Xbox Series X and PS5 have nearly identical hardware specs with 12 TFLOPS GPU performance and 1TB storage, but differ significantly in exclusive games, controller features, and backwards compatibility approaches. PS5 maintains a larger exclusive game library while Xbox offers superior cloud gaming integration through Game Pass.
Xbox Series X vs PS5 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Current-generation Microsoft console with 4K gaming and 1TB SSD storage
Sony's flagship console with industry-leading exclusive franchises and advanced haptic controller technology
Exclusive Game Titles (2026). Game Pass Value. Controller Haptic Feedback. Backwards Compatible Titles. SSD Speed. Cloud Gaming Capability. Average Game Price on Platform
Choose Xbox Series X if you value Game Pass's vast library, cloud gaming capabilities, and backwards compatibility with older Xbox titles at a lower total cost of ownership. Choose PS5 if exclusive franchises like God of War, Final Fantasy, Spider-Man, and Astro's Playroom, plus superior haptic controller technology and faster SSD performance, are your priorities.
Xbox Series X: $499 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: AMD Zen 2 (8-core at 3.8GHz) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 12 TFLOPs | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 10GB GDDR6 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K at 60fps native | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 2020 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: RDNA 2 (Current-gen) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 2,400 MB/s | PlayStation 5: 5.5 GB/s
Xbox Series X: 27.5% | PlayStation 5: 72.5%
Xbox Series X: $17.99/month | PlayStation 5: No equivalent (PlayStation Plus Extra $18.99/month)
Xbox Series X: Quietest gaming console ever made | PlayStation 5: Standard noise levels
Xbox Series X: 2 (Standard & All-Digital) | PlayStation 5: 3 (Standard, Digital, Slim)
Xbox Series X: -2.9% | PlayStation 5: +2.9%
Xbox Series X: ~98% Xbox One compatible | PlayStation 5: ~95% PS4 compatible
Xbox Series X: $180/year (Game Pass Ultimate) | PlayStation 5: $120/year (PS Plus Premium)
Xbox Series X: 15 | PlayStation 5: 12+ major exclusives
Xbox Series X: No major announcement | PlayStation 5: PSSR2 AI upscaling (2026, free)
Standard Console Launch Price (MSRP 2026)
Xbox Series X: $499 (Xbox Series X) | PlayStation 5: $499 (PS5 Standard)
Xbox Series X: 16GB | PlayStation 5: 16GB GDDR6
Xbox Series X: 4K (2160p) at 120fps | PlayStation 5: 4K (2160p) at 120fps
Xbox Series X: PCIe Gen 4 NVME | PlayStation 5: Custom ultra-fast SSD (faster)
Xbox Series X: 500+ games included | PlayStation 5: 400+ games (PS Plus Extra)
Xbox Series X: 25 million units | PlayStation 5: 40 million units
Xbox Series X: 4 generations (Xbox original to Series) | PlayStation 5: 2-3 generations (PS2-PS4 selective)
Xbox Series X: 16 GB (10 GDDR6 + 6 DDR5) | PlayStation 5: 16 GB GDDR6
Xbox Series X: 60 FPS at 4K | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: WiFi 7 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 34.43 million | PlayStation 5: 91.04 million
Xbox Series X: 27.4% | PlayStation 5: 72.6%
Xbox Series X: 120 fps | PlayStation 5: 60-120 fps (PS5 Pro exceeds)
Xbox Series X: Forza, Starfield, Game Pass exclusives | PlayStation 5: Horizon: Zenith Chronicles, Ghost of Tsushima: Revelations, Marvel titles
Xbox Series X: 600+ compatible titles | PlayStation 5: 200+ compatible titles
Xbox Series X: $220 | PlayStation 5: $230
Xbox Series X: $11.99/month | PlayStation 5: PlayStation Plus: $9.99-$17.99
Xbox Series X: 16GB GDDR6 | PlayStation 5: 16GB GDDR6
Xbox Series X: $599.99 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3328 shading units | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 320-bit interface | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K / 60fps | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3500+ titles | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Baseline (100%) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 16.7 TFLOPS | PlayStation 5: 10.28 TFLOPS
Xbox Series X: 3-4 major titles | PlayStation 5: 6-8 major titles
Xbox Series X: Standard vibration | PlayStation 5: Advanced haptic feedback + adaptive triggers
Xbox Series X: 60 FPS standard, up to 120 FPS | PlayStation 5: 60 FPS standard, up to 120 FPS
Xbox Series X: 2.4 GB/s | PlayStation 5: 5.5 GB/s
Xbox Series X: Hardware-accelerated, full support | PlayStation 5: Hardware-accelerated, full support
Xbox Series X: 8 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: 18 major exclusives
Xbox Series X: $10.99/month (Game Pass Core) | PlayStation 5: $9.99/month (PlayStation Plus Essential)
Xbox Series X: $599.99 | PlayStation 5: $599.99
Xbox Series X: 560 GB/s | PlayStation 5: 825 GB/s
Xbox Series X: 500+ titles (Game Pass Ultimate) | PlayStation 5: 750+ titles (PlayStation Plus tiers)
Xbox Series X: No - standard vibration only | PlayStation 5: Yes - DualSense haptic triggers
Xbox Series X: 16.7% more powerful | PlayStation 5: Baseline
Xbox Series X: 10% faster | PlayStation 5: Baseline
Xbox Series X: Standard speed | PlayStation 5: 30% faster custom SSD
Xbox Series X: $499 | PlayStation 5: $499
Xbox Series X: Current generation (4 years optimized) | PlayStation 5: 6 years of custom optimization
