Sony PS5 vs. Microsoft Xbox Series X: A close win in the console duel

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PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: In the duel of the titans of the console there is a victory of measure for …

We have tested the new consoles from Microsoft and Sony and tell you which is the best choice for whom.

For gamers, it’s a reason to celebrate, but also a difficult decision: Xbox Series X or Playstation 5? Sheldon Cooper was already in the seventh season of “The Big Band Theory” with the significant title “The Indecision Amalgamation” before the choice, then it was Xbox One and Playstation 4. The new Xbox was from November 10 Available in 2020, the machine from Sony’s game will follow on November 19.

Despite the not-so-cheap price of around 500 francs, both were sold out before the start dates. But supplies are on the way, manufacturers promise. We have already tested both consoles in detail and presented the advantages and disadvantages.

The design

Both consoles have a rather bulky design. The XSX is distinguished by a minimalist, at first glance inconspicuous design: a matte black cuboid, 30 cm high with a side length of 15 cm. The PS5 is 40cm tall and 26cm deep, but opinions differ on the futuristic design.

Since white is the dominant color on PS5, it should fit well in most living environments. A special highlight: the side wings can be removed and designed by yourself. We cannot yet say whether there will be newly designed side panels in the near future. If you want to give your gaming machine a fantastic airbrush, you have free rein.

Conclusion: We clearly like the minimalist Xbox more. Still undecided, because it is a matter of taste.

Score: 1: 1

Technology

On paper, the new Xbox has a bit more processing power. But this mainly concerns the integrated main processor. How this affects the game experience depends on many factors, including the interaction of the components and the skill of the developer. At the other end of the food chain, of course, we cannot say how easy or difficult programming is.

Both consoles turn on fast SSD storage with a capacity of terabytes. Theoretically. Because a few gigabytes are used for system software, so only a little over 800GB is available. After all, as in previous generations, external storage devices can also be connected very easily. The PS5 also has a slot for this. Well, that obviously also explains the XXL design criticized above. But it doesn’t help: given the fact that many current games use gigabytes in the three-digit range, the space could run out quite quickly.

Both consoles can also play Blu-ray movies and UHD discs and thus also act as 4K players. The first compatible TV remotes are already available for Xbox. Real gamers still control home theater better with the controller, right?

Either way, both competitors have made a good impression as a media station and are surprisingly quiet. If physical data carriers are inserted, the volume may briefly increase. The PS5 showed itself a little more noticeable here in the test – purely subjective impression.

Conclusion: Binds with a slight border on the Xbox side.

Point: 1: 2 for XSX.

The software

The new generation of hardware surprises with extremely short loading times. You don’t have to wait any longer when launching and within games. The Xbox shines with this “Quick Resume” concept and the ability to quickly switch between games running simultaneously.

The PS5 contrasts this with an intelligent assistance system. “Game help»Offers support in difficult situations, not just for beginners. The PS5 has a built-in editing program for sharing game content.

The Xbox home page and user interface look pleasantly cluttered, but you can customize both. The PS5, however, has a much more sophisticated user interface.

Conclusion: The PS5 has a smart user guide and offers a better overview.

Point: 2: 2

Games

Of course, the success or failure of a console depends primarily on the games. For both systems, initial training is determined by third-party manufacturers who also work on other platforms and the older generation of hardware. So here and there there is little to say against waiting with the purchase. With “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales” Sony has at least one true top starting title in its luggage.

Many, if not all, older games work on both devices. These Backward compatibility is pushed a little further by Microsoft. Sony has excelled in the past with great exclusive games like “Last of Us” or “Days Gone”. Microsoft also has more than a dozen of its own studios, but real successes are still a long way off. Many current highlights, also from our own production, such as “Halo” or the “Forza” racing game series have been optimized for the new hardware.

Conclusion: largely balanced, currently with advantages for Sony.

Point: 3: 2 for PS5.

Additional costs, services and apps

In order to play online, you need a paid subscription for both consoles, for which you have to calculate just under ten francs a month. Thanks to optionally installable apps, streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify or Sky Ticket. Of course there are also commissions for this. Microsoft’s “Game Pass” offers a sort of Netflix for games with a very interesting catalog from ten francs a month, even for paid PCs.

Sony also offers PS now offers a similar online service, but like Amazon Prime Video, you have to buy a lot. Newer titles like “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales” have to be paid extra. Of course, Sony doesn’t offer a total flat rate for consoles and PCs.

Conclusion: Third-party apps are available for both consoles, and Game Pass is a big plus for Xbox.

Point: 3: 3

The controllers

The new Xbox controller According to the designer, it was designed for younger players, but also fits larger hands. It is a further direct development of the previous generation and has a “share button” for sharing screen recordings. It is good that it can also be used with Windows 10, Android and iOS.

Sony did with the included «DualSense» -Controller got a real coup. Buttons on the shoulders can receive different levels of resistance from game developers depending on their purpose. This makes the whole look much more realistic, in racing games you can even feel the different characteristics of the tracks through the vibrations. There is also a touchpad, a microphone with a hit sensor and a create button for sharing game content.

Conclusion: The “DualSense” controller is a clear selling point for the Sony console and ultimately makes a difference (for us).

Final score: 4: 3 for PS5!

The alternatives

Xbox Series S / PS 5 Digital Edition: Both consoles are available without disk drives. The S series costs 200 francs, the digital PS5 100 francs less. Not a problem, as games are mostly downloaded and movies are streamed today. The S series has to get by with half the memory and less power and is therefore only an option as a second device.

Gaming PC: A classic PC has the advantage of versatility, but costs two to three times as much. A PC is best suited for advanced games like “Anno 1800”, but many innovations, especially Sony exclusive titles, find their way onto the PC late or not at all.

Nintendo Switch: The small Nintendo console is definitely the most flexible gaming platform. There are many great games, including many exclusive titles with Super Mario & Co. But you have to do without HD images; and at 320 francs, the Switch isn’t a bargain either.