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Xbox Series X vs. PS5: differences and similarities

Julia11 JANUARY 2026
The image shows a white PlayStation 5 console and a black Xbox Series X console, separated by a "VS" graphic, against a purple background.

The Microsoft Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 are 2 excellent next-gen consoles that don’t differ much in price. There are, however, some differences, for example the games you can play on these consoles. On this page you can read more about the specifications of both game consoles, so you know which one to choose.

Xbox Series X vs. PS5: design

The image shows a white PlayStation 5 console on the left and a black Xbox Series X console with a controller on the right.

A difference like day and night, because the PlayStation 5 is white, futuristic and curvy and the Xbox Series X is black, straight and angular. The PS5 is quite tall at 39 centimetres. If you want to place it in a cabinet, measure the space beforehand to see if it fits. You can also place this console horizontally. When the PS5 is on, the LED lights give off a beautiful blue glow. The Series X has an old-school cube design: this black tower is, at 30.1 centimetres, a bit less tall than the PS5. The ventilation grille is on the top. This black tower is, at 30.1 cm, a bit less tall than the PS5. You can also place this

Xbox Series X vs. PS5: processor

Close-up of a computer motherboard with a gold heatsink, black fan, and RAM module on a red and white circuit board.

Both consoles have 16 GB of RAM, and both run on a Zen 2 processor with 8 cores. The Xbox Series X runs at 3.8 gigahertz per core and the PS5 at 3.5 gigahertz per core. Both Microsoft and Sony express computing power in teraflops. The Xbox Series X has a GPU (graphics processor) with a power of 12 teraflops divided over 52 CUs (control units). The PS5 has 10.3 teraflops divided over 36 CUs. This means that the Xbox Series X has more graphical power, because the clock speed is higher and the graphics card has more cores. The Series X therefore has slightly faster graphics than the PS5.

Series X vs. PlayStation 5: loading times

Analog clock on pink/cyan split background shows 12:35. Clock face is white with black numbers. Frame and details are cyan.

When you start gaming you don’t want to wait for minutes for your game to load. A fast SSD really makes the difference then. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a chip on which, just like on a hard drive, you store files. Via the internal SSD in the console, your games start up within a few seconds. Both games consoles have a fast SSD, with the PS5 having the fastest, namely a read speed of up to 5.5 gigabytes per second. The read speed of the Xbox Series X SSD goes up to 2.4 gigabytes per second.

Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: graphics

Person with headphones faces a bright gaming screen. The display shows game graphics in blue, green, and pink.

On both consoles you game in 4K resolution with a maximum of 120 frames per second. More powerful than the PlayStation 5. This means smoother gameplay & graphics that look just that bit better, smoother gameplay and graphics that look just that bit better.

Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: games

A compact disc displays rainbow refraction on a black background. It has a black center.

Which games console suits you best depends on your gaming preferences. On the PS5 you play high-quality exclusive games such as Gran Turismo 7, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. These games are exclusive to the PS5 and therefore cannot be played on the Xbox. Xbox also has exclusive games, such as Halo, Forza and Starfield. Both have a subscription that gives you access to a game catalogue. With a PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscription you download hundreds of games for the PS5. Xbox has Game Pass, which lets you play more than 100 games for a fixed monthly fee, which you can also stream to your Android phone.

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Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: controllers

The image shows two black game controllers, one an Xbox controller with colored buttons, and the other a Playstation controller.

There is quite a bit of difference between the controllers of the Series X and the PS5. The DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5 is rechargeable, lightning-fast and also greatly renewed, with, among other things, adaptive triggers and haptic feedback (for example vibrations and counter-pressure from the controller). Every game you play is therefore literally tangible. The Xbox controller from Microsoft looks very similar to the Xbox One controller, but that one was already very good. The new controller has received a Share button, and everything looks just a bit sleeker. Do you still have your Xbox One controller lying around somewhere? You can simply use it on the Xbox Series X.

Xbox Series X vs. PlayStation 5: accessories

A person with headphones is holding a black steering wheel attached to a game console while sitting on a black chair.

Both Sony and Microsoft have great accessories to get even more out of your games. Is the standard Xbox controller too basic for you? Then buy the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2. This controller has interchangeable parts, and you can configure all buttons and functions yourself. Add a gaming headset for the best sound and to chat with your friends. The accessories for the PS5 are also impressive. With a special charger for your DualSense controller, gaming headset, racing wheel or HD camera you can put together your own gaming room.

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PlayStation 5 accessories

Xbox Series X: all the advantages at a glance

Xbox Series X console with a controller, surrounded by game characters and a blue sports car on a white background.

The Xbox Series X is a powerful console that gets the best out of your 4K television or home cinema. This Microsoft console supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which provides amazing sound. Thanks to the larger SSD it performs well. The Series X works with all previous Xbox controllers, and you can also simply play your Xbox One games on it. Interesting is the subscription model that gives you access to hundreds of games, including the latest titles. And if you like to continue playing on your mobile or PC, then the Xbox Series X is really something for you.

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PlayStation 5: all the advantages at a glance

The image shows a Playstation 5 console and a Dualsense controller on a reflective surface against a gray backdrop.

With the PS5 you bring a powerful console with lightning-fast loading times and 3D audio into your home. Thanks to its size and modern design, this Sony console is a real eye-catcher. Choose a PlayStation 5 if you want to play exclusive PS5 games, such as Spider-Man and Gran Turismo. You can also play PS4 games on the PS5; older games (PS3 and older) are not supported. The DualSense controller turns every game into a real 3D experience and an intense gaming experience.

View the PlayStation 5 consoles

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