This is a huge week for gamers as the launch of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 (not to mention their digital-only counterparts) brings some impressive new consoles into people's homes. It's also set to kick off the latest console war, with Sony and Microsoft once again competing for dominance.
Both systems have a lot to boast about, and they're evenly matched in a lot of ways. However, just like the PlayStation 4 ultimately dominated the last battle between the two companies, it seems obvious that the PS5 is destined to emerge triumphant. That may sound like a bold claim, but a closer look at the evidence makes it clear there's already a victor in this latest war, and that's the PS5!
With that in mind, this feature takes a look at why consumers are more likely to turn to the PS5 over the Xbox Series X, what it is about Sony's console that makes it a bigger draw, and the features which will ultimately guarantee victory in the years to come.
Throw in a very different approach to launch games, technology, and more, and now is most definitely the right time to either stick with PlayStation or leave the Xbox behind...
10. The PS5 Has Spider-Man: Miles Morales
It's not Microsoft's fault that current world events have pushed big titles like Halo Infinite, Fable 4, and Forza Motorsport 8 well into 2021, but the lack of that one big launch title has really hurt the Xbox One. While Sony no doubt hoped Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Horizon Forbidden West would be ready for launch, the fact Spider-Man: Miles Morales is set to hit stores on time is great news for them.
The latest Spider-Man game is a true showcase of the console's power and emphasises what sets the console apart from the competition.
Many of the titles on the Xbox Series X will be readily available on the Xbox One, and so it will be down to the enhanced versions of Gears 5 and Destiny 2 to show what this console can do. Tonnes of videos can already be found on YouTube highlighting the advantages of Spider-Man: Miles Morales "performance" and "high fidelity" modes, and it has the edge being a true next-gen game.
Spider-Man just so happens to be a major draw too, and a fresher franchise than, say, Halo.
9. Xbox Series S Can't Do 4K
For parents on a budget ahead of Christmas or casual gamers who don't want much more than the Xbox Games Pass, the Xbox Series S...well, it's certainly an option. That cheaper price tag is appropriate, especially when the digital-only console is limited to 1440p gaming (meaning it can't produce 4K visuals in a time when that's becoming increasingly more important).
Like the PS5, the Xbox Series X is definitely a beast in terms of sheer power, and it's easy enough to understand why some gamers will be torn between the two.
However, for the sake of £100/$100, it makes no sense to choose the all-digital Series S over the disc drive-less PS5 Digital. The latter is exactly the same as the more expensive PlayStation 5, and boasts all the same power within...you're just saving some cash by not opting for a disc drive.
It could boil down to personal preference, but the power of the digital PS5 gives Sony the edge.
8. PS Plus Collection Is Already Nipping At Xbox Game Pass' Heels
Xbox Game Pass is definitely a huge draw, with over 100 solid games (and first-party titles on day one) for a relatively low monthly fee. It's not a perfect system by any means; after all, how many times have you been in the middle of a game - Grand Theft Auto V, for example - only to find that it's disappeared from the service?
Now, with the PS5 launching, a very real rival is taking shape in the form of the PS Plus Collection.
Featuring a tonne of PS4 classics like The Last of Us Remastered, The Last Guardian, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, and God of War, Sony is giving players the chance to relive some past hits or try them out for the first time. In the coming months, common sense says more games will be added to the list in what PlayStation no doubt hopes will be a Game Pass killer.
It may be early days, but for those struggling to decide between an Xbox Series X and the PS5, there's now another compelling reason to seriously consider the latter.
7. Launch Games Are Key
As noted, Spider-Man: Miles Morales promises to be key for the PlayStation 5's early success. However, that's far from the only launch title that gives Sony a noteworthy advantage.
On the Xbox Series X side, there are a lot of games (Assassin's Creed: Valhalla and Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, for example) which will also be found on the PS5 as well as last-gen consoles. It feels a lot like Microsoft is initially relying on remastered or enhanced versions of old games as a selling point, but there's ultimately only so many times those can be replayed.
Godfall and Demon's Souls will be timed exclusives on the PS5, while Astro's Playroom, The Pathless, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure offer gamers that all-important new content to experience.
Launch games factor heavily into the thought process that goes into choosing a console, and this early edge will be massively beneficial to the PS5 moving forward.
6. Sony Could Be Playing The Long Game With The PS5's Inner Workings
Beneath their respective casings, it initially appears that the PS5 and Xbox Series X are fairly evenly matched. However, it's on closer inspection that it becomes clear Sony has a distinct advantage over Microsoft. The Series X admittedly boasts a slightly more powerful processor, as well as a higher GPU (which renders game graphics).
However, there are key differences in the PS5's GPU architecture which is likely going to translate into better visuals in the long run based on what's been revealed about both consoles thus far.
