Let’s start with the design. I like all the designs. If we look at the Xbox, it features a blocky, brick-like, and boxy design. This looks beautiful because it is symmetrical, with a rectangular shape. It can be placed either in a standing position or lying down.
The Xbox Series S is a thin console, as it is less powerful and contains less hardware. On the other hand, the Xbox Series X is larger and more robust, giving it a strong and solid presence on a table or in any gaming setup.
Now, let’s talk about the PlayStation 5. Unlike the Xbox, the PS5 is not symmetrical. Upon closer inspection, it has a unique and somewhat unconventional appearance. While it looks good, the side plates are asymmetrical. The disk drive area, ports, and overall design are distinct.
When it was first launched, people were very excited about the PS5, and it still holds up visually. Like the Xbox, it can be placed vertically or horizontally, but it requires a stand, which is included in the box. The PS5 Slim, however, is even slimmer and doesn’t require a base stand. You can easily position it horizontally as well. The PS5 comes in two variants: the standard PS5 and the PS5 Slim. There is no technical or performance difference between the two.
In terms of size and portability, the Xbox Series S is the most portable. The PS5 Slim is also very portable and fits easily in a bag. Even the standard PS5 is relatively easy to carry. However, the Xbox Series X is less portable due to its size, earning the lowest marks for portability. That said, portability depends on your mode of travel and whether you’re using a bag or a briefcase—this is quite subjective.
Now, let’s discuss pricing and variants. Starting with the Xbox, the Series S is priced at ₹33,000 for the 512GB variant. There’s also a 1TB variant, known as the Black Edition, priced at ₹39,000. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, is priced between ₹50,000 and ₹55,000. However, on the day I made this video, I saw it listed on Flipkart for ₹45,000. I’m not sure why, but that’s what I observed. The Series X is on the pricier side because it is more powerful and technically superior to the Series S, justifying the higher cost.
As for the PlayStation 5, there are four consoles in total. The original PS5, often referred to as the “Fat” version, comes in two variants: the disc variant, priced at ₹55,000, and the digital variant, priced at ₹45,000. The PS5 Slim, however, is not officially available in India yet. The version we reviewed is an imported variant and comes in two configurations: the disc edition and the digital edition. Both are slimmer and more compact than the original PS5. While the imported PS5 Slim disc variant is priced at approximately ₹52,000, the digital version is slightly cheaper, priced at around ₹42,000. These prices may vary based on the seller and region.
The disc variant of the PS5 is available in India for ₹50,000–55,000, while the digital variant is priced at ₹45,000–46,000. The PS5 Slim offers an optional disc drive. If you purchase the digital version, you can add the disc drive later, and if you have the disc version, you can also remove the disc drive if needed. This modular feature makes the PS5 Slim a versatile option for users who may want to switch between digital and physical gaming media.
Now, let’s talk about specifications. While I won’t go into extensive detail since there isn’t much room for customization in these consoles, the main highlight is the resolution.
The Xbox Series S is a 1440p console, supporting up to 1440p at 120Hz, particularly in some esports titles. It can also render upscaled 4K. When connected to a 4K TV, you will see a 4K option in the settings, but the console operates natively at 1440p.
The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, supports native 4K at 120Hz and is capable of rendering up to 8K. When connected to an 8K TV, it provides excellent upscaled resolution. However, this is not true 8K—it’s upscaled. Considering the high cost of 8K TVs, this feature is worth noting but may not be a significant deciding factor for most users.
The PS5 also supports 4K at 120Hz and has “8K” listed on its box. However, like the Xbox Series X, it does not support native 8K but can provide an upscaled resolution when connected to an 8K TV. The Xbox Series S, when connected to an 8K TV, doesn’t perform well. The resolution will be highly pixelated, and the experience likely won’t be enjoyable. I haven’t tested this myself since I don’t have an 8K TV, so I’ll leave it at that.
Both the PS5 and Xbox consoles support HDR. If you own a monitor or TV with robust HDR capabilities, you can enjoy vibrant visuals with full-fledged HDR on these consoles.
Storage
Although consoles advertise specific storage capacities, the usable space is always less due to the operating system and pre-installed software.
- Xbox Series S: Comes with 512GB of storage, but after accounting for the OS and other system files, only about 350–360GB is usable.
- Xbox Series X: Offers 1TB of storage, with approximately 820–830GB of usable space.
