PS5 vs Xbox Series X Which Gaming Console is Better

**Information and UK prices checked on 16th July 2026. Console prices, bundles, subscription benefits and game availability can change.

The PS5 vs Xbox Series X debate is no longer decided by hardware specifications alone.

Both consoles launched in November 2020 and continue to support 4K gaming, frame rates of up to 120fps in compatible games, ray tracing and fast SSD storage. However, their wider ecosystems have developed in different directions.

PlayStation 5 focuses on a strong console identity, major first-party games and the immersive DualSense controller. Xbox Series X places greater emphasis on backward compatibility, Game Pass, Quick Resume and access across consoles, PCs, handhelds, cloud services and supported smart devices.

There is also a third performance-focused option to consider: the PS5 Pro. It is considerably more expensive than either standard console but adds an upgraded GPU, improved ray tracing and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, or PSSR.

So, which console should you buy in 2026?

For most players who prioritise PlayStation games and controller immersion, the standard PS5 remains an excellent all-round choice. Xbox Series X is more compelling for buyers who value backward compatibility, Game Pass and cross-device flexibility.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Quick Answer

Choose the PS5 if you want:

• A stronger PlayStation-focused console identity
• Games such as Astro Bot, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarök
• DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
• Flexible M.2 SSD expansion
• Access to a large PS4 library
• A bigger officially reported console install base

Choose the Xbox Series X if you want:

• Stronger raw GPU specifications than the standard PS5
• Xbox Game Pass and day-one access to many supported releases
• Backward compatibility covering four Xbox generations
• Quick Resume for switching between supported games
• Xbox games and services across console, PC, cloud and other devices
• A lower current official UK price than the standard PS5

How This Comparison Was Assessed

This comparison is based on official hardware specifications, current UK manufacturer pricing, subscription features, game availability, compatibility information and each platform’s wider ecosystem.

It does not claim personal hands-on testing. Real-world performance can also vary between games, patches, display settings and developer optimisation.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X Specifications

This table compares the standard PS5, not the PS5 Pro, with the Xbox Series X.

Feature	Standard PS5	Xbox Series X
CPU	8-core AMD Zen 2, up to 3.5GHz	8-core AMD Zen 2, up to 3.8GHz
GPU	10.3 TFLOPS, RDNA 2-based	12 TFLOPS, RDNA 2-based
Memory	16GB GDDR6	16GB GDDR6
Current main storage options	825GB Digital or 1TB disc model	1TB disc or digital; 2TB special edition while available
Raw SSD throughput	5.5GB/s	2.4GB/s
Compressed Xbox throughput	Not directly comparable	Up to 4.8GB/s
Disc drive	Included with disc model	Included with disc models
Supported output	Up to 4K/120Hz in compatible games	Up to 4K/120fps in compatible games
Main platform features	DualSense, PlayStation games, fast SSD	Game Pass, Quick Resume, backward compatibility

Sony’s official PS5 specification lists an AMD Zen 2 CPU, 10.3-TFLOPS GPU, 16GB of GDDR6 memory and 5.5GB/s raw SSD read bandwidth. Microsoft lists an 8-core Zen 2 CPU, 12-TFLOPS GPU, 16GB of GDDR6 memory and 2.4GB/s raw or 4.8GB/s compressed I/O throughput for the Xbox Series X.

The Xbox Series X has the stronger GPU figure and a slightly higher maximum CPU clock speed. However, specifications alone do not guarantee that every game will look or run better.

What About the PS5 Pro?

The main PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison covers the standard PS5 because it is the closest equivalent in positioning and price.

The PS5 Pro is a higher-priced, all-digital model with 2TB of storage. Sony highlights its upgraded GPU, advanced ray tracing and PSSR AI-assisted image reconstruction. It is designed to deliver higher or more consistent frame rates while retaining stronger image quality in supported games.

However, the PS5 Pro costs £789.99 in the UK and does not include a disc drive. Buyers who want to use physical games must account for the optional disc drive as an additional purchase.

