Completely stuck between Xbox Series X and PS5. Please help an extremely indecisive gamer

Submitted by Gamesby29 t3_11ykg79 in consoles

I hope this is okay to post here as I am desperate for some advice on which console to go with. I've scanned over and over through articles and old reddit posts, and I just cannot come to a decision that works for me. It may end up as a long read so I apologise for that, however any advice that anyone can offer would be hugely appreciated!

I've currently got both the XSX and the PS5. I initially started this generation with just the XSX, however towards the end of last year I also bought a PS5, although it's currently being repaired by Sony under warranty due to a faulty fan.

Whilst it's been in warranty though, it's got me thinking that I do not want both consoles. I don't have the time for both as I'm a young Dad, and I also don't really have the money to be shelling out for games / subscriptions on both platforms. However I can't decide which one is best for me though!

I'll pre-empt this by saying I very, very rarely play with friends online, so following what console they're on is not a problem for me.

I'll start with what I like about Xbox:

Firstly, I love Bethesda RPGs. Skyrim is probably my favourite game of all time, and I also love the Fallout games too. Starfield and all future Bethesda games such as Elder Scrolls VI being exclusive to Xbox / Gamepass is a HUGE draw. I also love Forza, and I'm invested in the Gears of War and Halo games. Gamepass as a whole is fantastic too. The value is great, especially when you do the Xbox live conversion, and the fact that first party games are going to be available on the service on DAY ONE is another huge draw. Quick resume is awesome and I really like that. Another key point, I currently "game share" with a friend so we have access to eachothers games on the other's console, so there's a big cost saving there. For example, he'll buy Fifa, I'll buy CoD. He'll buy Hogwarts Legacy, I'll buy the new Jedi game, etc. Lastly, I feel like Microsoft is laying good foundations and is going to be the "place to be" for the future of gaming, firstly with the GamePass service, but also with Cloud Gaming (XCloud), and with potential future mergers with Activision for example. They've also got loads of new studios under their wing, so future first party exclusives could be around the corner.

So all in all, Xbox is a strong contender. However, what I love about PlayStation:

Their current lineup of exclusives are all fantastic games. Although I will always pick say Starfield over the newest God Of War game, the fact that Sony offer SO many of these great games (TLOU, Horizon, God Of War, Spider-Man, etc) definitely makes it food for thought, especially with the current output of Bethesda games recently too (FO4 came out in 2015 was it? So an 8 year gap to Starfield, and who knows how long until ES VI). Xbox Exclusives in comparison over the last 10 years IMO have gone slightly downhill, especially with games such as Gears of War and Halo, however with all the new Xbox studios, once they're up to speed, they could compete with some of these IPs. The PlayStation Plus service is okay; I know that they don't offer day one first party games, but the lineup is good nevertheless. I love the controller and that truly does feel "next-gen". I'm also under the impression that third party PS games perform better than Xbox games, especially on release anyway. The PS5 is also more popular, so I wonder if instead it's safe to stick to PS for the future as oppose to this new future with Xbox. PlayStation games IMO are more expensive though, and you cannot use sites such as CD Keys to get games at a discounted rate.

So, there we have it. And here I am completely torn down the middle with what system to commit to. What I don't want to happen is pick a platform to commit to and become ingrained in their eco-system, only to then change platforms and have to purchase all old games / hardware all over again.

Any advice would be great, especially from people who have maybe been in a similar position in the past and then decided to pick one platform over the other.

5

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Kyzar93 t1_jd84dlw wrote

If you have any interest in ps exclusives get a ps5, if you want plenty of games for lower monthly price and the option to buy games slightly cheaper on cd keys get an xbox.

8

GPTknight t1_jd8ivsg wrote

I go back and forth all the time on which console I prefer. I currently own a Series X and PS5.

Some thoughts:

Xbox Pros:

  • Gamepass (duh)
  • Quick Resume (total game changer for single player games)
  • Smart Delivery
  • Better fleshed out ecosystem
  • More customization options (you can upload your own wallpaper, avatar, custom controllers)
  • Console physically looks better (subjective)
  • They're about to acquire Activision/Blizzard

​

Xbox Cons:

  • 3rd party games seem to perform worse than the PS5 versions. This has happened consistently for the last 5 or so major releases. Most recently, Hogwarts Legacy. That game looks awesome on SX, but runs like complete ass with constant hitching and framerate drops. Game plays like a dream on PS5 and controls better
  • Severe lack of first party exclusives (probably changing soon I suppose/hope)
  • UI is laggy compared to PS5's. Yes it's more robust to I guess it's understandable, but it's still noticeable and can be annoying at times
  • Completely ate shit the entirety of the last generation so there's A LOT of catching up to do
  • Xbox app is laggy af. Capture thumbnails take like 45 seconds to load.