- Original PS5 (“Fat”): Came with 825GB of storage, out of which around 625GB is usable.
- PS5 Slim: Provides 1TB of storage, with about 825GB available for use.
Keep in mind that the operating system and user interface typically consume 100–200GB of space, regardless of the console. This means storage may fill up quickly, especially with large modern games.
Fortunately, both Xbox and PS5 consoles offer storage expansion options. The Xbox Series S and Series X support the Seagate Expansion Card, which comes in multiple capacities, such as 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The PS5 and PS5 Slim allow you to install a compatible M.2 SSD to increase storage, provided it meets the required specifications.
This makes upgrading storage relatively straightforward for both platforms, ensuring you can keep up with the demands of your gaming library.
Xbox Series X and S Storage Options
Let’s start with the Xbox Series X. Both the Series X and Series S include a storage expansion slot, but the expansions are quite expensive. A 1TB expansion card costs approximately ₹15,000, while a 2TB expansion card is priced around ₹27,000–28,000—nearly half the price of the console itself.
For the Xbox Series S, storage expansion is also on the pricier side. However, you can attach external storage via USB, allowing you to store and play older-generation games directly from the USB drive. While current-generation games can also be stored on USB drives, they cannot be played directly from them. These games require the console’s internal SSD for optimal performance. That said, you can transfer current-generation games from the USB storage back to the console’s SSD when you wish to play them. This flexibility helps manage storage constraints, though it adds a step to your gaming setup.
PlayStation 5 Storage Options
The PlayStation 5 also features a storage expansion slot that supports Gen 4 NVMe SSDs. A 1TB Gen 4 SSD for the PS5 costs around ₹10,000, which is relatively affordable compared to Xbox’s proprietary expansion cards. This affordability is due to the PS5’s use of universal storage standards, making it compatible with Gen 4 SSDs commonly used in PCs and laptops.
In addition to internal storage expansion, you can connect external SSDs and HDDs via the USB port for storing games. PlayStation 4 games can be played directly from external storage, providing a convenient option for players with large PS4 libraries. However, PS5 games must be transferred to the internal SSD to be played, as they require the speed and performance of an SSD for proper functionality.
Operating System and User Interface
When it comes to the operating system, the Xbox Series X and Series S share the same interface, as both consoles are built on the same platform. The Xbox UI, however, feels somewhat cluttered and not very user-friendly. Navigating the menus can take time, as many settings are buried within submenus, and the interface is packed with options that can overwhelm new users.
One noticeable drawback of the Xbox UI is the lack of background music. The interface only offers basic navigation sounds, which makes the overall experience feel less immersive compared to its competition.
On the other hand, the PlayStation 5 offers a more premium and engaging user experience. From the moment you turn it on, you’re greeted with soothing background music that enhances the sense of immersion. Additionally, when navigating the home screen, the themes and music dynamically change based on the highlighted game. For instance, highlighting Spider-Man 2 plays the game’s theme music, adding to the excitement and creating a sense of anticipation to play.
This dynamic and immersive interface provides a distinct gaming experience, giving you the feeling of having turned on a true gaming console.
Another highlight of the PS5 interface is the clear separation between gaming and media content. Media apps and games are categorized separately, making navigation smoother and more intuitive.
Despite my preference for the PlayStation UI, the Xbox does have one standout feature: it includes a web browser, which is absent on the PS5. The browser can be handy for quick searches or accessing web-based content directly from the console, adding a layer of functionality not available on the PS5.
Browser and Multimedia Features
One of the unique features of the Xbox Series X and S is the inclusion of a web browser, allowing users to browse the internet directly on the console. While previous generations of PlayStation, such as the PS3 and PS4, also included a browser, the PS5 does not offer this feature.
Both consoles, however, support a wide range of multimedia apps, making them excellent entertainment hubs in addition to being gaming devices. Platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Crunchyroll, and Twitch are available on both the Xbox and PlayStation consoles. This versatility allows users to seamlessly switch between gaming and multimedia consumption, enhancing their overall experience.
While gaming remains the primary focus of these consoles, having access to multimedia apps adds significant value.
What’s more important to you: gaming or multimedia? Let us know in the comments!
Gaming Library
The Xbox Series X and S boast an extensive library of over 10,000 games, with new titles regularly added. In comparison, the PlayStation 5 offers a slightly smaller library of over 8,500 games. However, the PS5 gains an edge with its PlayStation VR2 support, adding an additional library of 170+ VR-exclusive games, with more titles expected in the future.
