PlayStation 5 Slim vs Xbox Series X
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PlayStation 5 Slim vs Xbox Series X

The console war continues. PS5 dominates with exclusive titles like Spider-Man and God of War, while Xbox offers the incredible value of Game Pass.

The Verdict

Buy the PS5 for the exclusive games—you simply can't play them anywhere else. Buy the Xbox Series X if you want the best value in gaming via Game Pass Ultimate.

PlayStation 5 Slim
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Xbox Series X
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Overview
The dominant console of this generation. It features the innovative DualSense controller and a library of must-play exclusives.
The powerhouse of the generation. It integrates perfectly with PC gaming and Game Pass is widely considered the best deal in gaming.
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓Best exclusive games
  • ✓DualSense haptic feedback
  • ✓Faster SSD loads

Cons

  • ✕Less storage space (1TB)
  • ✕Subscription slightly more expensive

Pros

  • ✓Game Pass is incredible value
  • ✓Slightly more raw power
  • ✓Backwards compatibility

Cons

  • ✕Lacks 'must-have' exclusives
  • ✕UI is cluttered
GPU
10.3 TFLOPS RDNA 2
12 TFLOPS RDNA 2
Storage
1TB Custom NVMe SSD
1TB NVMe SSD
Resolution
4K @ 120Hz
4K @ 120Hz
Controller
DualSense (Haptics)
Xbox Wireless
Subscription
PS Plus
Game Pass Ultimate
Expert Take

Deep Dive Analysis

Hardware-wise, they are twins. The difference is the software model. Sony sells 'Blockbusters': $70 premium games that are polished to perfection. Microsoft sells 'Netflix for Games': a subscription service (Game Pass) that gives you hundreds of games for $20/mo. If you play a little bit of everything, Xbox is cheaper long term. If you want to play the Game of the Year, you need a PlayStation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PS5 play PS4 games?
Yes, it is 99% backwards compatible.
Which is more powerful?
On paper, Xbox Series X has slightly more TFLOPS, but in real-world performance, they are indistinguishable.

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