PlayStation 5 vs. Xbox Series X: Which system is better?

Reviewing new consoles during a pandemic is like being at a theater dress rehearsal. Before the machines are launched, the software is still coming together. Parts of the experience are still a work in progress. Games have come in and out of availability. While reviewing the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5, I discovered is that each console has a different vision of a next-gen experience, and they follow through with hardware, software and infrastructure built in that direction. Here’s a look at how the consoles stack up, and which one would be best for gamers today and beyond:

Hardware

Much like the end of the last generation, the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 face off as comparable counterparts. Both feature AMD’s Zen 2 and RDNA 2 chips (but they run at different speeds) and custom hard drives. They will both feature ray tracing — a rendering technique that creates stunningly realistic lighting effects — and can run games at 120 frames per second. The speed at which games load will also be lightning fast. That means multi-platform releases will likely look similar on both systems.

When it comes to monitor support, the Series X supports several resolutions up to 8K. The PS5 works on high-definition and 4K TV. Unfortunately, it didn’t work on a 1440p monitor.

The big difference in hardware comes in how the two consoles handle sound. The Series X supports multiple standards of spatial sound, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Windows Sonic. That means if you invested thousands of dollars in audio setups, the Series X will support that big booming sound you’re accustomed to.

Controller

The Series X is playing catch up in this category. Microsoft took a conservative approach with its new Xbox Wireless Controller. It remains mostly the same as its predecessor save for a few physical changes. The LT and RT buttons have a textured grip, and in the middle, players will find a Share button, a feature that first appeared on Sony’s DualShock 4. Internally, latency and connectivity to other devices has improved but nothing is really game-changing.

On the other hand, Sony’s DualSense controller could be the defining upgrade of this generation. Often overlooked, the humble controller plays an outsized role in how players experience games. With upgrades in visuals becoming less impressive each generation, Sony found a way to create a next-gen feeling by overhauling its controller.

The star of this reboot is the adaptive-trigger system on the DualSense. It essentially creates force feedback on that part of the controller. If you’ve played an arcade racing game like “Daytona USA,” you’ll understand how this works. It’s like the sensation of the steering wheel fighting you as your car crashes into a wall. You’ll find that kind of resistance consistently on the shoulder buttons.

User interface and apps

Sony cleaned up its interface problems on the PS5. Navigating the menus and accessing information is snappier than before. Taking screenshots is more transparent as players can hit the Share button and choose from a number of options. Native streaming supports only YouTube and Twitch, but the new HD Camera, which removes the background around a player, can ideally make videos look more professional.

The big PS5 quality-of-life improvement is the concept of cards. This feature helps enhance players’ user experience. It zips them to different parts of the game in order to work on a trophy or helps them along with a level that’s giving them trouble. It’s there to ferry players through to a positive gaming experience.

Unfortunately, PlayStation’s work on the smartphone lags behind Xbox. It’s getting better with the option to do party chats and messaging through iOS and Android apps. Players can even purchase games on their phone and track the download process to the machine, but it falls short of the tight integration of assets seen in the Series X.

Microsoft knows how important the handheld devices are to everyday life, and using the infrastructure it has, the company made sharing easier than ever.

Final verdict

Which is better: The Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5? The big ideas behind each console are reflected in their appearances and size. Like its monolithic form, the Xbox Series X is all about stability and consistency. One of its strengths lies in its backward compatibility — supporting older games with new technology — and the idea that you should be able to access games at any time and from anywhere.

Players who buy games on the system should be confident that they’ll be able to play them far into the future. Microsoft’s track record speaks for itself.

Meanwhile, the bold design and soaring lines of the PS5 reflect a system that’s clawing for that next-generation experience. Sony wants to push the envelope and it has done so with its DualSense controller and interface refinements — changes that have made the gaming experience better. Its launch-related new-game releases show off the potential of new experiences. The whole system should make any gamer excited.

If you’re looking for a next-gen system for the holidays, the PS5 is the one to get. But when it comes to the long game, the Series X could have the edge because gamers’ libraries will likely last long into the future.

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