After worldwide chip shortages, supply chain issues, and that one pesky global event kept us from getting our hands on them, we’re finally seeing the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S in stores. Gamers have been bringing them home and enjoying everything they have to offer. However, choosing between them may not be so easy.
Are you finally ready to bring home a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? We’ll help you make the choice that’s right for you. Just answer the following questions and decide based on how you respond.
Question 1: Do Your Friends Have a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S?
Depending on your gaming preferences, this might be the only question you have to answer. What’s the point in having a shiny new gaming system if you don’t have friends to play with? If your friends all own the PS5, then it’s probably in your best interest to own a PS5 too. On the other hand, if they have an Xbox Series console, then it may be best to stick with Xbox. If you prefer single-player experiences or if your friends aren’t gamers, read on.
Question 2: How Many Games Do You Play?
If you enjoy playing lots of games, especially new ones, it may be worth grabbing an Xbox Series X/S. This is because of its prized offering — Xbox Game Pass.
With Xbox Game Pass, you can play over 300 games, including new releases, modern stalwarts, and vintage classics. Whether you want to play Black or Psychonauts from the original Xbox, the Xbox 360’s Fable series, or any countless numbers of Xbox One games, you can access them from your Xbox Series X or S using Game Pass.
Game Pass also lets you try out games before buying them. Because many third-party games don’t stay on the service forever, you’ll have to buy them eventually. Game Pass lets you play many different titles for a simple subscription fee. The best part is you don’t have to commit to a full purchase.
If you have a gaming PC, the Game Pass deal gets even sweeter. This is because you can take advantage of Game Pass Ultimate. Game Pass Ultimate lets you play games on your console, PC, and even your mobile device. Game Pass Ultimate also includes EA Play, which lets you dig into the expansive EA library along with the Game Pass library.
The PS5 offers a similar program with PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. PlayStation Plus allows you to play games online and offers a wide variety of downloadable and streamable games. Unfortunately, PlayStation Plus doesn’t quite offer the breadth of content that Game Pass does. You won’t see new releases on PS Plus, nor will you see many older titles from the PS1, PS2, or even PS3.
Question 3: What System(s) Did You Have Previously?
If you’ve been waiting to switch sides in the console war, you may want to reconsider. Many of your downloadable titles will follow you to the new systems.
Sony says that 99 percent of PS4 titles are backwards compatible on PS5. Also, a variety of PS4 titles, especially the games released in the past few years, have PS5 upgrades available. This will allow you to play higher-quality versions of the games you already own.
Where Xbox again has the advantage is that if you have backwards-compatible Xbox and Xbox 360 games in your library, you’ll be able to access them on your Xbox Series X or S. This also includes physical copies. Unfortunately, only Xbox Series X owners can take advantage of this function since the Series S lacks a disc drive. You can see a full list of backwards-compatible titles by clicking here.
Question 4: Which Controller Do You Like Better?
You’re going to spend a lot of time holding each system’s controller. It may be worth looking at them to see which one you like better.
The Xbox Series X/S controller is just an upgraded version of the Xbox One controller, which itself was an upgraded version of the Xbox 360 controller. If you’ve used either of the previous iterations, you’ll know what to expect here.
The PS5’s DualSense controller retains its predecessor’s layout but is much beefier than any other PlayStation controller in history. It also offers haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. If your chief complaint with past PlayStation controllers was that they were small, the PS5 controller is perfect for you. If you like smaller controllers, the DualSense may not be ideal for you.
Question 5: Which System Has the Better Exclusives?
Both systems come with their own set of exclusives. Depending on what games you enjoy, you may favor one system over the other.
The PS5 is home to Sony’s exclusives, like God of War, The Last of Us, Spider-Man, Horizon, Ratchet and Clank, Uncharted, Gran Turismo, and more. Sony systems have also traditionally received games from Japanese developers that skip the Xbox. If you enjoy Eastern-developed games like dating sims, visual novels, anime RPGs, and rhythm games, you may want to stick with the PS5.
The Xbox is home to the Halo and Gears of War series, as well as games like Sea of Thieves and Forza. Microsoft owns Rare, Bethesda, and may soon own Activision Blizzard, which could mean more games will be exclusive to Xbox. We don’t think games like Fallout, Call of Duty, or The Elder Scrolls, will be Xbox exclusive, but the possibility is there.
Conclusion
Tally up your answers here and see which system came out on top. If you sided with Sony more, then it may be time for you to get a PS5. Is your list more Microsoft-leaning? Then grab the Xbox Series X or S. Either way, you’re going to bring home a great system that will give you hours of enjoyment.