of which console you choose, both consoles will undoubtedly offer the next generation, highly immersive gaming experience gamers are looking for.