The PS VR2 headset is also rumored to be compatible with PCs, which could significantly enhance its versatility and value if the rumors turn out to be true.
When comparing the total number of games, it’s essential to note that both consoles may feature overlapping titles. For instance, the same game might appear in different versions, such as GTA 5 for PS4 and GTA 5 for PS5, inflating the total game count. The numbers provided here are based on the official store listings for each console.
Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Titles
Many popular games, like GTA 5, Guardians of the Galaxy, Assassin’s Creed, and Need for Speed, are available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Some even extend to the Nintendo Switch. However, the real competition lies in the exclusive titles.
As someone who owns both consoles, I’ve had the chance to enjoy Xbox exclusives like Forza Horizon, Halo, Gears of War, Starfield, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Quantum Break. Among these, Forza Horizon stands out as an exceptional racing game that isn’t available on PlayStation. In contrast, Gran Turismo—a PlayStation exclusive—didn’t captivate me as much as Forza Horizon.
The PlayStation 5, however, excels with its legendary exclusives. Titles such as the Spider-Man series, God of War, Uncharted, Ratchet & Clank, The Last of Us, Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, Demon’s Souls, and Bloodborne set the gold standard for gaming. I’ve played all of these titles, and they deliver an unmatched experience.
While some of these PlayStation exclusives are gradually becoming available on other platforms, their legacy on PlayStation remains unmatched and continues to define the console’s appeal.
PlayStation and PC Titles
Many iconic PlayStation exclusives, such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2018), Ghost of Tsushima, and the Uncharted series, are now available on PC. While this is great news for PC gamers, it highlights a limitation for Xbox users, as these titles are not available on Xbox consoles.
If you own a PC, you can enjoy both Xbox and PlayStation titles on your system. However, if you are an Xbox user, you miss out on these PlayStation exclusives. This is one reason I lean more toward the PlayStation 5, as I already have a PC that covers most Xbox titles. The excitement of getting PlayStation exclusives 1–2 years before they become available on PC makes the PS5 an attractive option.
For example, recent titles like God of War: Ragnarok, Spider-Man 2, and Wolverine are PlayStation exclusives. These games will eventually come to PC, but they won’t be available on Xbox. This exclusivity adds to the appeal of owning a PlayStation console.
GTA VI and Next-Gen Consoles
One major reason to invest in next-gen consoles is the upcoming release of GTA VI. It will be available on the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5, with console exclusivity expected for 1–2 years before it arrives on PC—similar to how GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 were released. Both consoles will offer an excellent experience for this highly anticipated game, so you can’t go wrong with either choice here.
Backward Compatibility
When it comes to backward compatibility, the Xbox Series X and S take the lead. These consoles support older titles from the Xbox 360 and Xbox One eras natively. Xbox uses its own emulator and system to ensure smooth gameplay for legacy games. You can simply insert an old disc and start playing.
The PlayStation 5 also supports backward compatibility, but only for PS4 games. Unfortunately, older titles from the PS3, PS2, and PS1 generations are not natively supported in India due to the lack of Sony’s cloud streaming service (PlayStation Now). This service streams older games, but since it’s unavailable in India, players miss out on this feature. That said, PS4 games can be installed and played on the PS5 without any issues.
Esports and Display Compatibility
Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are excellent choices for esports. They support the latest esports games at up to 120Hz refresh rates. Both consoles can handle 4K resolution at 120Hz, delivering a premium gaming experience. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S offers 1440p at 120Hz, making it a great choice for gaming monitors with high refresh rates.
Most users, however, play on 4K 60Hz TVs, as 4K 120Hz TVs are still a niche product. Sony’s lineup of 4K 120Hz TVs pairs particularly well with the PlayStation 5 for those seeking the best visual and performance quality.
Esports and Performance on Consoles
High-end 4K 120Hz TVs are indeed expensive, typically costing around 1.5–2 Lakhs. Both Xbox and PlayStation offer a solid selection of popular esports titles such as Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Fortnite. However, if you’re interested in games like Valorant or Counter-Strike, these are not available on consoles. For those titles, you’ll need a PC or laptop, as they are not supported on consoles. That being said, you can still play other games that support native keyboard and mouse input.
Performance and Gaming Experience
The performance comparison between the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 is often debated. On paper, the Xbox Series X outperforms the PS5 in raw specs. I had the chance to test both consoles with two universal next-gen titles: NFS Unbound and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, on a 65-inch TV.
