Xbox Series X vs PS5: How Microsoft's next Xbox console beats the PlayStation 5

xbox series x vs ps5 microsoft xbox series x console

(Image credit: Microsoft)

published 18 June 2020

Microsoft's Xbox Series X is set to change console gaming in a big way come this holiday season, with an impressive line up of titles, blistering fast hardware and smart user features we've yet to see in a console experience. Ultra fast load times, almost instantaneous game switching, improved air flow – it's clear the team over at Xbox were listening when it came down to designing the new Xbox.

But with the recent unveiling of Sony's PlayStation 5 console during the recent PS5 reveal event, Xbox fans are sizing up the competition in anticipation for the next generation of console gaming. While both consoles come close to each other in terms of performance and specs, the Xbox Series X is introducing some impressive new features that look to make gaming even more enjoyable and streamlined.

Now that we've gotten a chance to see both the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 it's all speculation as to who comes out on top, but Microsoft isn't pulling any punches this fight. The new Xbox has a few new tricks up it's sleeve that just may help Microsoft take this next gen, and here's five big reasons why they just might be able to pull it off.

Multi-Generational Backwards Compatibility

The new Xbox is set to feature the "revolutionary new Xbox Velocity Architecture", which will give Xbox Series X owners the ability to play games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One with improved performance and higher resolutions. A system that no only lets us play our favorite classics but enhances them as well? Sign us up.

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An Insanely Powerful Engine Under the Hood

Powered by some seriously impressive hardware, Microsoft's new Xbox is set to aiming to merge high end PC gaming and home console gaming with true 4K gaming (8K ready!), up to 120 frames per second gameplay and improved cooling technology to keep the new Xbox cool and quite. Hopefully that means no more jet engine in the living room at 3:00 AM.

CPU: Custom AMD Zen 2 Processor @ 3.8GHz (3.66Ghz Multithreading)
GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2 Processor @ 1.825GHz (12 Teraflops)
RAM: 16GB GDDR6 256 bit
Storage: 1TB SSD 448GB/s

The New "Quick Resume" Feature

For players who just can't quite make up their mind about what to play, the Xbox Series X has you covered with Quick Resume. Taking advantage of the new Xbox Velocity Architecture, players will easily be able to swap between games instantly without having to close the application or reboot the game. You can check it out the feature in all it's glory in the video above!

Improved Xbox Wireless Controller

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Improving on an already stellar design and form, the Xbox Series X controller is getting upgrades to its ergonomics and comfort factor. The Xbox One X controller is already a staple in gaming but the new controllers enhanced textured grips and triggers, along with a new hybrid D-pad, might just make this new Xbox wireless controller the new standard in gaming.

"Optimized for Xbox Series X" Games & "Smart Delivery"

Players of the Xbox Series X will be able to play "Optimized for Xbox Series X" titles as well as take advantage of the new "Smart Delivery" system.

Games with the Optimized for Xbox Series X badge above will be even better with improved visual fidelity, increased frame rates of up 120 FPS, faster load times and more. And as if gaming wasn't easy enough, Microsoft is looking to streamline the experience even more with the new Smart Delivery system. Game's tagged with the Smart Delivery badge will download the most optimal version of the game no matter which Xbox console your playing with only one purchase.

Check out the list below to see all confirmed "Optimized for Xbox Series X" and "Smart Delivery" titles:

Of course, this list will expand as more titles are developed and released so be sure to keep an eye out for them. We've only just begun to see what the new Xbox console can do, and there's no doubt that the technical aspects of Microsoft's next gen machine is a force to be reckoned with.

For more gaming news and to see more on the upcoming Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles, check out some of the articles below!

PS5 Guide: PlayStation 5 console and games up close
PS5 Reveal Event: first look at Sony's PlayStation 5 console and hardware
The Last of Us 2 Review: does the long awaited sequel measure up to the hype?

As Deals Editor for T3.com, Troy is here to help readers do one thing – save money on the products they love. Holding a background in analytics and eCommerce for over 10 years, understanding just how retailers think and perform when it comes to sales is what he understands best. When he isn't scouring the net for deals, Troy is an avid art fan and enjoys painting, music, fitness and of course the great outdoors.