After the dream of “building a high-performance PC” gradually faded, I used my original budget to purchase a PS5 and an Xbox Series X. In media reviews, they are considered the most powerful consoles of this generation, both supporting HDMI 2.1 4K 120Hz and being quieter than their predecessors. However, after hands-on experience for a while, I found that while each has its unique strengths, they also come with their own issues.
Every gamer has different priorities, so this article will compare various aspects of the two consoles from as many perspectives as possible. Readers can focus on the sections that interest them.
This article was written in June 2021, and the situations mentioned may have changed in the future.
August 2021: Updated information on Xbox PC remote play and Xbox Series X system UI resolution to reflect features in beta testing and soon to be added.
September 2021: PS5 has added NVMe SSD expansion support via a firmware update.
March 2022: Sony has announced that PS5 will soon support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
Noise
Noise was arguably the biggest issue with the last-generation PS4 Pro. Since my console is placed under my desk, I’m particularly sensitive to noise. Imagine this: by a tranquil lake reflecting the sky, with crisp visuals and only the sounds of intermittent insect chirps and the player’s footsteps—yet in reality, it feels like a jet plane is taking off under your feet.
This generation’s consoles have indeed resolved the jet-plane issue, but this has made other noises (like coil whine) more noticeable. Many media outlets compare console noise using decibel levels, which isn’t entirely scientific. Noise is defined as sound that feels unpleasant. For example, a piercing coil whine is more bothersome than a whooshing fan noise, even if they measure the same decibel level.
Console noise in this generation can be divided into three categories: fan, power supply coil whine, and disc drive reading.
The disc drive noise is similar across both consoles: it’s only noticeable when installing games to the hard drive, becoming virtually silent after installation. However, when watching Blu-ray movies, the disc drive spins continuously, producing more noise than a dedicated Blu-ray player.
Fan and power supply coil whine are more complex, so I’ve summarized them in a table. The table reflects conditions when running demanding games.
| Fan | Power Supply Coil Whine | Rating | |
| PS4 Pro | ✈✈✈ (Later models improved) | Lottery, some units have whine Highly penetrating | 0/5 |
| Xbox One X | Whooshing sound | Not noticeable | 3/5 |
| PS5 | Lottery: Unpleasant noise, highly penetrating (Nidec) Faint whooshing (Delta / NMB) | Lottery, some units have inductor whine (During large-scale rendering) | 2/5 |
| Xbox Series X | Not noticeable | Not noticeable | 4.5/5 |
Due to the PS5’s intense “fan lottery,” some shops selling PS5 fans have raised their prices. Fortunately, replacing the PS5 fan is straightforward and doesn’t require breaking the warranty seal. If you don’t want to gamble and are sensitive to noise, I recommend avoiding the PS5 until the issue is resolved.
The Xbox Series X is the quietest gaming console in recent years. The clumps of damping gel inside the power supply show how seriously Microsoft takes noise control. The only downside is that the disc drive isn’t as quiet when playing Blu-ray movies.
Noise (To Others)
Often, sounds that feel pleasant to you can be noise to others—especially if you’re playing in a school dorm or late at night at home, where you need to avoid disturbing those around you.
| Standard Controller | Headset | Rating | |
| PS5 | Noise reduction design, some sound | Controller supports wired headset Console only supports proprietary wireless headset Console supports USB Bluetooth audio adapter | 4/5 |
| Xbox Series X|S | No noise reduction, loud | Controller supports wired headset Console only supports proprietary wireless headset No support for third-party USB audio adapters | 1/5 |
Additionally, both consoles support remote play via a phone connected to the console, allowing a Bluetooth headset to be paired with the phone for a workaround to use any Bluetooth headset (with some latency).
Interestingly, the PS5 feels noisier to the user, while the Xbox Series X|S feels noisier to those nearby.
Innovation
Sony’s innovation is consistent, always bringing something new each generation. Beyond a revamped system interface, the PS5’s DualSense controller builds on the DualShock 4’s touchpad and gyroscope with adaptive triggers, a microphone (with a mute button), and enhanced 3D haptic feedback and controller speaker audio quality.
These features shine in the PS5’s bundled Astro’s Playroom game, making players exclaim, “This is next-gen!” Unfortunately, these features are underutilized or less impressive in other games. Thankfully, the controller’s price hasn’t increased much, and having these features is better than not—in PS5 games, we can expect better aiming, more realistic haptics, and tactile feedback; in PS5 online matches, every player can be assumed to have a microphone available.
In software, the PS5 introduces a spoiler-free guide feature (requires PS Plus membership). When stuck in a game, players can press the PS button to view spoiler-free video guides created by developers without searching online. A new split-screen feature allows pinning guides or webpages to the screen’s sides for reference while playing.
