Both deliver nearly identical raw performance with 12 TFLOPS GPU power, but PS5 leads with a larger exclusive game library (290+ titles vs 220+), while Xbox Series X offers better value through Game Pass at $11.99/month versus PlayStation Plus at $11.99-17.99/month for comparable features.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose PS5 if you prioritize exclusive franchises like God of War, Final Fantasy, and Spider-Man, plus prefer DualSense's tactile innovation. Choose Xbox Series X if maximum raw power, Game Pass's unmatched value (500+ games for $11.99/month), and backwards compatibility across four console generations matter most to you.
Sony's 10.28 TFLOPS console featuring industry-leading exclusives and 5.5 GB/s custom SSD architecture.
Microsoft's powerful 4K gaming console with Game Pass ecosystem at $499
Structured comparison data for PS5 vs Xbox Series X with 349 attributes.
Standard Console Launch Price (MSRP 2026)
Average Game Load Time (Major AAA Titles)
Game Pass / PlayStation Plus Tier Titles
Game Pass / Premium Service Monthly Cost
PS5 vs Xbox Series X — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for PS5 vs Xbox Series X.
Which console has better performance for 4K gaming in 2026?
Xbox Series X edges PS5 with 12 TFLOPS versus 10.28 TFLOPS, delivering 8-12% higher frame rates on demanding AAA titles like Dragon's Dogma 2 and Starfield at native 4K. However, both consistently achieve 120 fps in supported games, making real-world differences often imperceptible during gameplay.
What's the real cost difference between PS5 and Xbox Series X subscriptions?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($11.99/month) includes 500+ games, day-one AAA releases, and cloud gaming—substantially better than PlayStation Plus Extra ($17.99/month) with 400+ games. Over 24 months, Game Pass costs $287.76 versus PlayStation Plus Extra at $431.76—a $144 difference for equivalent features.
How many exclusive games does each console actually have?
PS5 maintains 290+ exclusive titles including major franchises like God of War, Final Fantasy (timed exclusivity), Spiderman, and Horizon, while Xbox Series X has 220+ exclusives. However, Xbox's Game Pass gives subscribers day-one access to future Microsoft first-party exclusives like Starfield and Avowed, offsetting the numerical gap.
Which console is better for backwards compatibility?
Xbox Series X supports 535+ games across four generations (original Xbox, 360, One, Series X), versus PS5's 95% PS4 compatibility with ~4,000 titles but no PS3/PS2/PS1 support. Xbox's broader backwards compatibility appeals to collectors, while PS5's deeper PS4 library suits players upgrading from recent generations.
Does the DualSense controller really matter compared to Xbox's controller?
Yes—DualSense's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback create demonstrably different gameplay experiences in supported titles like Astro's Playroom and Gran Turismo 7, where trigger resistance simulates gear shifting or weapon resistance. Xbox controllers use standard rumble and lack these features, though they offer superior ergonomics and lower battery drain.