​

PS5 Pros:

  • Exclusives that are unplayable elsewhere (Bloodborne, GT7, Spider-Man, Last of Us, Returnal, Ratchet and Clank, God of War, Final Fantasy XVI etc. etc.)
  • 3rd party titles simply run better. Occasionally higher resolutions in Xbox games usually just means a less steady framerate in those versions. The trade off isn't worth it. (I say this as a self-proclaimed graphics whore)
  • HDR implementation seems to be sharper on PS5. This is noticeable in Hogwarts, Resident Evil 4.
  • The Dualsense is the first controller in over a decade I prefer to the Xbox controller. Trigger pull is smoother, controller is smother in the hands, thumbstick travel is smoother and in my opinion more precise
  • PSVR2 (not for everyone, I skipped PSVR1, but recently got a PSVR2 and was honestly blown away. This truly feels "next-gen". Don't knock it til' you try it)
  • Larger marketshare = better optimization in games, and usually you get exclusive content for those games in the PS5 versions (again, Hogwarts Legacy comes to mind)
  • They own Bungie
  • UI is WAY snappier and easier to navigate quickly
  • Customizable body panels
  • Did I mention the Dualsense?

​

PS5 Cons:

  • Heavy reliance as of late on 3rd person action adventure "walking simulators"
  • God of War had too many cutscenes and wanted to be a movie too much
  • Discord integration is shit compared to Xbox
  • Lack of UI customization
  • Sony as a company is a lot more insular compared to Microsoft. They play things very close to the chest, and sometimes it feels like they're very patronizing and even condescending towards their user-base (especially as of late)
  • Lack of good exclusive multiplayer games (Bungie where ya at?)
  • More expensive to own. Atomic Heart and Wo Long were day 1 free downloads on Gamepass but were full price on PSN. I find there to be more nickel and diming on the Playstation platform
  • Inexplicable lack of hardware customization despite the fact you can change the entire damn body of the PS5. They offer like 4 different flat colors and that's it. Sony can make a killing here but seemingly want 3rd party to pick up the slack. Same goes for the Dualsense.

​

These are the ones that immediately come to mind. Overall, while I do love the Series X, I find performance of 3rd party titles along with the Dualsense and now VR have me still picking up most games on PS5 over the Xbox.

You honestly can't go wrong with either one at this point in time.

8

bocologist t1_jdgo05r wrote

What does

>Sony as a company is a lot more insular compared to Microsoft. They play things very close to the chest, and sometimes it feels like they're very patronizing and even condescending towards their user-base (especially as of late)

mean?

1

meankiteholder t1_jdgvleq wrote

I have both as well and I’m always back and forth between them, and agree with everything you said. Only thing I’d add to the ps5 con list is coil whine. Drives me insane when playing PS5 games but the XSX is whisper quiet. Find it really off putting, quite surprised it isn’t talked about more.

Did send it to Sony but came back just the same.

1

Captobvious75 t1_jd878mp wrote

Xbox unless you want PS exclusives and that Dualsense controller.

I have a PS5 and a PC.

5

NotMyFkingProblem t1_jd8r8ay wrote

Buy the cheapest... which is the xbox. Both are equivalent. Unless you want to play vr, then buy a pc ;)

3

ialwaysfalloverfirst t1_jd8dt55 wrote

If i were you I'd look into PS Now which is sort of like xbox game pass. Also consider the older games you may want to play. If you have a lot of old gen PlayStation games it would be good to keep the ps5 and vice versa

2

Nathan-David-Haslett t1_jd8jodj wrote

You have both consoles right now, so idk why you're asking us. Which one do you use more? Which one do you like more? Which one gives you more that you want. Preference is a large factor in consoles and if you have both you don't need other people's opinions to guess what you're may be, you have your own.

