PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Who Will Win the Next-Gen Console War?

By John Saavedra 

The next-generation of console gaming has truly arrived with the release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but which platform is better?

Much has been said about how each console compares to the other on paper, but with the consoles now out in the wild, we have a better idea of how these next-gen machines stack up.

 When it comes to raw specs and load times, the Xbox Series X seems to have the early edge thanks to its game-changing Quick Resume feature. 

But you shouldn’t sleep on the PS5’s powerful custom SSD, which virtually eliminates load times in-game, which could mean more immersive and expansive game worlds in the near future.

Each console also has a plethora of features and quality of life improvements unique to it. Which console has the better suite of new features? That’s really up to personal preference.

In terms of controllers, the innovative haptic feedback and design of the PS5’s DualSense give it an edge over the slightly-upgraded Xbox Series X gamepad.

But what you really want to know about is the games. As far as that goes, Xbox Series X doesn’t have any major first-party exclusives that separate it from the PS5.

Meanwhile, the PS5 boasts two excellent first-party exclusives you should buy ASAP.

While the games and specs matter most, sales will also help determine which console is ahead in the next-gen console war.

 Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Series X marked its biggest Xbox launch ever. But will that put it over the PS5’s sales numbers? We don’t know the full sales numbers yet.

One thing both consoles have in common is how difficult it is to actually buy a unit online or find one in a story. XSX and PS5 stock shortages could last into 2021! 

In the meantime, we have gone hands-on and tested both consoles. Here are the verdicts...