PS5 vs Xbox Series S: Discover The differences explained

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S are easily two of the most popular game consoles around – but what actually is the difference between them?

Whether you’re torn between the consoles and aren’t sure which one to go for, or if you’re just curious to know how the internals of the PS5 compare to the Xbox Series S then you’re in luck.

We should note that the PlayStation 5 comes as a few different iterations. Not including the premium PlayStation 5 Pro or the handheld PlayStation Portal, there’s the original PS5, the PS5 Slim and the PS5 Digital Edition. With this in mind, we’ve compared the latter three to the Xbox Series S below.

Keep reading to see how the PlayStation 5 compares to the Xbox Series S, and decide which console will suit your needs best.

We’ve also compared the PlayStation 5 vs Xbox Series X, if you want to compare the PS5 to the Xbox that’s equipped with a disc drive. Or we’ve rounded up the most up-to-date PlayStation 6 rumours, if you’re debating holding out for Sony’s hotly anticipated model.

Price

Many of the PlayStation 5 consoles have recently seen a pretty hefty price hike, which Sony explains was a “necessary step” to ensure it could deliver “high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide”. With this in mind, the original PlayStation 5 is now £569.99/$649.99 while the Digital Edition is slightly cheaper at £519.99/$599.99.

Those price hikes means the PS5 line-up is considerably more expensive than the Xbox Series S, which has an RRP of £299.99/$399.99. That’s £300 or $200 less than the PS5 Digital Edition. Not only that, but it’s also possible to find the Xbox Series S with a price drop – although that usually tends to be around the £20-£30 mark.

However, do keep in mind that the Xbox Series S is a digital-only console, and doesn’t allow any support for an external disc drive. In comparison, you can purchase an external disc drive for the PS5 Digital Edition for around £70/$80.

Design

• The PS5 has a more unique, customisable design 
• The Xbox Series S is smaller and more practical-looking 
• You can add a disc drive to the PS5 Slim Digital Edition later down the road

The PS5 and Xbox Series S have very different looks, with the PS5 opting for a more unique, two-toned design that can be positioned horizontally or vertically. The colour of the console can also be customised with different covers (sold separately) and the PS5 Slim can play physical media with the detachable disc drive, which is sold separately for the Digital Edition. 

The PS5 Slim weighs less than the original PS5 at 3.2kg for the regular Slim and 2.6kg for the Digital Edition. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a storage expansion slot and an Ethernet port. 

The Xbox Series S is a lot smaller and more lightweight at 1.9kg and comes in all black or black and white. Like the PS5, the Series S can be positioned horizontally or vertically, though there’s no need for a stand. The hardback book-like size of this console makes it easier to fit into a TV cabinet or desk than its Sony rival. 

The Series S features two USB ports, an HDMI port, a storable expansion slot and an Ethernet port. 

Winner: PS5

Specs

• The PS5 Slim offers better raw performance
• The Xbox Series S does not support native 4K
• The Xbox Series S comes in two storage configurations, though both consoles offer expandable storage

In terms of sheer power, the PS5 comes out on top. For an in-depth look at how the internals of these consoles differs, check out the specs breakdown below:

If you’re looking for raw power, the PS5 is the way to go. It offers a higher target performance than the Series S, with 4K at 60fps compared to the 1440p at 120fps, since the Series S does not support native 4K.

The Series S starts at just 512GB storage, which will not last long if you’re hoping to play large triple-A titles, although this can be easily resolved by opting for the 1TB model or an official memory card.

The PS5 does not support memory cards, but Sony has upgraded the PS5’s firmware with support for additional storage via the NVMe M.2 solid-state drives, meaning that it now has up to an 8TB maximum capacity.

If you want the most powerful Xbox, you’ll want to opt for the Series X, which carries a similar price to the PS5 Slim. That said, the Series S does still offer features like ray tracing and the NVMe SSD offers speedy loading times. This console is by no means powerless, but it may be better suited to those who do not own a monitor or TV that supports 4K and do not put as much emphasis on high-quality graphics.

Winner: PS5

Controllers

• The PS5 DualSense controller offers haptic feedback
• The DualSense Edge is ultra-customisable
• The Xbox Series S controller will feel familiar to Xbox gamers

The PS5 comes with the latest DualSense controller, which features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive and realistic experience.

For those looking for more customisation, there’s also the DualSense Edge Wireless controller. This controller allows users to remap specific button inputs, replace stick modules with other designs, switch out stick caps and change the back buttons.

The Xbox Series S controller is not as advanced as Sony’s alternative, with no haptic feedback or adaptive triggers present. It offers a serviceable experience but is a more noticeable downgrade if you’re already using the DualSense controller. That said, if you’re upgrading from an older Xbox console, you may still find the layout more comfortable and familiar.

User Interface and features

• The Xbox Series S’ Quick Resume feature lets you skip loading times
• The Xbox Series S can upscale content to 4K
• Ps5 gamers can now add another SSD with an expansion slot

When it comes to the UI, both consoles have received a decent number of software updates since they first launched in 2020.

The user interface on the Series S is the same as the Series X, although with a few overall changes. Anyone who disliked the Xbox One layout will have the same issues here, though the faster load times and specific sections for Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft Store and My Games do make for a more streamlined experience.

The Quick Resume feature allows players to swap between active states of up to six different games at once, so you can switch in and out of games without needing to wait for the loading screens.

Microsoft has also introduced Xbox Night Mode, which adjusts the brightness to keep the screen dark in a darker environment, as well as improvements to the UI and 4K upscaling when the console is connected to a 4K display.

The PS5 has undergone more even changes in this time; Voice chats are now known as Parties and can be accessed via the new three-pronged Game Base menu, and players can now pin five select games to the screen permanently.

Sony also altered the PS5 firmware to allow users to add another SSD card to the previously dormant expansion slot, increasing the console’s overall storage capabilities.

Winner: Draw

Verdict

Out of the two consoles, the PS5 is the one to go for if performance is a priority for you. It features a more powerful GPU and native 4K support, making it the better option in terms of graphics.

However, the Xbox Series S should not be passed over just because it’s not as powerful. If you don’t own a 4K monitor or TV, then the Series S may be a better and more affordable fit, especially since you can expand the storage using a memory card. The inclusion of Game Pass only boosts this console’s appeal in terms of value for money.

The selection of exclusive games on each platform will play into how alluring each console is, so you will want to consider which titles catch your eye. We think that you can have a blast on either console, just consider how much performance power and affordability mean to you and we’re sure you can figure it out from there.