Additionally, the PS5 is compatible with the PS4-era PS VR, and a next-gen VR for PS5 is in development. Xbox still has no plans to support VR.
The Xbox Series X has fewer innovations compared to the PS5, with its biggest being the Quick Resume feature. Players can switch between multiple games instantly without losing progress, even after shutting down and unplugging the console. Notably, the PS5’s quick menu design suggests Sony may plan to add a similar feature.
The Xbox Series X also offers FPS Boost and Auto HDR features for optimizing older games.
PS5 4.5/5 (Innovative controller, new system features, VR support)
Xbox Series X 3/5 (Quick Resume and others, but little change from the previous generation)
Performance (Resolution, Framerate, Graphics)
Based on specs, the Xbox Series X has better CPU and GPU performance, while the PS5 has superior SSD performance.
Actual game performance aligns with the specs—Xbox Series X excels in graphics and framerate in some games, while PS5 has faster loading times in others. For example, Hitman 3 runs at 2160p 60fps on Xbox Series X but only 1800p 60fps on PS5; the Scarlet Nexus Demo loads 2-3 seconds faster on PS5 than on Xbox Series X.
Backward Compatibility
Perhaps due to Microsoft’s legacy, the Xbox Series X|S has excellent backward compatibility. It supports most games released since the original Xbox in 2001, with features like FPS Boost (supported games list) and Auto HDR to enhance resolution, unlock framerates, and improve visuals for older games.
The PS5 is compatible with PS4 games but offers limited improvements in graphics and framerate.
120fps
Thanks to FPS Boost, the Xbox Series X supports over 100 games at 120fps. The PS5 currently supports only about a dozen games at 120fps.
Additionally, due to the PS5’s HDMI bandwidth being limited to 32Gbps (Xbox Series X is 40Gbps, full HDMI 2.1 is 48Gbps), 4K 120Hz on PS5 downgrades to YUV420, though the difference is barely noticeable.
Other
- The PS5 does not support 1440p output. If a player’s monitor is 1440p (2K) and doesn’t accept 4K input, the PS5 will output at 1080p, resulting in non-integer scaling and a worse experience than a 1080p monitor. Xbox supports 1440p output.
- The Xbox Series X|S system UI still uses 1080p (4K UI began beta testing in August 2021, expected to launch in winter 2021), with blurry text edges. The PS5’s system UI fully supports 4K HDR, with sharp text and visuals, eliminating mode-switching when launching HDR games.
- Xbox Series X|S supports AMD FreeSync, HDMI 2.1 VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and Dolby Vision. The PS5 now supports VRR via a system update.
- With AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR, similar to Nvidia’s DLSS), both consoles are expected to have more visually impressive 4K ray-tracing games in the future.
- Xbox players can purchase Dolby Atmos for ¥20 on Tmall, enabling spatial audio for headphones.
PS5 3/5 (Sharp and clear system UI, slightly weaker graphical performance)
Xbox Series X 4.5/5 (Better performance for old and new games, more comprehensive 120fps and HDMI 2.1 support)
Region Lock and Pricing
Xbox Series X, PS5 consoles: Suggested retail prices are the same, and both are frequently out of stock.
Xbox
- ++ Accounts are not region-locked, allowing free access to stores in any region
- ++ Games are region-free, can be purchased in low-price regions (using multi-currency credit cards), and downloaded in desired languages (with rare exceptions like Devil May Cry 5)
- ++ Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (XGPU) subscription includes 300+ games and EA Play, with many high-quality major and new titles (game library)
- + XGPU includes Xbox Live Gold, offering 2+ free small games monthly, generally average quality, with region-locked games claimable cross-region (historical game list)
- + Most first-party games and XGPU games support PC versions, allowing play on both platforms with one purchase
- + Free cloud saves, some games sync saves to PC for continued play, but save logic is average (some reports of lost saves), no local save backups
- – Requires Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer
- + Supports self-service refunds (not to be abused)
- + Allows game library sharing with a trusted friend by swapping accounts
- + Supports standard HDD for storage expansion (only for last-gen games), next-gen games require proprietary Xbox SSD expansion (third-party adapters available for specific SSDs like CH SN530 / XA1)
- – Limited availability of physical game copies, but physical discs can be resold
PS5
- – Accounts are region-locked, no region switching
- – Games have multiple regional versions, Chinese versions mostly available only in high-price regions
- ++ PS Plus members get access to about 20 well-known PS4 classic games via PS Plus Collection, extremely high quality
- + US/Japan regions offer PS Now subscription for 400+ games (some only via remote play), but it’s expensive with few Chinese games (US game library)
- ++ PS Plus members get 3+ free games monthly, sometimes of extremely high quality, non-claimable cross-region (historical game list)
- + Only PS Plus members get cloud saves, with better save logic, but PS5 games don’t support local save backups
- – Requires PS Plus for online multiplayer
- – No self-service refunds (contacting support may offer a one-time refund)
- + Allows game library sharing with a trusted friend by swapping accounts
- + Supports standard HDD for storage expansion (only for last-gen games), next-gen games support specific universal SSDs for expansion
- + Abundant physical game copies, supports renting physical games
On Xbox, players can buy games at nearly half price in low-cost regions like Brazil. The Xbox Game Pass (XGP) library also includes many major titles (even day-one releases) for direct play, eliminating trial-and-error costs.