However, most important is the fact the PS5 is able to push through data at 5.5GB per second compared to the Series X's 2.4GB per second. There's already evidence online that the console's loading times are damn near non-existent, and while it admittedly lacks the Xbox's resume play feature, this feature is arguably vastly more important.
It's important to note that videos have also shown incredibly fast loading times for the latest Xbox, though common sense says that, in the long run, Sony could have the advantage with those extra few gigabytes as games become bigger and more advanced.
5. Sony Is Prioritising Exclusive Titles
For Microsoft, it appears the point of both versions of the Xbox is to sell them as a means of getting a monthly subscription out of gamers for Games Pass. They're basically Netflix, but you have to buy an ugly black box to be able to watch your favourite films!
As a result, exclusive titles no longer appear to be a priority for the company. In fact, they've argued that next-gen exclusives are anti-consumer, and looking ahead to the future, it's clear that those are going to be few and far between.
There's definitely an element of Microsoft using this as an excuse for the fact they have nothing at hand to showcase what their new console can really do, but it still doesn't bode particularly well for the future. Looking at the PS5, there are more exclusives on the way than there's room to list here, while the success of the PS4 has also guaranteed some timed exclusives moving forward as well.
Once upon a time, gamers might have bought both consoles to have access to all these games. However, with few exclusives on the Series X, it simply makes sense to prioritise buying a PS5.
4. It's The More Impressive Console
While there's no denying that the design of the PS5 has drawn mixed reactions, it's still undeniably the more impressive of the two consoles. The Xbox Series S looks like an oversized bluetooth speaker, while the Series X is more akin to the subwoofer that probably came bundled with the last soundbar you bought.
The PS5 may lack the simplicity of its predecessors, but with a stylish white design, and an eye-catching look which is likely to help make it the centrepiece of any front room, it has the advantage.
Now, it may seem silly to argue that the PS5 is poised to win the console war on looks alone, but these optics matter, and it's certainly going to be a contributing factor in how things play out. Companies are constantly trying to capture that futuristic look for new technology, and it's hard to imagine the Sony console ever really looking dated.
That white colour scheme also factors into accessories like a charging dock and headset, so gamers have the chance to impress their friends with a badass setup. The same can't be said for the Xbox!
3. Dualsense Promises To Be A Game-Changer
Sony has taken risks on controllers before, and everyone no doubt remembers how the Sixaxis became increasingly less relevant as time passed, With the PS5's Dualsense, however, it feels like the company is delivering something which will change how people play games for a long time to come.
There are a tonne of exciting features include the Dualsense, including haptic feedback which promises to allow you to feel the effects of different surfaces, whether it's resistance or even a "bouncy sensation" (perfect for Spider-Man: Miles Morales). A built-in microphone array is also appreciated, while the fact blowing on the controller controls the action in Astro's Playroom is amazing!
However, the biggest talking point has to be the Adaptive Triggers which are getting so much attention.
They have the ability to provide dynamic resistance based on what's happening in the game you're playing. So, you'll actually be able to feel what it's like when the gun you're firing runs out of ammo or jams. There's nothing even close to that on the Xbox Series X, and it's this sort of game-changing (no pun intended) technology which will entice gamers to the PS5.
2. PS5 Remote Play
One of the biggest surprises about the PS5 has been the fact it will include the Remote Play app. That's going to allow gamers to stream content from their PS5, mobile devices, and perhaps most crucially, their PC as well.
Not only does this mean it might be too soon to scrap your PS4, but it opens the door to having the PS5 downstairs, and the PS4 in a room upstairs for when you just want to pick up and play in comfort (without fretting too much about the visuals). You can stream the Xbox Series X through the Xbox app on mobile devices...but that's it.
Microsoft has said nothing about making it possible to access a remote play feature on the Xbox One or PC, and Sony is kicking off this next generation with a noteworthy advantage.
Remember the Xbox One's "Snap" feature which allowed you to use other apps while playing a game? Well, it didn't stick around for long as performance issues led to its removal. On the PS5, however, you'll be able to access a picture-in-picture media player that gives you access to everything from Game Help videos to footage from friends' gameplay sessions.
1. VR Support Could Be Key In The Coming Years
It's still early days for VR gaming, and far too soon to say whether it's just a gimmick or an option that promises to be here for a long time to come. Companies are certainly investing plenty of money into it, though, and Sony has a big head start heading into the next generation with the PS5.
There are rumours which suggest that the Xbox Series X might one day support a VR headset, but after testing it out on the PS4, Sony is well ahead as this new console launches.
The current PSVR headset works perfectly on the PS5, as do the games which are supported on that system. For anyone who has invested a lot of money into playing these VR titles, this is amazing news, and it more than likely won't be too long before games are released for the PS5 which take advantage of the new technology the console boasts.
Like on many other fronts, the Xbox Series X is just way behind Sony's latest offering...