The PS5 Pro makes the most sense for players who:

• Own a high-quality 4K television
• Care strongly about image quality and ray tracing
• Want higher-performance modes in supported games
• Are willing to pay significantly more
• Do not require an included disc drive

It does not automatically make the standard PS5 poor value. The base console plays the same PS5 game library and remains the more accessible option for most buyers.

Performance and Graphics

On paper, the Xbox Series X is more powerful than the standard PS5. Its GPU is rated at 12 TFLOPS, compared with 10.3 TFLOPS for the standard PS5.

The PS5 has the higher raw SSD bandwidth figure, while the Xbox Series X uses its Velocity Architecture and hardware decompression to improve data delivery. These numbers measure different parts of each system and should not be treated as a simple guarantee of loading or gameplay performance.

In practice, many multiplatform games provide similar quality and performance modes on both consoles. One title may maintain a slightly higher resolution on Xbox Series X, while another may run similarly or perform better on PS5 following developer optimisation.

Teraflops are useful for understanding theoretical GPU capability, but they do not account for every part of the hardware, graphics engine, upscaling method or game-specific optimisation.

Therefore:

Xbox Series X has the raw specification advantage over the standard PS5.

Standard PS5 remains highly competitive in real games.

PS5 Pro provides a separate, more expensive performance tier.

Individual game comparisons are more useful than declaring one platform universally superior.

Market Position and Install Base

Sony reports that more than 93 million PS5 consoles had been shipped worldwide by 31st March 2026. Sony also reported approximately 125 million monthly active PlayStation users across its platform at that date.

Microsoft does not publish a directly comparable cumulative Xbox Series X|S sales total in its current public financial reporting. Its earnings materials generally report changes in Xbox hardware revenue or console volume instead. Microsoft reported that Xbox hardware revenue fell by 25% in its 2025 financial year because of lower console sales volume.

The larger documented PS5 install base can matter because it may influence:

• The size of some online console communities
• Physical and pre-owned game availability
• Retail shelf space
• Accessory variety
• The likelihood that friends already use PlayStation

However, it should not be the only reason to choose a console. Most major third-party multiplayer games now support both platforms, and cross-platform play is increasingly common.

Design and Setup

The current PS5 has a distinctive design with curved panels and a wider horizontal footprint. It is smaller than the original launch PS5, but it remains visually prominent.

The Xbox Series X uses a compact tower design measuring approximately 15.1cm × 15.1cm × 30.1cm. It's simple shape is usually easier to position beside a television or on a desk.

Your preferred design is subjective, but practical points matter:

• Leave enough space around either console for ventilation.
• Avoid placing the console inside a tightly enclosed cabinet.
• Do not block its intake or exhaust vents.
• Allow additional room if you plan to add a disc drive or external storage.

PS5 is the more visually distinctive system. Xbox Series X is the simpler and more space-efficient design.

A good setup can also help prevent common gaming console problems, such as overheating, poor ventilation, controller issues, or slow downloads.

PS5 Games vs Xbox Series X Games

Games remain the most important part of this comparison, but the word “exclusive” needs to be used carefully in 2026.

PlayStation 5 Games

PlayStation’s first-party and console-focused catalogue includes games such as:

• Astro Bot
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• God of War Ragnarök
• Demon’s Souls
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
• Horizon Forbidden West
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered
• Ghost of Yōtei

Marvel’s Wolverine is also being developed specifically for PS5 consoles and is scheduled for autumn 2026. PlayStation’s current official page describes it as a PS5 and PS5 Pro release.

Not every PlayStation-published game remains permanently exclusive to the console. Sony has released a growing number of its games on PC, generally after their PlayStation launches. Therefore, PlayStation’s strength is better described as a strong console-first identity, rather than a library in which every title remains permanently exclusive.

Xbox Games and Microsoft’s Multi-Platform Strategy

Xbox has major franchises and first-party releases including:

• Halo
• Forza Horizon
• Forza Motorsport
• Gears of War
• Microsoft Flight Simulator
• Avowed
• Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
• Starfield

However, Microsoft’s strategy now extends well beyond selling games only on Xbox consoles.