Xbox Series X: Xbox One, Xbox 360, Original Xbox titles | PlayStation 5: Limited PS4 backward compatibility
Xbox Series X: Yes, 4K/60FPS standard | PlayStation 5: Yes, 4K/60FPS capable
Xbox Series X: £449.99 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1000GB | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Yes, native 4K/60fps | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Can keep up with PS5 Pro in some instances | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4 generations (Xbox One, 360, Original, Series) | PlayStation 5: Select PS4 titles only (1 generation)
Xbox Series X: 300+ | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Standard SSD | PlayStation 5: Custom SSD (faster)
Xbox Series X: Extensive (4+ generations of Xbox titles) | PlayStation 5: Limited
Xbox Series X: Consistent 4-8% performance advantage on cross-platform titles | PlayStation 5: Closes gap through optimization
Xbox Series X: Current generation optimization | PlayStation 5: 6 years of proven optimization techniques
Xbox Series X: $649.99 | PlayStation 5: $649.99
Xbox Series X: Not available | PlayStation 5: $599.99
Xbox Series X: 12.15 | PlayStation 5: 10.28
Xbox Series X: 1000 | PlayStation 5: 825
Xbox Series X: 649.99 | PlayStation 5: 599.99
Xbox Series X: 499.99 | PlayStation 5: 519.99
Xbox Series X: 4K/1440p | PlayStation 5: 4K/1080p
Xbox Series X: Extensive (4 generations) | PlayStation 5: Good (PS4/PS3 select)
Xbox Series X: 2.4 GB/s | PlayStation 5: 5.5 GB/s (custom optimized)
Xbox Series X: 6,000+ (Xbox One, 360, OG Xbox) | PlayStation 5: 4,500+ PS4 games (99%)
Xbox Series X: 100+ annually | PlayStation 5: 15-20 PS Plus tier
Xbox Series X: 60 fps (targeted) | PlayStation 5: 120 fps (capable)
Xbox Series X: 8 major titles | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 400+ (Game Pass) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 38% | PlayStation 5: 72.5%
Xbox Series X: Yes, standard | PlayStation 5: Native 4K capable
Xbox Series X: 52 CUs equivalent (12 TFLOPS) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 10x faster SSD (vs PS4) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Baseline stable performance | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K/60FPS confirmed (Replaced) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4 generations (Xbox to Series X) | PlayStation 5: 2 generations
Xbox Series X: No thermal issues reported | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1000GB usable | PlayStation 5: 825 GB (usable)
Xbox Series X: 120fps native | PlayStation 5: 120fps (PS5 Pro)
Xbox Series X: $599.99 | PlayStation 5: $499.99
Xbox Series X: Outperforms PS5 Pro | PlayStation 5: Slightly lower frame consistency
Xbox Series X: Game Pass (400+ games, day-one releases) | PlayStation 5: PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium
Xbox Series X: 2,560 MB/s | PlayStation 5: 5,500 MB/s
Xbox Series X: 1,000 GB | PlayStation 5: 825 GB
Xbox Series X: 120 fps | PlayStation 5: 120 fps
Xbox Series X: 25+ exclusives | PlayStation 5: 40+ exclusives
Xbox Series X: 500+ (Xbox Game Pass) | PlayStation 5: Limited (PlayStation Plus Extra tier)
Xbox Series X: External (up to 65"+ via HDMI) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K (3840 x 2160) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 120 Hz | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: N/A (plugged in) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 9.4 lbs | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 450+ Game Pass + digital store | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K (2160p) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1000 GB | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K Blu-ray disc drive | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K @ 60 FPS (Replaced) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 8 | PlayStation 5: 8 cores @ 3.5 GHz
Xbox Series X: Up to 4K (2160p) @ 120Hz | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 16 GB GDDR6 | PlayStation 5: 16 GB GDDR6
Xbox Series X: $499 (standard) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 500+ Game Pass day-one exclusives | PlayStation 5: 500+ AAA titles
Xbox Series X: 448 GB/s | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 85% (3+ generations of titles) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: ~50 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Standard FSR/DLSS support | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $500 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 60 FPS (native optimized) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 200+ exclusive | PlayStation 5: ~500 PS5-exclusive/optimized
Xbox Series X: 10 minutes | PlayStation 5: 5 minutes (unbox, connect, play)
Xbox Series X: 4K (2160p) @ 120fps | PlayStation 5: 4K @ 120fps
Xbox Series X: $180/year (Game Pass Ultimate) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4,250g (requires desk/TV mount) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: N/A (not portable) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 150+ exclusives | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3.8 GHz (7-core Zen 2) | PlayStation 5: 3.5 GHz variable
Xbox Series X: 4K @ 120fps | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 500+ (Game Pass) | PlayStation 5: 700+ (PS Plus Premium)
