PS5 vs Xbox Series X 2026: Performance, Price & Value | A Versus B
PS5 vs Xbox Series X (2026)
P5
PlayStation 5 (PS5)
Sony's flagship 2020 console with 825GB SSD and exclusive AAA narrative experiences.
Players prioritizing story-driven exclusives and those invested in PS4 libraries who want cutting-edge performance.
VS
Xbox Series X
Microsoft's flagship 2020 console delivering 12 TFLOPS GPU performance and 4K gaming at $500.
Gamers seeking value, backwards compatibility across four console generations, and instant access to diverse game libraries through Game Pass.
Short Answer
The PS5 and Xbox Series X deliver comparable raw performance in 2026, with the PS5 holding a slight edge through exclusive titles and the upcoming PSSR2 upscaling technology, while Xbox Series X offers better value at £449.99/$599.99 and superior backwards compatibility across three generations.
Our Verdict
Choose PS5 if you prioritize exclusive single-player narrative experiences, upcoming PSSR2 performance boosts, and the largest install base of players online. Choose Xbox Series X if you value backwards compatibility across four console generations, superior upfront value pricing (£70 cheaper in UK), and access to 300+ Game Pass titles at launch — the performance difference is negligible in 2026.
PlayStation 5 (PS5)6
9Xbox Series X
Choose PlayStation 5 (PS5) if
Players prioritizing story-driven exclusives and those invested in PS4 libraries who want cutting-edge performance.
Key Differences at a Glance
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Price (Digital Edition):Xbox Series X wins ($599.99 / £449.99 vs $599.99 / £519.99)
⚡
Raw Gaming Performance:On-par with Series X; PS5 Pro outperforms both vs Equal or faster than PS5 in most cases
🔹
Exclusive Game Library (2026):PlayStation 5 (PS5) wins (Final Fantasy VII Remake, God of War Ragnarök, Spider-Man 2, Astro Bot vs Starfield, Forza Motorsport, Halo Infinite, Game Pass catalog)
Largest active player base ensures robust online communities
PS5 Pro variant delivers highest single-console performance of generation
Cons
£70 more expensive than Xbox Series X Digital (£519.99 vs £449.99)
Backwards compatibility limited to PS4; lacks PS3/earlier game support
Xbox Series X
5 pros2 cons
Pros
Native 4K gaming with performance matching or exceeding PS5 in most titles
1TB storage vs PS5's 825GB (21% larger capacity)
Backwards compatible with Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox libraries
Game Pass Ultimate includes 300+ games at launch without additional cost
Consistent price advantage: £449.99 in UK vs PS5's £519.99
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
The Xbox Series X and PS5 are nearly identical in raw performance, with Series X matching or slightly exceeding PS5 in most games. However, the PS5 Pro (released in 2024) is the undisputed performance leader. For base models, the difference is negligible — expect 4K/60fps on both with similar frame rates and visual quality.
