Xbox Series X has a 12% GPU performance advantage (12 TFLOPS vs 10.28 TFLOPS) and faster loading via custom SSD architecture, while PS5 offers stronger exclusive game titles and a larger player base with 38.9 million units sold versus Xbox's 25 million.
Xbox Series X vs PlayStation 5 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Microsoft's current-generation premium gaming console (released 2020)
Sony's next-gen console with 10.28 TFLOPS GPU, custom SSD architecture, and exclusive PlayStation Studios titles.
GPU Performance. Storage Expansion Cost. Exclusive AAA Titles (2025). Game Pass Subscribers. SSD Load Time (test: 4K texture package). Cooling System Noise (idle). Global Console Sales (cumulative)
Choose Xbox Series X if you prioritize raw performance, Game Pass value (34M subscribers), and faster load times—it edges out PS5 in hardware specs and offers superior backwards compatibility. Choose PlayStation 5 if exclusive franchises matter most (God of War, Spider-Man, Final Fantasy XVI), as it maintains a 56% larger installed base and stronger third-party exclusivity deals.
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: 80+ exclusives | PlayStation 5: 150+ exclusives
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: $11.99 | PlayStation 5: $11.99
Xbox Series X: 1.2 seconds | PlayStation 5: 0.8 seconds
Xbox Series X: 18 AAA exclusives | PlayStation 5: 26 AAA exclusives
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: 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: PCIe Gen 4 NVME | PlayStation 5: Custom ultra-fast SSD (faster)
Xbox Series X: 500+ games | PlayStation 5: 250+ 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: 2000+ (XB1/360/OG) | PlayStation 5: 10+ (PS4 select titles)
Xbox Series X: $16.99 | PlayStation 5: $9.99
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: Game Pass: 480+ 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: 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: 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: Requires external TV (typically 43-85 inches) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3840 x 2160 (4K) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 120 Hz | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: N/A (mains powered) | PlayStation 5: 0 hours (requires power)
Xbox Series X: 4,100g (not portable) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 2,500+ games | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K (2160p) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1,000GB | 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: Up to 4K (2160p) @ 120Hz | PlayStation 5: 3840x2160 (4K)
Xbox Series X: 16 GB GDDR6 | PlayStation 5: 16 GB GDDR6
Xbox Series X: $499 (standard) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 448 GB/s | 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/120fps (native) | 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: 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: 1,000 GB | PlayStation 5: 825GB SSD (fixed)
Xbox Series X: 500+ | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 400+ | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 25 million users | 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: 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: 48 fps avg | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3.8GHz | PlayStation 5: 3.5 GHz
Xbox Series X: 700+ games | PlayStation 5: 400 games (PS Plus Extra)
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: 12 TFLOPS | PlayStation 5: 10.28 TFLOPS
Xbox Series X: 802GB usable (1TB total) | PlayStation 5: 825GB SSD
Xbox Series X: $499.99 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $219.99 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 21+ million units | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $16.99 (Game Pass Ultimate) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 8+ flagship exclusives | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3.8 GHz (fixed frequency) | PlayStation 5: 3.5 GHz (variable frequency)
Xbox Series X: 500+ optimized for Series X | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 2.4 GB/s | PlayStation 5: 5.5 GB/s raw (22 GB/s effective)
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: Current Generation (5+ years) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K (2160p) at 120fps | PlayStation 5: 4K (3840×2160)
Xbox Series X: 25 million | PlayStation 5: 50 million
Xbox Series X: 4K 120Hz | PlayStation 5: 4K 120Hz
Xbox Series X: 8 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: 12 major exclusives
Xbox Series X: 156 games | PlayStation 5: 168 games
Xbox Series X: $180 | PlayStation 5: $180
Xbox Series X: 500 (Game Pass Ultimate) | PlayStation 5: 600 (PS Plus Premium)
Xbox Series X: 8 cores @ 3.8 GHz | PlayStation 5: 8 cores @ 3.5 GHz
Xbox Series X: 1 TB usable (802 GB) | PlayStation 5: 825 GB SSD
Xbox Series X: $220 | PlayStation 5: $120
Xbox Series X: 1.8 seconds | PlayStation 5: 2.1 seconds
Xbox Series X: 4K (2160p) @ 120Hz | PlayStation 5: 4K (2160p) @ 120Hz
Xbox Series X: Yes (hardware accelerated) | PlayStation 5: Yes (hardware accelerated)
Xbox Series X: 25 million units | PlayStation 5: 38.9 million units
