In 2019 and earlier this year, Microsoft and Sony announced the upcoming releases of their updated gaming consoles, causing much glee among gamers worldwide. Months of anticipation built up to last month’s release of Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X.
These gaming consoles are at the forefront of technology, and the Division of Information Technology aims to keep you updated on all things tech.
Whether you are an avid gamer or just interested in the new consoles, it is worth knowing the main differences between the Xbox Series X and the PS5. Here are a few of them.
Cost
Xbox X and PS5 are evenly matched in many ways across the board, price included. The PS5 costs $499, as is the same for the Xbox X. However, Microsoft also created a less expensive version – Xbox S – which comes in at $299. Xbox X and S differ mainly in processing time, storage, and visuals, with Series X performing slightly better in all areas. Still, if you are working with a smaller budget, then a more toned-down option comes in handy.
Games
Both PS5 and Xbox X have backward compatibility. If you own an older version of either console, then you can play some of those same games on its new version. However, PS5 has a longer catalog of non-compatible games, while Xbox X has compatibility with the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games, which is a plus.
Speaking of games, the two systems differ there as well. Many people are more interested in the games they can play with a new system than with the system itself. PS5 had exciting, new games at launch, and others announced for 2021. The long-awaited Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is just one of many. Xbox X boasts enhanced graphics and other established games’ abilities, under the title of “Optimised for Xbox Series X/S,” but didn’t launch with any new titles.
Storage
Xbox X has one terabyte of internal storage compared to PlayStation’s 825 GB. Running out of storage on a gaming console, like on a phone, could be annoying and limiting. However, both Microsoft and Sony have cloud streaming services — PlayStation Now and Project xCloud. Since they have cloud-based platforms, then actual internal storage might matter less to some people.
Overall, the consoles have more similarities than differences. Be it game titles, internal storage, cost options, and more; the “better” version comes down to what you prefer.
Angela Smith is marketing and promotions coordinator for IT Marketing and Communications at Texas State.