Many Xbox-published titles are available on Windows PCs, and several major Microsoft games have also appeared on PS5. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launched on PS5 in April 2025, while DOOM: The Dark Ages and Gears of War: Reloaded are also available on Sony’s console.

This weakens the argument that buyers need an Xbox Series X purely to access every major Microsoft game. At the same time, it supports Microsoft’s broader goal of letting players access its games across more devices.

Xbox still offers meaningful platform advantages through:

• Game Pass
• Xbox Play Anywhere in supported games
• Cloud gaming
• Cross-device saves in supported titles
• Strong backward compatibility
• Integration with Windows PCs

GTA 6: Does It Affect Your Console Choice?

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on 19th November 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. No PC release date has been announced on Rockstar’s current official platform information.

Buyers upgrading specifically for GTA 6 should consider:

• Current console price
• Available storage
• Whether they prefer physical or digital games
• Where their friends play
• Their existing PlayStation or Xbox library
• Subscription and online multiplayer costs

Rockstar has not established a clear platform performance winner for the final release. It would therefore be premature to claim that GTA 6 will run better on one standard console without final independent testing.

What About Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo Switch 2 launched on 5 June 2025 and remains a genuine alternative for a different type of buyer. Its main appeal is the ability to play as both a handheld and television-connected console.

Consider Switch 2 instead if you prioritise:

• Portable gaming
• Nintendo franchises
• Family-friendly games
• Local multiplayer
• A hybrid handheld and television experience

It is not a direct substitute for buyers seeking the highest possible console graphics settings or the PlayStation and Xbox game ecosystems. However, families and portable players should include it in their shortlist.

Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus

Subscription services can significantly change the long-term cost of either console.

Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft currently offers several Game Pass plans, including Essential, Premium, Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Features vary by plan.

Game Pass Ultimate includes access across supported Xbox consoles, Windows PCs and cloud devices. It also includes online console multiplayer, EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics and day-one access to many new Xbox-published and third-party games, although exclusions and delayed additions can apply to selected titles.

Game Pass is particularly useful for players who:

• Frequently try different games
• Play across Xbox and PC
• Prefer a library subscription to buying every release
• Use cloud gaming on supported devices
• Play online regularly

PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus is divided into Essential, Extra and Premium.

Essential includes online multiplayer, monthly games, cloud storage and member discounts. Extra adds the Game Catalogue and Ubisoft+ Classics. Premium adds features such as the Classics Catalogue, game trials and supported PS5 cloud streaming.

PlayStation Plus is a better fit for players who already favour the PlayStation library and want a subscription integrated with their PS5.

Game Pass continues to offer the more expansive cross-device proposition. PlayStation Plus is strongest as an enhancement to an existing PlayStation setup.

DualSense vs Xbox Wireless Controller

The PS5 DualSense is the more technologically distinctive standard controller.

It offers:

• Haptic feedback
• Adaptive triggers
• A built-in rechargeable battery
• A touchpad
• Motion controls
• A built-in microphone

In supported games, adaptive triggers can create changing levels of resistance, while haptic feedback can represent different surfaces, impacts and environmental effects.

The Xbox Wireless Controller takes a more familiar approach. It offers refined ergonomics, textured grips and triggers, a hybrid directional pad, Bluetooth support and a dedicated Share button. Microsoft currently lists the standard controller at £59.99, although retailer pricing can vary.

The Xbox controller may be more comfortable for players who prefer offset analogue sticks or regularly switch between Xbox, PC and mobile devices. The DualSense offers a more distinctive experience in games that properly support its features.

Premium Controller Options

Both platforms also offer premium controllers.

The DualSense Edge costs £199.99 through PlayStation Direct UK and includes remappable back buttons, adjustable trigger lengths, changeable stick caps and replaceable stick modules.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 includes adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter trigger locks, interchangeable components, custom profiles and rear paddles. Its price varies by version, configuration and retailer.

