PlayStation 5 VS Xbox Series X

Published October 12, 2025 • 10 min read • 4 views

Head-to-Head Comparison

PlayStation 5
PlayStation 5
$399
Price at launch or current MSRP
Overall Winner
Xbox Series X
Xbox Series X
$499
Price at launch or current MSRP

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are both powerful gaming consoles that offer impressive performance, stunning visuals, and an extensive library of games. While the PS5 provides a unique set of features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the Xbox Series X boasts superior backward compatibility and a robust ecosystem with Xbox Game Pass.

Quick Specs Comparison

Specification PlayStation 5 Xbox Series X
Processor Custom Zen 2 CPU AMD Zen 2 CPU
RAM 16GB GDDR6 16GB GDDR6
Storage Options 825GB Custom SSD (usable 667 GB) 1TB NVMe SSD
Backward Compatibility Limited PS4 games Full Xbox One and select original Xbox games
Price $399 $499

Overall Scores

PlayStation 5

8.7
WINNER
Performance 9.5/10
Backward Compatibility 7.5/10
Storage 8.3/10
Price 9/10

Xbox Series X

8.4
RUNNER-UP
Performance 9.2/10
Backward Compatibility 9.5/10
Storage 8.7/10
Price 7.5/10

Detailed Analysis

Performance

Winner: PlayStation 5

The PS5 boasts superior performance with its custom Zen 2 CPU and GDDR6 memory, making it the winner in this category.

Backward Compatibility

Winner: Xbox Series X

The Xbox Series X offers extensive backward compatibility with both Xbox One and select original Xbox games, giving it an edge over the PS5.

Storage Capacity

Winner: Xbox Series X

With a standard 1TB SSD, the Xbox Series X provides more storage out of the box compared to the PS5's custom SSD.

Price Point

Winner: PlayStation 5

At $399, the PlayStation 5 is more affordable than its competitor, making it a better value proposition.

Final Verdict

The PS5 edges out the Xbox Series X due to its superior performance and competitive pricing.

Choose PlayStation 5 if:

  • Superior custom CPU and GDDR6 memory for top-tier gaming performance
  • More affordable price point at $399
  • Unique features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers

Choose Xbox Series X if:

  • Extensive backward compatibility with Xbox One and original Xbox games
  • 1TB SSD storage out of the box, providing more space for installs
  • Strong ecosystem support through Xbox Game Pass

Where to Buy

PlayStation 5

$399

Price at launch or current MSRP

Xbox Series X

$499

Price at launch or current MSRP

Prices may vary by retailer and configuration