2020 certainly hasn’t been a great year for many, but the gaming community has been buzzing with excitement in the past few months. The long-awaited next-gen consoles are finally here, ready to take your gaming to the next level.
Pre-orders for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox series X have gone through the roof, with both Sony and Microsoft announcing possible shortages in the coming months due to the high demand.
The consoles come with incredible upgrades and boast unprecedented potential. They have the same price tag of $499, and they both feature amazing specs. But which one is worth the cost? Does one outperform the other? Take a look at this review by The Gamers Reality to find out.
The Overall Appearance
The design is the first thing you’ll notice with any console, so it’s the first thing The Gamers Reality examined. PlayStation 5 and Xbox series X couldn’t look more different, and if you’re an avid gamer, you’ll know which one is somewhat more unique.
The PlayStation 5 looks otherworldly, to say the least. Truth be told, you’ll either love it or hate it; there’s no in-between. It’s not only the largest PlayStation console ever released, but the largest modern console on the whole.
Naturally, due to its unique appearance, the PS5 memes flooded the internet.
The hefty console will surely look imposing wherever you place it; there’s no hiding it. The huge white side panels cannot but catch your eye, and the shiny black center will grab your gaze, and possibly your fingerprints. It’s almost like a piece of abstract art.
Compared to the PS5, the Xbox series X console is nothing to write home about. It’s a moderately-sized black box that’s simple and monotone. The only interesting visual element is the green circle within the exhaust holes. It’s minimalistic. You can place it horizontally or vertically and make sure it’s as unobtrusive as possible.
A Closer Look at the Specs
As far as The Gamers Reality can determine, the PS5 and Xbox series X specifications are quite similar, with only a few main differences.
Both consoles have Custom Zen 2, 8-core/16 thread CPUs. The PS5 goes up to 3.5 GHz, and the series X goes up to 3.8 GHz.
PS5’s GPU has 36 compute units, running at 2.23 GHz and going up to 10.3 teraflops. With its 448GB/s bandwidth and 16GB of GDDR6, the PS5 supports ray tracing and offers stunning visual effects.
With PS5, you’ll get 825GB NVMe SSD, and with Xbox series X 1TB NVMe SSD.
Xbox series X’s GPU has better computing performance with 12 teraflops and 52 CUs. It always delivers the same clock speed, running at locked 1.825 GHz.
Both consoles support 8K resolution and boast 120 Hz refresh rates at 4K, but you’ll only get to enjoy that if you have a TV that supports these specs.
Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: Backwards Compatibility
Xbox series X and PS5 both have backward compatibility. However, PlayStation 5 is only compatible with PS4 games, so you’ll have no luck if you want to enjoy some older games.
Xbox series X is compatible with virtually all Xbox games. If you have a favorite Xbox 360 game, chances are you’ll get to play it seamlessly on the series X.
Of course, you’ll get to enjoy an abundance of third-party games on both consoles. The extensive game libraries will include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Cyberpunk 2077, and more.
Games to Enjoy on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5
Since Microsoft recently acquired ZeniMax media, there’s a chance that games such as Doom Eternal and Elder Scrolls could become Xbox-exclusive. The Gamers Reality offers gift cards for both, so you’ll have easy access to them.
PS5 will come pre-installed with Astro’s Playroom, and we can expect additions such as Final Fantasy 16, God of War, and more.
Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy some classics on both consoles, including the Lego Batman 3, Borderlands 3, Fortnite, Watch Dogs: Legion, and more.
Controllers
There’s one thing that truly differentiates the Xbox series X and the PS5. Controllers.
The series X will work with all Xbox controllers. A new controller is available that’s slightly smaller and that features a new share button. Other than that, it’s pretty much the same as all previous ones.
But PS5’s controller is nothing short of amazing. The DualSense has haptic feedback with subtle vibrations that enhance your gameplay. You’ll feel the rainfall in the game, the changes in terrain, and more.
DualSense’s adaptive triggers will make all your games more immersive, as all actions will be simulated more accurately. The controller even has a built-in mic. It’s truly a next-gen controller.
Final Thoughts
Both Xbox series X and PlayStation 5 have their own pros and cons. The Gamers Reality states that each console is a powerful machine that will deliver excellent results. The better choice for you depends solely on the games you enjoy more and the brand you’re loyal to.