Xbox Series X: 500+ Xbox/360 games | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Standard ray tracing | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 12 TFLOPS | PlayStation 5: 10.28 TFLOPS
Xbox Series X: No, stationary only | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 120 fps | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 25+ million | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 8 cores (custom x86) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1000 | PlayStation 5: 825 GB usable
Xbox Series X: 500+ | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 400+ | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 28+ Million | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 12 TFLOPS | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: AMD Zen 2, 8 cores @ 3.8 GHz | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1 TB NVMe SSD (proprietary expansion) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $499 (with disc drive) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K/120fps | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: UHD Blu-ray included | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Hardware ray tracing (AMD) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1.2-1.8s | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K/60fps typical | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3.8 GHz | PlayStation 5: 3.5 GHz
Xbox Series X: 1000GB | PlayStation 5: 825GB
Xbox Series X: 400+ games | PlayStation 5: 740+ (PS Plus Premium with legacy)
Xbox Series X: Standard implementation | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 30+ exclusive franchises | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 10+ simultaneous | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 800+ | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 16 GB | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 28 million | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 6 years (released Nov 2020) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 10.7 TFLOPS (Zen 2 architecture) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 500+ optimized for Series X | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 47 exclusives | PlayStation 5: 150+ exclusives
Xbox Series X: 25 million | PlayStation 5: 110+ million
Xbox Series X: 180W typical | PlayStation 5: 110W typical
Xbox Series X: $16.99 (Game Pass Ultimate) | PlayStation 5: $17.99 (PS Plus Premium)
Xbox Series X: $499.99 | PlayStation 5: $499.99
Xbox Series X: 1.2 seconds | PlayStation 5: 0.8 seconds
Xbox Series X: Current Generation (5+ years) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 10-15 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K (3840x2160) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 90.20
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: Not disclosed
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: $499
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: Home Console Only
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: Estimated 70+
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: God of War, Spider-Man, Gran Turismo, Returnal
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: Behind by 6.39M
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: None (stationary)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 120Hz at 4K
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: Precision 3D Audio (evolved)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: Advanced adaptive triggers
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 16GB GDDR6
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 3840x2160 (4K)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: $499-$549
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: Stable native 4K
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: Baseline (100%)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 4K (3840x2160)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 120 fps at 4K
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: ~2,000 PS5 optimized
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: No (requires TV and power outlet)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 4K (2160p)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 5-10 seconds
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 5-15% typical
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: $80 (PlayStation Plus Extra)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 4K/60fps or 1440p/120fps
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: ~15% of multiplayer titles
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 60 FPS
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: $70/year (PlayStation Plus)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 10 GB (unified architecture)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 30 minutes
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 40+ (God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 42 major exclusives
How to choose between Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X vs PS5 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Xbox Series X vs PS5. Contains 246 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Is PS5 or Xbox Series X more powerful in 2026?
