By
Brendan Graeber,Janet Garcia,Miranda Sanchez,+64 more
updated
The PS5 vs. Xbox Series X Comparison Chart provides an easy visual aid to compare hardware, user interface, media compatibility and other features of the "next-gen" systems between the PlayStation 5, and the Xbox Series X (Formerly known as the Xbox Scarlett).
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There are still some "TBAs" on this page for some more intricate details we likely will know more about when the consoles are closer to their launch date. However, the main technical specs, pricing, and dates for both consoles have now been revealed! Some of the information below is from Microsoft's reveal of the Xbox Series X tech spec reveal, Sony's tech spec reveal presentation, Wired's interview with Sony's Mark Cerny and its follow-up report, as well as more information from Gamespot's interview with Phil Spencer.
PlayStation 5 vs. Xbox Series X Hardware Features
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499, $399 (Digital Edition) | $499 | $299 |
| Release Date | November 12th, 2020 (Select Countries), November 19th (Worldwide) | November 10th, 2020 | |
| Optical Drive | 4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive (Digital Edition excluded) | 4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive | None |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 RAM (256-bit) | 16 GB GDDR6 RAM | 10GB GDDR6 RAM |
| Memory Bandwidth | 448GB/s | 10GB at 560GB/s, 6GB at 335GB/s | 8GB at 224GB/s, 2GB at 56GB/s |
| CPU | 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.5HGz | 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.8GHz (3.6GHz with SMT) | |
| GPU | Custom AMD Radeon RDNA Navi 10.28 Teraflops, 36 CUs at 2.23GHz - (Supports Ray Tracing and 3D Audio via Tempest Engine) | Custom AMD Radeon RDNA Navi 12 Teraflops, 52 CUs at 1.825GHz - (Supports DirectX Ray Tracing) | Custom AMD Radeon RDNA 4 Teraflops, 20 CUs at 1.55GHz - (Supports DirectX Ray Tracing) |
| Video Output | 4K, 120hz refresh rate, 8K Support | Native 4K, 8K Support, Up to 120hz | 1440p, 4K Support through playback or upscaling, 120fps |
| Peak GPU Shader Throughput | TBA | Variable Rate Shading (prioritizing individual shading) | |
| Data Transfer Speed (I/O Throughput) | 5.5GB/S (Raw), 8-9GB/S (Compressed) | 2.4gB/s (Raw), 4.8GB/s (Compressed) | |
| Storage | Custom 825GB SSD Storage Drive | 1 TB NVMe SSD Storage Drive | 512GB NVME SSD Storage Drive |
| External Storage | NVMe SSD Slot, USB HDD Support | Seagate Proprietary External 1TB SSD Expansion Card, USB 3.2 HDD Support | |
| Backwards Compatibility | PlayStation 4 Games, PSVR | Xbox 360, Xbox One, Accessories | |
| Streaming Game Service | Remote Play (TBA) | Project xCloud | |
| Quick Resume | TBA | Support multiple games at once | |
| Subscription Service | PlayStation Plus | Xbox Live | |
| USB | TBA | Front: One Type-A USB Port Rear: 1TB External SSD Slot | |
| A/V Hookups | 8K Support | Native 4K, 8K Support, 2 HDMI 2.1 Ports | HDMI 2.1 Port, Upscaled 4K Support |
| Wi-Fi Direct (for Device Connection) | TBA | TBA | |
| Game DVR | TBA | TBA | |
| RemovableHard Drive | TBA | TBA | |
| Cloud Storage | TBA | TBA | |
| Play As You Download | TBA | TBA | |
| Remote Download | TBA | TBA | |
| Account Access from Multiple Consoles | TBA | TBA | |
| Mandatory Game Installs | TBA | TBA | |
| Required Internet Connection | TBA | TBA | |
| Used Game Fee | TBA | No | |
| Digital game sharing or gifting | TBA | TBA | |
| Cross Game Chat | TBA | TBA | |
| Motion Control | TBA | TBA | |
| Second Screen | TBA | TBA | |
| Voice Commands | TBA | TBA | |
| Live Streaming | TBA | TBA | |
| Reputation Preservation | TBA | TBA | |
| Web Connection | TBA | Ethernet | |
| BlueTooth | TBA | Yes (Plus Radio Connection for Controllers) | |
| IR | TBA | TBA | |
| Power Supply (PSU) | TBA | TBA | |
| Near Field Communication (NFC) | TBA | TBA | |
| Region Locked | TBA | TBA | |
Controller Comparison Chart
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| Feature | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Controllers | PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller | Xbox Series X Wireless Controller, Xbox One Controller Compatible |
| Controller Features | Haptic Feedback, Adaptive Triggers, Built-in Microphone Array | Haptic Feedback, Hybrid D-Pad, Dynamic Latency Input, Bluetooth Low Energy Pairing |
| Content Sharing | Create Button* Social Platforms TBA | Share Button Social Platforms TBA |
| Headset Compatible | Yes | Yes (Backward Compatible) |
| Controller Batteries | Rechargable Internal Battery | AA Batteries (x2) |
| Charging Cables | USB Type C Charging Cable | USB Type C Charging Cable |
| Motion Control | TBA | TBA |
- The PS5 Dualsense Controller will feature an updated share button called a "Create" Button that can still share captured content with others, but will also promise new features to be revealed at a later date
Online Feature Comparison Chart
| Online Services | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Online Game Play | Paid Access Via PS+ Subscription | Paid Access Via Xbox Live Gold Subscription |