Surprisingly, I didn’t notice any significant difference in resolution or frame rate. NFS Unbound ran at 60 FPS, but with no frame rate option to adjust. In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, I tested both “Quality” and “High Frame Rate” modes. On the “Quality” setting, both consoles ran the game at 4K 30 FPS. On the “High Frame Rate” option, both consoles managed 4K 60 FPS, but without any visible frame rate meter.
From my experience, gaming consoles should provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience, and it’s hard to judge performance purely based on numbers. I didn’t feel that the Xbox Series X offered a noticeable performance boost over the PS5, even with exclusive games on each console.
Xbox Features
One feature I do appreciate on Xbox is the Quick Resume function, available on both the Series S and Series X. This allows you to pick up right where you left off in a game, even if you power off the console. You can switch between multiple games—say, from GTA V to Forza Horizon—and the game will resume from where you left off, making for a more seamless experience. This feature isn’t available on the PlayStation 5, giving Xbox a distinct advantage for multi-game sessions.
Conclusion on Gaming Experience
Overall, I didn’t notice a major difference in the gaming experience between the two consoles, especially in terms of pixels and frame rate. There are numerous side-by-side comparison videos on YouTube where you can visually compare the consoles’ performance in specific games. These videos often highlight differences in colors and sometimes even show FPS counts, though it’s unclear which system provides accurate FPS data for each console.
In My Opinion
I didn’t notice much of a difference in terms of the overall gaming experience. On paper, there is a difference—the Xbox Series X is more powerful. In the future, this may become apparent with high-demand games like GTA 6. In GTA 6, the Xbox Series X will likely perform better, while on the PS5, we might only have the option for 30 FPS.
As more demanding titles are released, there will be more opportunities to test this performance difference, though I haven’t experienced all of them yet. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
PlayStation VR and Membership
One of the biggest exclusives for PlayStation is VR gaming, which is something Xbox does not currently offer. The PSVR 2, supported on the PS5, provides a next-level experience. If you’re not ready to buy the PSVR 2 headset right away, you can purchase it later for around ₹50,000-55,000. However, you will need to pay for the full PS5 as well. It offers a unique gaming experience.
Both consoles come with membership options. On PS5, there’s the PS Plus membership, which offers three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Deluxe. Personally, I think the Deluxe plan provides the best value for money at around ₹6,500 annually. With this plan, you get 2-3 free games every month, which you can claim and keep in your library as long as your membership is active. If your membership expires after a year, you won’t be able to play those games, but they will remain in your library, and as soon as you renew, you’ll be able to access them again.
The membership also includes access to a game catalog, where you’ll find amazing AAA titles. This catalog changes regularly, with new titles added and older ones removed. If you’ve already claimed an older game before it’s removed, you can still play it as long as it’s in your library. The games in the catalog are separate from the ones you claim each month.
Similarly, Xbox offers Game Pass Ultimate, priced at ₹6,500 annually, which provides access to a strong gaming library filled with numerous titles.
Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation’s Catalog
There are many games available in the Xbox Game Pass library, and it works similarly to PlayStation’s catalog: you can play games as long as they remain in the library. Once a game is removed, you won’t be able to play it anymore.
The best part of Xbox Game Pass is that it includes day-one releases, meaning that when a new game is launched, you get to play it for free as part of your subscription. I really like this feature. Xbox Game Pass is available not just on consoles, but also on PC. So, if you have both a gaming console and a PC or laptop, you can play all those games on your PC as well. This is why I don’t quite understand the exclusivity of Xbox—if you have a PC, the gaming experience is pretty much the same.
Accessories and Compatibility
Both consoles offer a wide range of accessories, but there’s exclusivity in that area too. For example, both consoles have Bluetooth support, but they only work with their own compatible devices. On PlayStation, you can’t connect regular TWS earphones; instead, Sony offers its own PS5-compatible TWS. Similarly, on Xbox, you can only use certified Xbox headphones, which are part of their system.
When it comes to accessories, both consoles offer controllers, headphones, and even steering wheels. For instance, Xbox supports Logitech’s steering wheels natively, like the Logitech G29, which is a dedicated, high-quality steering wheel. Keep in mind that cheaper steering wheels are essentially just controllers in the shape of a steering wheel.