Xbox Series X: 2250GB (expansion card) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 0 hours (requires power outlet) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 500+ fully optimized | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 2560 MB/s | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 0.5-2 seconds | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 95%+ across 4 generations | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Standard vibration, impulse triggers | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4 years (2020-present) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4+ (Halo, Forza, Gears, Starfield) | PlayStation 5: God of War, Spider-Man, Final Fantasy, Hogwarts Legacy
Xbox Series X: 500+ titles | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 30fps | PlayStation 5: N/A
Average Game Load Time (Major AAA Titles)
Xbox Series X: ~4.8 seconds | PlayStation 5: ~3.2 seconds
Xbox Series X: Consistent 50-65fps with fixed architecture | PlayStation 5: Variable scaling, 40-60fps typical
Xbox Series X: 28 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: 47 major exclusives
Xbox Series X: 3.8 GHz | PlayStation 5: 3.5 GHz (variable)
Xbox Series X: 4K @ 120fps (select titles) | PlayStation 5: 4K @ 120fps (select titles)
Xbox Series X: 400+ (Game Pass Ultimate) | PlayStation 5: 280+ (PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium)
Xbox Series X: 139 exclusives | PlayStation 5: 296 exclusives
Xbox Series X: 1.5-2.5 seconds | PlayStation 5: 0.8-3 seconds (optimized)
Xbox Series X: 120 fps (variable) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $11.99 (Standard Tier) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 15 exclusives | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 60-120 fps (varies by game) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 3,000 (Xbox native) | PlayStation 5: 500+ AAA titles
Xbox Series X: 15 minutes | PlayStation 5: 30 minutes
Xbox Series X: 0 (fixed hardware) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $17/month (Game Pass) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $399 (Series X) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: ~25 million | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K (3840×2160) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $60-120 (Game Pass tiers) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: Home console only; 3.8kg (8.4 lbs) | PlayStation 5: Home console only—stationary
Xbox Series X: 3.8 GHz (variable) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 301 x 151 x 151 | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1,000GB (1TB) | PlayStation 5: 825GB usable (1TB total)
Xbox Series X: $180 for 1TB | PlayStation 5: $85 for 1TB
Xbox Series X: 700+ games | PlayStation 5: 70+ games (Premium tier)
Xbox Series X: 500+ (Xbox One/360/OG) | PlayStation 5: 4,000+ PS4 games
Xbox Series X: 3 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: 8+ major exclusives
Xbox Series X: 3.8 GHz (8-core) | PlayStation 5: 3.5 GHz (8-core)
Xbox Series X: 58-60 FPS | PlayStation 5: 58-60 FPS
Xbox Series X: $16.99/month | PlayStation 5: $19.99/month (Plus Premium)
Xbox Series X: 8 major exclusives | PlayStation 5: 14 major exclusives
Xbox Series X: 16 GB | PlayStation 5: 16 GB
Xbox Series X: 12+ major exclusives | PlayStation 5: 25+ major exclusives
Xbox Series X: 34+ million | PlayStation 5: 120+ million
Xbox Series X: $180 (Game Pass Ultimate includes online + 400+ games) | PlayStation 5: $80 (PS Plus Essential for online)
Xbox Series X: 15-25 Game Pass day-ones | PlayStation 5: 0-3 PlayStation exclusive day-ones
Xbox Series X: Xbox Cloud Gaming (iOS, Android, PC, browser, TV — comprehensive) | PlayStation 5: PlayStation Plus Premium (iPhone, Android, browser — limited)
Xbox Series X: 3.8 GHz | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 280 exclusives | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 5.8 seconds | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 4K (2160p) | PlayStation 5: 4K (2160p) at 120fps
Xbox Series X: 1,500+ games | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: $17 (standard) | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 1 TB | PlayStation 5: 825 GB
Xbox Series X: 118 fps average | PlayStation 5: 115 fps average
Xbox Series X: 4.2 seconds | PlayStation 5: 3.8 seconds
Xbox Series X: 740 games (Game Pass) | PlayStation 5: 670 games (PlayStation Plus Extra)
Xbox Series X: 38 exclusives | PlayStation 5: 67 exclusives
Xbox Series X: 500+ day-one releases | PlayStation 5: N/A
Xbox Series X: 6 years | 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: 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: 40+ (God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon)
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 500+ optimized releases
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: 120fps at 4K
Xbox Series X: N/A | PlayStation 5: N/A—not portable
How to choose between Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X vs PlayStation 5 — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Xbox Series X vs PlayStation 5. Contains 332 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Xbox Series X vs PlayStation 5 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Xbox Series X vs PlayStation 5.
