Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: New Updates On 5 Key Features

The PS5 and the Xbox Series X has finally arrived, replacing the PS4 and the Xbox One as the next-gen consoles. The PS5 reveal has been delayed recently to give way for the ongoing protests, but enough details have been released to be used in a comparison between the two consoles.

These details show that the new generation of consoles has major differences between them. According to GameSpot, some important key differences include exclusive games, improvements on the controllers, backwards compatibility, storage and power.

Exclusive Games

For the game exclusives, this generation will bring “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2,”The Medium,” and the Xbox exclusive “Halo Infinite” to Series X. The PS5, meanwhile, will have “Godfall,” “Quantum Error” and a sequel to “Horizon Zero Dawn.”

Both will still receive multi-platform games such as “Fortnite,” “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla,” and “Dirt 5” among others.

Improvements on the Controllers

People might think Microsoft isn’t changing anything in its tried-and-tested setup for controllers but the Series X is getting a bit competitive with its new Xbox controller debuting a new share button at the center and a USB-C connection. Meanwhile, PS5 introduced a new DualSense controller, an “improvement” on the DualShock. It has a built-in microphone; the “Share” button is now the “Create” button; adaptive L2 and R2 buttons and a USB-C connection.

Backwards Compatibility

Both consoles have been paying attention to their backwards capability. The Xbox Series X will play every available game from its predecessor. PS5 will also sport the same feature.

Storage And Power

Both consoles manage to go toe-to-toe in most areas, with one big exception – storage, where the Sony PS5 has a slight advantage. According to Wired, it uses a drive that can transfer data at 5.5BG/s — a major upgrade that will surely not slow the console down.

The Xbox Series X, however, reigns supreme in the GPU and CPU department. According to Screen Rant, this translates to higher resolutions and framerates for the Series X. While that may be true, the argument is that it doesn’t necessarily mean the PS5 is far behind in terms of graphical performance. In fact, it should still be able to deliver higher performance than previously expected.

While there is a debate in which console would actually deliver better graphics as promised, there is still no way to truly test it as there are no actual mass production copies available yet. Both Microsoft and Sony listed “Holiday 2020” as the release period for the very first production copy of both consoles.

It remains to be seen, however, since both consoles have production plants in China. The coronavirus pandemic has affected supply chains, Sony and Microsoft’s plants included. Followers should watch out for changes in the schedule, but the release appears to be still achievable “before Christmas.”