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Jan 3, 2024 · The Xbox Series S, on the other hand, is fundamentally different from the Xbox Series X, and in turn, the PS5 Digital Edition. Microsoft’s cheaper console targets a 1440p resolution instead of ...
- Rhys Wood
Mar 18, 2021 · Header Cell - Column 0 Xbox Series S PS5 Digital Edition; Price: $299: $399: GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @ 1.55 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU: 10.28 TFLOPS, 36 CUs @ 2.23 GHz Custom RDNA 2
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- PS5 vs Xbox Series S price and release date
- PS5 vs Xbox Series S specs
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By Alan Wen
published 10 March 2022
Can Microsoft’s more affordable console compete with PS5?
(Image credit: Future)
When placing the PS5 and Xbox Series S side by side, the two consoles are stark in comparison, yet both have their distinct benefits and drawbacks depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
The PS5 launched on November 12, 2020, while Xbox Series S got a slight headstart, launching on November 10, 2020, the same date as Microsoft’s flagship console, Xbox Series X.
While prices have not changed since launch, the Xbox Series S remains by far the cheapest next-gen console on the market at just $299 / £249 / AU$499, compared to the PS5’s price of $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$749.95.
Last year in the UK, GAME also had an offer where customers were able to trade in an Xbox One model or another last-gen console (including Nintendo Switch) for a Series S for just £99, making the upgrade even more of a bargain.
That huge $200 price difference would make the Series S a clear winner for the cash-strapped who still want to get into the latest console generation. But if you have more of a budget, that’s not the only factor to consider when it comes to buying a new console.
In terms of raw power, the PS5 is far more powerful than the Xbox Series S both from a technical perspective and by what you can see, hear and feel. The Series S specs are considerably less powerful and also fundamentally different from the Xbox Series X, although the two share the same custom AMD Zen 2 eight-core processor. Check out the official specs for the PS5 below:
•CPU: Eight-core up to 3.5GHz (variable frequency) custom AMD Ryzen Zen 2
•GPU: 10.3 teraflops, variable frequency, up to 2.23 GHz
•RAM: 16GB GDDR6
•Frame rate: Up to 120fps
•Resolution: Up to 8K
Games are subjective, but let’s get down to the key practical difference since we are comparing a disc-based console with a disc-less one. If you’re buying an Xbox Series S, it’s almost imperative that you sign up for Xbox Game Pass so that you have the best value for money of being able to access a huge library of games, including Microsoft first-party titles from day one, to download online or play via the cloud, if you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
However, if you’re arguably after the biggest blockbusters that can’t be played anywhere else, such as Demon’s Souls, Returnal, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, then PS5 is the console for you. That sense of exclusivity may have been slightly dampened by Sony’s U-turn to bring some PS5-developed games to PS4, but there’s no denying these games don’t perform best on Sony’s latest machine, as proven by new titles like Horizon Forbidden West and Gran Turismo 7.
PS5 exclusive games do come at a cost, however, with Sony pricing its major titles at $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$124.95. The upside is you can at least find the boxed copies online usually at a discount and you still have the option to trade them in when you’re done with them. Some publishers have also included free next-gen upgrades or a small upgrade fee if you already own the PS4 copy, although Microsoft has still handled this better with its Smart Delivery system.
Yet despite the ability to seamlessly play four generations of Xbox titles on the same console without the faff of save transfers, a common complaint is that there’s just not enough new exclusives on Microsoft’s console to get excited about, at least not yet. While Game Pass is incredible value for money, its library is also not permanent, with some of Microsoft’s own first-party games, notably Forza Horizon 3 and Forza Motorsport 7, being removed from the service.
Ultimately, it’s going to come down to personal preference over which is the better console to go for, but there are clearly pros and cons for each. Xbox Series S wins on price and form factor, while it’s also more readily available than either the PS5 or its flagship big brother Xbox Series X. However, you’ll want to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass to get the most out of it, while regularly managing your storage capacity.
Even if it’s pricier, bulkier, and harder to find, for many, the PS5’s features really feel like you’re entering a new console generation, and a steady stream of blockbuster exclusives make terrific use of the PlayStation 5’s unique features to justify the initial expensive investment.
If you’re impatient to get into next-gen gaming now, then, the Xbox Series S is an accessible entry point that still gives you the option to save up for a PS5 further down the line when there’s either a price drop or improved availability. By then Sony may have introduced a PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro too.
•PS5 vs Xbox Series X: the two consoles compared
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Can play games while they download. Microsoft Xbox Series S. Sony PS5 Digital Edition. This means you don’t have to wait for the entire game to download first, as the later stages of the game download while you are playing. supports quick resume. Microsoft Xbox Series S. Sony PS5 Digital Edition.
Jun 7, 2023 · The Xbox Series S is a cheaper yet powerful alternative ... and PS5 Digital Edition soon after the Xbox Series S and Series X dropped, so if you're still on the fence then it's worth checking out ...
- Microsoft
- Adam Vjestica
Oct 23, 2020 · Neither next-gen console has a disc drive, but is the PS5 Digital or the Xbox Series S the better buy?
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Jan 10, 2024 · The PS5 Slim (digital edition) impresses with its support for 3D audio and sleek design, while the Xbox Series S shines with its Xbox Game Pass subscription service and affordable price. Ultimately, the choice between the two consoles depends on your personal preferences and priorities: so, choose wisely and embark on an exciting gaming journey ...
