The ongoing 9th generation console wars can be broadly divided into two camps – the PlayStation and Xbox. Both parties have gone neck to neck in recent years, but PlayStation has held a clear advantage starting with the 8th generation with the release of the PS4.
Given Nintendo’s lack of involvement in the AAA gaming space (and their tendency to do their own thing instead), they are not exact competitors to either Xbox or PlayStation, and as such will not be considered for this comparison.
Choosing between the PS5 vs Xbox may not be easy given the current console landscape, when we take into consideration the shift toward multi-platform releases, and the advent of subscription-based models. Regardless, a breakdown of two behemoths can be found listed below, detailing their major advantages and disadvantages.
PS5 vs Xbox, which is the superior console in 2024?
1) Performance
| Feature | PS5 | Xbox |
| CPU | 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2; 8 core | 3.8 GHz AMD Zen 2; 8-core |
| RAM | 16 GB GDDR6 unified | 16 GB GDDR6 unified |
| GPU | RDNA 2, 10.3 Teraflops | RDNA 2; 12 Teraflops |
| Storage + Expansion | 825 GB internal; can be expanded using NVME SSDs. | 1 TB internal; requires a proprietary expansion module |
In terms of performance, both consoles are nearly identical. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X possess 8-core AMD Zen 2 APUs coupled with 16GB of unified GDDR6 memory. Additional components include a super-fast SSD and support for an optical Blu-ray drive to access physical media.
While the PS5 is seen to trounce the Xbox Series X in certain cross-platform titles, the difference is marginal at best and usually resolved with updates. As such, both consoles are neck-to neck in terms of performance, offering a similar experience.
The Xbox Series S is the outlier in this regard, as it is a much weaker console that targets lower resolutions and frame rates.
2) Exclusives
Exclusives make or break a console. Between the PS5 vs Xbox, Sony’s 9th generation console has the clear lead in this regard. Almost all current-gen Xbox Series titles receive a PC port on their day of release – making it quite unappealing for those already owning a beefy gaming PC.
The PS5 simply possesses better exclusives as of 2024, with hits such as God of War: Ragnarok, Bloodborne and Stellar Blade. While Xbox’s legacy library is nothing to scoff at, its current-gen titles leave much to be desired.
Given Xbox’s recent push towards multi-platform releases, one cannot help but wonder about the future of the company’s console division. As such, PlayStation wins in the exclusive race by a landslide.
3) Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus
Between the PS5 vs Xbox, you can choose between the PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass subscription services respectively. Both services require a modest monthly fee, and provide access to a wide library of games in return.
These include both current-gen and previous-gen titles, and offer great value. Unfortunately, these subscriptions are mandatory for accessing online services in a lot of popular multiplayer-only games, which is not the norm in the PC gaming space.
However, Xbox’s Game Pass holds an edge here, thanks to its consistent day one releases of AAA blockbusters such as Persona 3 Reload and more. Moreover, Game Pass is also available for Windows PCs, making it all the more enticing to purchase. Xbox maintains a clear lead here.
4) Controller
Another point of consideration between the PS5 vs Xbox includes their controllers. The PS5’s DualSense and Xbox’s Series controllers possess different layouts and functions.
The DualSense is the superior controller by virtue of features alone, and key additions include improved haptics, gyroscope support, a touchpad and “Adaptive Triggers”. The Adaptive Triggers add varying resistances to the L2/R2 buttons, offering a more immersive experience.
The Xbox Series controller is rather anemic in comparison, possessing only a basic set of features and average haptics. It does however come with removable AA batteries, which can be a bonus for some.
While the in-hand feel of controllers is subjective, there is no doubt that the PlayStation 5’s DualSense is a much better option, at least until the rumored Xbox controller refresh is released.
5) Backwards compatibility
In terms of backwards compatibility, the PS5 vs Xbox debacle has a clear winner – the Xbox Series X/S. Microsoft was quick to do a reversal on the lack of backwards compatibility way back during the launch of the Xbox One, offering support for even original Xbox games.
On the other hand, the PS5 is only backwards with the PlayStation 4, and select PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 titles. Software emulation is used for the PS1 and PS2 titles, which only includes a handful of titles.
Unfortunately, the entirety of the PS3 library is unplayable on the PS5, owing to differences in architecture. This does not take into account PS4 ports of PS3 games such as God of War III, which run without issues.
Xbox’s effort toward game preservation and backwards compatibility deserves applause, as it allows for both new and seasoned gamers to access past titles.
Overall, the PlayStation 5 holds an edge over the Xbox Series for this particular console generation, owing to its superior library of exclusives. If you do not care much about PlayStation exclusives and much prefer the value that Game Pass brings with it, Xbox remains a better choice.
