November is coming up, which means that avid gamers need to make the tough choice on whether to get a PS5 or an Xbox Series? Of course, nothing is stopping you from owning both at some point. But for now, it’s all about what hardware specifications you’re looking forward to, the titles that will be available on launch, and what console is within your price range.

To help you decide, let’s compare the PS5 and Xbox Series under different categories.
Specifications and Price

There's a massive difference between the PS5 and Xbox Series hardware. For example, where the PS5 will only have 10.3 TFLOPS and 36 cubic units of GPU power (though that’s already pretty impressive for a console), the Series X will have 12 TFLOPS and 52 cubic units of power. The latter’s memory bandwidth is also much higher, at 16GB (plus a 320mb bus) compared to the PS5’s 10GB. The Xbox Series will come with larger storage and better I/O by default, too. Both consoles are retailing at $499 for their standard editions.

The PS5 is coming in a digital-only variant at $399. It’ll have the same specs. However, Microsoft is offering a “mini” version of the Series called the Series S (the larger one is “X”). For less processing power and graphics, it will retail at $299.

Launch Games

There’s a lot to expect on both sides in terms of games. For example, the PS5 will be dropping Demon’s Souls as a console exclusive. Other PS5 titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Spiderman: Miles Morales are also available on the PS4 for lower graphics. While the Series X won’t debut with any console exclusive titles, largely because Microsoft also has a market on PC, Xbox Series is going to get a lot of new games as well, like Tetris Effect Connected and The Falconeer.

Now, let’s talk about digital subscription games. PlayStation Plus users will have access to a collection of PS4 games that will be available for digital download upon launch. There are 18 titles on the list, including popular ones like The Last of Us (Remastered) and Until Dawn. However, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have access to over 100 games on the Series’ launch, including notable titles like Doom Eternal and Minecraft Dungeons.

Backward Compatibility

Both devices are backward compatible. However, the PS5 will only be backward compatible with (most) PS4 games, while the Xbox Series will have a library full of games all the way from Xbox 360. Plus, if you already own an Xbox One, then its controller is also compatible with the Series. Making consoles backward compatible is not an easy task. Manufacturers have to go through the process of reverse engineering PCB project libraries to figure out the schematics of previous devices. This helps them create standardized components and other parts compatible with current gen systems and controls, allowing them to integrate old hardware into the console. In fact, the PS5’s hardware design is partially based on the last gen’s architecture—with two separate chips that will run PS4 and PS5 games, respectively. Microsoft is a bit secretive on the inner details of their hardware, but there’s a reason why Series is heavier than the PS5.

Future Games

It’s also worth considering the games that will be available on the console in the future. Xbox Series X buyers can look forward to new titles like Halo, Forza and all but certainly a fresh Gears Of War as well as new IPs. The first console exclusive after the launch for the PS5 is Ratchet and Clank because many games are also releasing on the PS4. Many exciting games will also launch on both consoles including Elden Ring, a new Harry Potter game and much more. It largely depends which games you are most looking forward to.

Final Verdict

Both consoles are good to own by November. You just have to figure out where you stand in terms of specs, games, and backward compatibility. For example, if your anticipated launch titles like Demon Souls are on the PS5, get a PS5. However, if you’re looking to continue old Xbox titles on a more capable console, then definitely go for the Series. Incidentally, the Series S is also a good option for new gamers who are looking for an affordable entrance into console gaming.

There’s no “better” option between the two (or four, if we count the PS5 Digital Edition and Series S). At the end of the day, it’s all down to a matter of preference.