Does the Xbox Series X Compete with PS5?

By Braden Wylde

The Xbox Series X and PS5 have generated more interest since their announcements in early summer than their previous versions. They both have promised faster speeds, better graphics, and an all-around more inclusive experience. With both consoles being released within two days of each other, what can the next generation of video game enthusiasts expect from these coveted devices?

Compared to the significant advantages the PS4 had over the Xbox One, Microsoft stepped up significantly with the Xbox Series X. Take a look at the specs for both the Xbox Series X and the PS5.

Xbox Series X

-       CPU: 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.8GHz

-       GPU: 12 TFlops, 52 CUs at 1.825GHz

-       Memory: 16GB GDDR6/256-bit

-       Storage: 1 TB Custom NVMe SSD + 1TB Expansion Card

PS5

-       CPU: 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.5GHZ

-       GPU: 10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23GHz

-       Memory: 16GB GDDR6/256-bit

-       Storage: Custom 825GB SSD + NVMe SSD slot

Impressively enough, the newest generation of Xbox has improved the quality of their system over the PS5. Most notably, the GPU runs at 12 TFLOPs and 52 CUs, which means that the Xbox Series X will be far superior at interpreting and rendering the trillions of polygons that are on screen compared to the PS5 who comes in at 10.28 GPUs.

Although the PS5 looks to be lacking in comparison to the Xbox Series X, the truth is, it still has many advantages that Microsoft does not, and it ultimately makes the specs an ill point. With Sony’s exclusive contracts to release largely popular games like Spiderman, MLB The Show, and God of War, PS5 rises in the ranks. Another major addition to the PS5 is that of the Dualsense controller that immerses you deeper into the games than ever before. The interactive controller directly represents movement, sounds, and feelings in the controller, making it act differently depending on the game you are playing. 

After being left in the dust by the PS4, Microsoft bounced back with the most powerful gaming console on the market. The graphics on screen will far exceed anything that has been done previously, but will it matter if everyone is wanting to play the newest exclusives that are released to Sony first? One benefit of the Xbox Series X is its usage of backward compatibility. The most popular games of our past, from Xbox 360 to now, will be able to be played with all new graphics on the Xbox Series X. So, while PS5 has their exclusive contracts, Xbox has the nostalgia of your favorite childhood video games.