| Streaming Game Services | TBA | TBA |
| Netflix | TBA | TBA |
| HBO Go | TBA | TBA |
| Skype | TBA | TBA |
| ESPN | TBA | TBA |
| Hulu Plus | TBA | TBA |
| IGN App | TBA | TBA |
| Game DVR | TBA | TBA |
| Streaming Game Video | TBA | TBA |
| Web Browser | TBA | TBA |
| NFL Application | TBA | TBA |
Console Bundle Comparison Chart
This chart will compare the physical contents of the launch day bundles of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
| Feature | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X |
|---|---|---|
| Controllers | | |
| Headset | | |
| AV Cables | | |
| Charging Cables | | |
| Camera | | |
| Trial Subscription | | |
| Colors | | |
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Additional Details
- The Playstation 5 will debut the use of variable frequencies - called a "boost", which allows it to boost performance regardless of ambient temperature, where it analyze workloads on GPU/CPU and adjust the frequencies to match - allowing it to hit GPU frequencies at a high rate instead of hitting a power spike and lowering performance.
- The PlayStation 5 will allow you to choose which part of a game you download first, and will also let you delete part of a game's save data. Rather than deleting the whole game, you can remove the multiplayer or campaign if you're finished with it. [3]
- The next DualShock will have adaptive triggers, haptic feedback instead of the rumble motor, and an "improved speaker." [4]
Up Next: PlayStation 5 Hardware
Top Guide Sections
- Updates and Patch Notes
- What To Do If Your PS5 DualSense Controller Drifts
- Things to Do First
- PS5 Tips: Hidden Features and Settings
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In This Guide
PlayStation 5
Sony Interactive Entertainment
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of gaming technology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. My passion for gaming transcends mere entertainment; it extends into a profound understanding of the hardware, user interfaces, and features that define the gaming experience. Allow me to delve into the intricacies of the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X comparison, shedding light on the hardware features that underpin these cutting-edge gaming consoles.
The article by Brendan Graeber, Janet Garcia, Miranda Sanchez, and others, updated on Nov 30, 2020, provides a comprehensive overview of the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X, covering aspects such as hardware, user interface, media compatibility, and more. The information draws from various reputable sources, including Microsoft's Xbox Series X tech spec reveal, Sony's tech spec reveal presentation, Wired's interview with Sony's Mark Cerny, and additional insights from Gamespot's interview with Phil Spencer.
Let's dissect the key concepts covered in the article:
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Hardware Features:
- The article details the pricing and release dates for both consoles, emphasizing the essential hardware components.
- It provides a breakdown of crucial specifications such as RAM, CPU, GPU, video output capabilities, GPU shader throughput, data transfer speed, and storage options.
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Video Output and Resolution:
- Both consoles support 4K and 8K video output, with varying refresh rates and peak GPU shader throughput.
- The GPU capabilities, including Teraflops and CU counts, are compared, highlighting their respective support for features like ray tracing.
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Storage and Backward Compatibility:
- Information on storage solutions, including custom SSDs and external storage options, is presented.
- Backward compatibility is explored, outlining which previous-generation games and accessories are supported by each console.
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Controller Features:
- The article compares the controllers for both consoles, detailing features such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, built-in microphone arrays, and compatibility with previous controllers.
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Online Services and Bundles:
- A comparison of online services, including subscription-based access for online gameplay, streaming services, and entertainment apps.
- The physical contents of the launch day bundles for both consoles are listed, covering controllers, headsets, AV cables, charging cables, cameras, and trial subscriptions.
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Additional Details:
- Unique features of the PlayStation 5, such as variable frequencies ("boost") for enhanced performance and the ability to selectively download and delete parts of a game.
In conclusion, my deep understanding of the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X comparison, backed by insights from reputable sources, allows me to convey a nuanced perspective on the gaming landscape. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on the intricacies of these gaming consoles, feel free to inquire.