PS5 2/5 (The only platform still locking game and account regions; Chinese games are expensive; membership offers monthly games, occasionally excellent)
Xbox 4.5/5 (Most lenient region policies; about ¥200 yearly on Taobao for XGP library access, may increase)
Exclusive Games
The PlayStation platform has always had numerous exclusive games (some become available on other platforms years later). If you want to play these without waiting, a PlayStation console may be your only option.
After Microsoft’s acquisition of many studios, Xbox is expected to have more exclusives. However, Microsoft defines Xbox exclusives as Xbox + Windows Store, so if you own an expensive high-performance PC, there’s little need for an Xbox.
PS5 0/5 (Rating from a player’s perspective, not a shareholder’s)
Xbox 1/5 (Rating from a player’s perspective, but at least playable on Windows)
Remote Play and Sharing
| Remote Play | Live Streaming | Screenshots and Recording | Rating | |
| PS5 | Phone and PC: Up to 1080p HDR | 1080p 60fps Great interactive experience YouTube / Twitch | Auto-screenshot and recording on trophy unlock Great interactive experience Long recording times | 4.5/5 |
| Xbox Series X|S | Phone: 720p PC: 1080p No HDR support | 1080p 60fps Poor interactive experience Twitch only | Poor interactive experience Short recording times only | 2/5 |
The last-generation Xbox had decent LAN remote play (via Console Companion app) and a well-designed Mixer streaming platform (low latency, even supporting audience-game interaction). However, both were discontinued for Xbox Series X|S. The screenshot and recording experience remains largely unchanged from the previous generation, with a dedicated screenshot button added to the controller, but recording and sharing are still barely functional (screenshots trigger two obstructive notifications, recordings are limited to a few minutes).
The PS5, in contrast, has improved comprehensively over its predecessor, with HDR support for remote play, more convenient live streaming, and upgraded screenshot and recording interactions. It automatically records a clip when earning a trophy, making it more polished and user-friendly.
Note that since the PS5 controller has a built-in microphone, you must manually disable it for each streaming session if you don’t want to record audio.
Maintenance and Repair
Fan replacement and dust cleaning: The PS5 has dedicated dust-catching ports, allowing easy cleaning with a vacuum, and fan replacement doesn’t void the warranty. The Xbox Series X risks voiding the warranty if opened, so high-pressure air is the only cleaning option.
SSD: The PS5’s SSD is soldered to the motherboard, potentially rendering the console unusable if it fails. The Xbox Series X’s internal SSD is replaceable (though it voids the warranty and is complex).
Disc drive replacement: Neither console supports replacing the disc drive module. If the drive fails, the drive’s circuit board must be transplanted. If the board fails, official support is required.
References: iFixit, TronicsFix
PS5 3/5 (Thoughtfully designed dust cleaning, convenient)
Xbox 2/5 (Cannot open for cleaning without voiding warranty, SSD replaceable)
It’s clear that the PS5 has a grander vision and a more refined system design. Though not the most powerful this generation, Sony aims to deliver a next-gen experience through superior system interactions and controller features. PlayStation is also the only console offering non-toy-grade VR. However, due to region-locked accounts and games, Chinese versions are often expensive, requiring players to wait for sales or rent discs to save money.
The Xbox system inherits Microsoft’s “good enough” philosophy—functional but not polished. While the console boasts 8K support, its launch UI was still rendered at 1080p. Thankfully, Microsoft doesn’t compromise on core gaming experiences—Xbox Game Pass, lenient region policies, and excellent noise control address player pain points, letting players discover great games at no cost and ensuring they aren’t “victimized” by buying legitimate copies.
For now, I spend more time on Xbox but more money on PlayStation.
P.S. This generation’s Xbox also includes the Xbox Series S. I don’t recommend it, as it runs Xbox One S versions of games in compatibility mode (weaker than PS4 Slim) at 900p, and new games are limited by performance, affecting quality or resolution. The Xbox Series X offers top-tier performance (Xbox One X in compatibility mode, stronger than PS4 Pro). Consider the Series S only if you prioritize portability and don’t care about graphics.
Coxxs
This article (https://dev.moe/3076) is original by Coxxs, reproduction prohibited.