Controllers
Now, let’s talk about the controllers. The Xbox controller provides a great experience; it’s premium, feels good in hand, and has haptic feedback. However, it’s not drastically different from other controllers. One thing I did notice is that the Xbox controller’s triggers have vibrations, which are noticeable in some games. It’s a good feature, but not as advanced as the PS5’s adaptive triggers.
The PS5 DualSense controller, on the other hand, offers a truly next-level gaming experience. The adaptive triggers are amazing—when you shoot, the resistance changes depending on the weapon, and it even adapts when using a bow and arrow. In games like Ratchet & Clank, the triggers respond differently in various situations, adding to the immersion. The haptics in the PS5 controller are also a step up, with a different kind of vibration motor that provides more detailed feedback compared to the Xbox controller’s basic vibration motor.
Sony has really focused on improving their controllers, and as a result, we get an incredibly immersive gaming experience with the PS5. On the other hand, the Xbox controller has native support for PC, which makes it super easy to connect and play any game without additional setup.
PS5 Controller Compatibility with PC
The PS5 controller also natively supports Steam, including features like adaptive triggers and strong vibrations, and works seamlessly with the latest games. However, if you want to play third-party games on a PC, you’ll need to use the DS4Windows method to connect the PS5 controller.
Smartphone Companion Apps
Both consoles offer a smartphone companion app, where you can check your membership, claim your monthly games, browse the latest releases, and manage your friend list—all without turning on the console. The app provides a lot of useful features, and both are well-designed.
Jailbreaking and Security
Now, regarding the jailbreak situation: there is currently no jailbreak for the Xbox Series X/S. I’m not sure about previous generations, but the current ones are secure. On the other hand, there are a few jailbreaks for older versions of the PS5, and it’s likely that more jailbreaks will appear for the PS5 in the future, similar to how PS4 and PS3 jailbreaks became available over time.
Buying Second-Hand PS5 Consoles
Additionally, when buying a second-hand PS5, you may come across offers where sellers provide IDs that are loaded with games. While these IDs allow access to a large game library, you cannot connect to the internet with them, as they are tied to someone else’s account. You can still enjoy offline story games, but as soon as you connect to the internet, the ID gets logged out, and the games stop working. I’ve tried this method before—it works, but it has limitations.
If you want to play more games at a lower price, both consoles offer a 1-year warranty with no significant issues. Both Sony and Microsoft are reliable brands, so there’s no problem in terms of quality.
This concludes my comparison of the Xbox Series X/S vs PlayStation 5, the current generation of consoles. In conclusion, if you have a powerful PC—and I mean a truly powerful one—building a PC that matches the performance of these consoles can be quite challenging. A PC is still the king of gaming, as it offers all of PlayStation’s exclusives and everything available on Xbox as well. However, if you want the performance of the Xbox Series X on a PC, you’d need to build a PC worth around ₹1.5 lakh to match the performance of a ₹50,000 console.
These consoles are designed specifically for gaming, which is why you can’t really compare them directly to PCs. For example, the gaming performance of the Series X is equivalent to a PC worth ₹30,000, while a PC worth ₹70,000-₹80,000 will give you similar performance. The same applies to the PS5.
So, in the console vs PC debate, here’s what I think: Both are great. When it comes to Xbox, it’s more powerful than the PlayStation 5, offering better resolution and more stable frame rates. But, honestly, this doesn’t matter much for a gaming console, because you’re playing on a couch with a console connected to a TV, and the game is running smoothly without worrying about frame rates or latency.
The main selling point here is the price. The Xbox Series X is priced at ₹45,000, ₹10,000 cheaper than the PS5, and the Xbox Series S is priced at ₹33,000, ₹12,000 cheaper than the PS5 Digital Edition. This makes the Xbox a value-for-money console right now.
I would recommend Xbox to those who don’t care about exclusive titles and just want a powerful console with good performance at an affordable price. If you don’t have a PC that can match this performance, Xbox is a great choice. However, if you already have a capable PC, then there’s no need to buy an Xbox, since all the games are available on PC.
Now, let’s talk about the PlayStation 5. The primary reason to buy the PS5 is its exclusive titles. I also enjoy its operating system and user interface, which I’ve already covered in detail. If you prefer PlayStation’s exclusives and ecosystem, then the PS5 is a solid choice.
I hope this comparison helps. Now, it’s up to you to decide. After reading through this, which fan are you? An Xbox fan or a PlayStation fan? Let me know in the comments below, and also share which console you’re using!
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