Competitive players should compare the full cost, included components, battery system and replacement-part availability before buying premium controller.

Browse additional controllers for Xbox and PlayStation if you need extra pads for multiplayer or a more specialised setup.

Quick Resume and Everyday Convenience

Quick Resume is one of the Xbox Series X’s most useful quality-of-life features.

It keeps the suspended state of multiple supported games, allowing you to move between them and continue near where you stopped without starting each game from the beginning. Compatibility can vary, particularly with online games that require a fresh server connection.

PS5 offers fast loading, activity cards and quick access to recent games, but it does not offer an exact system-wide equivalent to Xbox’s multi-game Quick Resume implementation.

This feature matters most to people who regularly rotate between several single-player games.

Backward Compatibility

Xbox Series X has the broader backward compatibility programme.

Microsoft says the console supports thousands of games across four generations of Xbox. Compatible titles include games from Xbox One and selected Xbox 360 and original Xbox releases. Some older games also benefit from steadier frame rates, faster loading or improved image quality.

PS5 supports the overwhelming majority of PS4 games, with more than 4,000 PS4 titles available across the PS4 and PS5 ecosystem. However, PS3 game discs do not work directly on PS5.

Choose Xbox Series X if you have an extensive collection spanning several Xbox generations. Choose PS5 if your previous library consists mainly of PS4 games.

Storage and Expansion

Modern games can consume well over 100GB, making storage an important part of the purchase decision.

PS5 supports compatible internal M.2 NVMe SSD upgrades. This gives buyers a choice between different manufacturers and capacities, provided the drive meets Sony’s compatibility and heatsink requirements.

Xbox Series X uses dedicated Storage Expansion Cards. These cards replicate the performance of the internal SSD and can run Xbox Series X|S-optimised games directly. Microsoft lists 512GB, 1TB and 2TB card capacities.

Standard USB hard drives can be used with both ecosystems for storage and older games. However, many current-generation games must be moved to or installed on compatible high-speed storage before they can be played.

Xbox expansion is simple to install but more restricted in format. PS5 expansion requires more installation work but gives buyers broader SSD choice.

You may also need top gaming accessories, such as charging docks, headsets, HDMI cables or storage devices, when calculating your complete setup cost.

PS5 and Xbox Series X UK Prices in 2026

Official UK prices checked on 16 July 2026 are shown below.

Current PlayStation Direct UK Prices

Console	Official listed price
PS5 Digital Edition, 825GB	£519.99
PS5 disc console, 1TB	£569.99
PS5 Pro, 2TB	£789.99

PlayStation Direct also lists certified-refurbished models and occasional discounted bundles.

Current Official Xbox UK Prices

Console	Official listed price
Xbox Series S, 512GB	£299.99
Xbox Series S, 1TB	£349.99
Xbox Series X Digital, 1TB	£449.99
Xbox Series X disc console, 1TB	£499.99
Xbox Series X Galaxy Black, 2TB	£589.99

These are the official listed prices before Microsoft’s announced August change.

If you are not fixed on either PlayStation or Xbox yet, comparing the best consoles for your gaming style can make the decision easier.

Xbox Price Increase from 1 August 2026

Microsoft has announced that Xbox console prices will increase worldwide from 1st August 2026. Its announcement states increases of US$100 for 512GB models and US$150 for 1TB models. Microsoft also plans to discontinue, or “sunset”, the 2TB model.

However, the announcement does not provide confirmed future UK pound prices. Any specific post-August UK figures should not be published as confirmed until Microsoft or an official UK retailer lists them.

At the prices checked on 16 July:

• Xbox Series X disc is £70 less than the PS5 disc console.
• Xbox Series X Digital is £70 less than PS5 Digital Edition.
• PS5 Pro costs considerably more than both standard flagship consoles.
• Xbox Series S remains the least expensive entry point, but it is less powerful than the Series X and is not the main subject of this comparison.

Buyers should recheck official prices after 1 August because the value comparison may change.