Xbox Series X has a slight hardware edge with 12 TFLOPS GPU vs PS5's 10.28 TFLOPS and higher CPU clock speed (3.8 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). However, PS5's custom SSD is nearly 2.3x faster (5.5 GB/s vs 2.4 GB/s), which reduces loading times more significantly in practice. Real-world performance differences are minimal as most AAA games target both platforms.
Which console has better exclusive games?
PS5 has 42 major exclusive titles compared to Xbox Series X's 28 as of 2026, including franchises like God of War, Final Fantasy, Spider-Man, Sackboy, and Astro's Playroom. Xbox focuses on multi-platform releases through Game Pass, prioritizing quantity and accessibility over exclusivity. Game preference is subjective, but PS5 dominates in critically acclaimed single-player narrative experiences.
Is Game Pass worth it compared to buying individual games?
Game Pass Ultimate at $16.99/month provides access to 500+ games, making it cost-effective if you play 3+ $69.99 games annually. At that rate, you'd spend $209.88 on Game Pass yearly vs. $209.97 for just 3 new releases. PS5's equivalent subscription tiers are more expensive ($18.99/month for Plus Extra) and offer fewer games, giving Xbox a significant value advantage.
Which controller is better: Xbox Controller or DualSense?
PS5's DualSense features advanced haptic feedback with trigger resistance (simulating gun recoil, bow tension, etc.), which provides superior immersion in supported games like Astro's Playroom and Returnal. Xbox Series X Controller offers standard vibration with improved reliability and compatibility across PC and mobile devices. DualSense is more innovative for games designed around its features, but Xbox Controller is more universally compatible.
Can I play old Xbox and PlayStation games on new consoles?
Xbox Series X supports 145 backwards compatible titles from Xbox One and Xbox 360 with automatic performance upgrades. PS5 plays 99 PS4 games backwards compatible, but supports zero PS3, PS2, or PS1 titles. Xbox's superior backwards compatibility is a major advantage for players with existing game libraries, though PS5's library is growing. Neither console is fully backwards compatible with their entire legacy.
How to Choose Between Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5
Exclusive Game Titles (2026): Xbox Series X has 28 major exclusives, while PlayStation 5 has 42 major exclusives.
Game Pass Value: Xbox Series X has 500+ games in subscription, while PlayStation 5 has No equivalent subscription.
Controller Haptic Feedback: Xbox Series X has Standard vibration, while PlayStation 5 has Advanced haptic triggers with resistance.
Backwards Compatible Titles: Xbox Series X has 145 Xbox One/360 games, while PlayStation 5 has 99 PS4 games.
SSD Speed: Xbox Series X has 2.4 GB/s custom, while PlayStation 5 has 5.5 GB/s custom.
Cloud Gaming Capability: Xbox Series X has 150+ games via Xbox Cloud Gaming, while PlayStation 5 has Limited PlayStation Plus Extra tier.
Consider: Average Game Price on Platform
Average Game Price on Platform: Xbox Series X has $69.99 standard edition, while PlayStation 5 has $69.99 standard edition.