Which console has better graphics performance in 2026?
Xbox Series X wins in raw GPU performance with 12 TFLOPS vs PS5's 10.28 TFLOPS—a 12% advantage. This translates to higher native resolution or frame rates in demanding games. However, PS5's 2.1-second load times are competitive, and real-world visual differences are often imperceptible to players. Both support 4K/120Hz output with ray tracing.
Is Game Pass worth it compared to PlayStation Plus?
Yes, for most players. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99/month) includes 500+ games on day-one releases, plus cloud gaming on mobile—significantly better value than PlayStation Plus Extra ($14.99/month) which includes 500+ older titles but fewer new releases. However, PS Plus Premium ($17.99/month) adds classic PS1-PS3 games if retro gaming matters to you.
Why is Xbox storage so much more expensive?
Xbox Series X uses a proprietary Seagate SSD ($220/1TB) specifically engineered to match the custom SSD architecture, while PS5 accepts any standard M.2 NVMe SSD ($120/1TB). Microsoft prioritized speed over cost, but this means Xbox expansion is 83% more expensive. PS5's approach uses industry-standard storage, passing savings to consumers.
PlayStation 5 has significantly more exclusive AAA titles—14 major exclusives in 2025 (God of War: Ragnarök, Final Fantasy XVI, Spider-Man 2, Astro Bot) versus Xbox's 8 exclusives. Xbox compensates with Game Pass day-one access, but for exclusive-focused players, PS5 has a clear advantage.
Should I buy Xbox Series X or PS5 in 2026?
Choose Xbox Series X if you subscribe to Game Pass, value performance specs, and play multiplatform titles—better value long-term. Choose PS5 if you want exclusive story-driven games (God of War, Final Fantasy, Spider-Man franchises) or prefer the DualSense controller's haptic feedback. For online multiplayer, PS5's 38.9M user base ensures faster matchmaking.
How to Choose Between Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5
GPU Performance: Xbox Series X has 12 TFLOPS, while PlayStation 5 has 10.28 TFLOPS.
Storage Expansion Cost: Xbox Series X has $220 (Seagate 1TB), while PlayStation 5 has $120 (Samsung 1TB SSD).
Exclusive AAA Titles (2025): Xbox Series X has 8 major exclusives, while PlayStation 5 has 14 major exclusives.
Game Pass Subscribers: Xbox Series X has 34 million (2025), while PlayStation 5 has Not disclosed (PlayStation Plus).
Consider: SSD Load Time (test: 4K texture package)
SSD Load Time (test: 4K texture package): Xbox Series X has 1.8 seconds, while PlayStation 5 has 2.1 seconds.
Cooling System Noise (idle): Xbox Series X has 35dB, while PlayStation 5 has 38dB.
Consider: Global Console Sales (cumulative)
Global Console Sales (cumulative): Xbox Series X has 25 million units, while PlayStation 5 has 38.9 million units.