For additional bundles and affordable gaming consoles, compare the full package rather than the console price alone.

Consider:

• Included games
• Disc-drive availability
• Additional controllers
• Subscription fees
• Storage upgrades
• Retailer warranty
• Refurbished options
• Seasonal promotions

Which Console Should You Buy?

Buy a PS5 if you:

• Primarily want PlayStation Studios games
• Prefer cinematic and single-player action games
• Value DualSense features
• Already own a large PS4 library
• Want flexible internal SSD expansion
• Prefer the platform with the larger officially documented install base

Buy an Xbox Series X if you:

• Want Xbox Game Pass
• Own games from previous Xbox generations
• Regularly switch between several games
• Play on both Xbox and Windows PC
• Use cloud gaming or supported smart devices
• Want the lower current official UK purchase price

Consider PS5 Pro if you:

• Own a premium 4K television
• Prioritise improved graphics modes and ray tracing
• Are comfortable with its substantially higher price
• Do not require an included disc drive

Consider Nintendo Switch 2 if you:

• Want portable gaming
• Prefer Nintendo games
• Need a family-oriented console
• Value local multiplayer over maximum graphical performance

What About a Gaming PC?

A gaming PC is worth considering if you want upgradeable hardware, keyboard and mouse support, modding, higher performance ceilings or access to several PC storefronts.

It will usually cost more upfront than a console and may require more setup and maintenance. Buyers interested in a flexible system can compare PCs built for gaming, but a PC should not distract from the core PS5 vs Xbox Series X decision.

Final Verdict: Is PS5 or Xbox Series X Better?

There is no universal winner because the two consoles now serve different priorities.

The PS5 is the better all-round recommendation for players who want a strong console-focused game library, DualSense immersion and access to the wider PlayStation community.

The Xbox Series X is the better choice for backward compatibility, Quick Resume, Game Pass and players who move between console, PC and cloud gaming.

For raw hardware, Xbox Series X has stronger specifications than the standard PS5. Buyers seeking a higher PlayStation performance tier can consider PS5 Pro, but its £789.99 price places it in a different category.

At the official prices checked on 16 July 2026, Xbox Series X also costs less than the comparable standard PS5 models. However, Microsoft’s worldwide price increase takes effect on 1 August, so buyers should verify updated UK prices before making a final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, PS5 or Xbox Series X?

PS5 is better for players who prioritise PlayStation’s game library and the DualSense controller. Xbox Series X is better for backward compatibility, Game Pass, Quick Resume and access across multiple devices.

Is Xbox Game Pass better than PlayStation Plus?

Game Pass generally provides the stronger cross-device offering and day-one access to many supported games. PlayStation Plus is a better fit for players already invested in PS5 who want monthly games, the Game Catalogue, classics, trials and cloud-streaming features depending on their tier.

Is Xbox Series X more powerful than PS5?

Xbox Series X has stronger raw GPU specifications than the standard PS5: 12 TFLOPS compared with 10.3 TFLOPS. This does not mean every game performs better on Xbox. The PS5 Pro is a separate higher-priced PlayStation model with an upgraded GPU, advanced ray tracing and PSSR.

Which console has better exclusive games?

PS5 currently has the stronger console-specific first-party identity. Xbox still has major franchises, but Microsoft now releases many games on PC and has brought several formerly Xbox-associated titles to PS5.

Will GTA 6 be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Yes. Rockstar has announced GTA 6 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a scheduled release date of 19 November 2026.

Is PS5 Pro worth buying instead of Xbox Series X?

PS5 Pro may be worth it for buyers who prioritise improved image quality, enhanced ray tracing and supported high-performance modes. It costs considerably more, is all-digital and does not include a disc drive, so it is not the best-value option for every player.

Which console is cheaper in the UK?

As of 16 July 2026, the Xbox Series X is cheaper than the comparable standard PS5 models at official UK prices. Microsoft has announced an Xbox price increase from 1 August 2026, but confirmed future UK pound prices were not included in the announcement.