2

RogueIsCrap t1_jd9bmih wrote

Just keep both systems. You won't make much money selling either system. If money is an issue, get Xbox gamepass and wait for pricedrops on PS5 and non-gamepass titles. PS5 games drop in price quite fast especially if you buy used.

If you really can keep one system, then it should be Xbox based on what you said.

2

KernSherm t1_jd81f54 wrote

Gamepass on Xbox, xbox will save you money in the long run and if you really really want to play an exclusive on PS. Buy it when it's cheap.

1

Far_Asparagus1654 t1_jd8f1vn wrote

Tell all your friends you want them to club together and get a console for your next birthday and see what they get

1

New_Ad_7804 t1_jd8t5by wrote

They are not equivalent. Xbox is cheaper, has slightly better graphics but lacks on exclusives and its game pass is 2 times the price of ps plus.

1

PrinceDizzy t1_jd911oi wrote

I prefer console gaming over PC and honestly don't think you can go wrong with either current gen PlayStation or Xbox.

1

pressureworld t1_jd9jop6 wrote

I have both and prefer Xbox due to backward compatibility and free game upgrades.

1

HideoSpartan t1_jd9jxm5 wrote

It sounds to me like you know your anwser.

The series X offers you not only future titles from your favourite franchise but previous ones all playable on one console with enhancements.

The cost saving between ultimate and game share will save you a small fortune alone, you love Forza etc

To me it sounds like your heart is settled on the series X - not a bad thing at all I love my SX!

I’m in a some what similar boat and the SX leaves me with no regrets and has already saved me a fortune.

1

RosieDa t1_jd9krp0 wrote

I think you should keep both but only subscribe to one at a time. You may regret selling and want to buy again and that will just cost you more.

1

wh0else t1_jd9xnuq wrote

I've moved been both, and I've been very happy with the ps5, staying off Xbox this round. Game pass is great and all but I have kids, so I want quality gaming time, not volume. Your summary is fair, so many people get weirdly tribal about it.

While I prefer ps5 (controller, graphics, quality of exclusives, and I love the psvr2), I have to say that it only allows quick resume on the most recently played game - Xbox quick resume on multiple games is a great feature.

1

dankwazowski2 t1_jdb6hro wrote

if you want to play normal games like call of duty and other stuff like that i would get the ps5. but if you want to play games like forza horizon, i would take the xbox because the steering wheel is much better shapewise. but either of them is a great choice fam

1

ImBehindYouWasTaken t1_jdk58gv wrote

Well, PS5 usually will be your best bet. I say give both a solid week of usage and see which one you really like. Otherwise, keep the PlayStation

1

Rchads89 t1_jdnhvq2 wrote

I have both Xbox series x and ps5. I’m not a fan boy of either console so will tell you how it is….

PS5 right now which may change…. Is the better console reason for this and i know first hand games run better on the ps5 higher stable frame rates…

Plus I noticed on codmw2 Xbox series x had a really weird weapon motion blur problem with camos nothing to do with my gaming monitor just a problem with Xbox and cod… PS5 does not have the issue which is odd.

Game pass is good I just wish the developers designed and spent more time on the console to utilise the extra power it has… my guess is the population of the PlayStation they spend more time developing the game for this platform.

1

idkwiorrn t1_jd8az5q wrote

Having a pc is more worth it than an Xbox. You can play game pass games there. I have a ps5, I love it, the controllers haptics are awesome and the adaptive triggers are really cool, but our exclusives are being butchered by Sony and we really are losing a lot of them. Their the selling point for PlayStation, so I’d say either a ps5 or more preferably, a pc, it has a bigger game catalogue and more storage and power.

0

chuunibyou_edgelord t1_jd974bl wrote

I'm currently using my PC at home Steam Deck on breaks at work and PS5/VR2 when I want motion sickness. Steam backlog alone is pretty long... I still have NES games I want to play sometime.

0

zKhrix t1_jd9d8q0 wrote

Stop thinking and choose PS5! Just like this. Be impulsive

0

fartczar t1_jdap1or wrote

Own both, PS5 has more games, refinement and personality.

0

Piruparka t1_jd8y0cd wrote

I have both. Go with the ps5. Trust me.

−1

nonnationalist_brit t1_jddszpo wrote

My opinion is Xbox is completely pointless. You may as well go for a PC.

−1