The pros and cons of PS5 and Xbox Series X

Let’s clear something up from the off. This list is based off everything I know at the time of writing. My psychic skills haven’t been the same since that I fell off that stool, so any subsequent announcements or revelations are, unfortunately, discounted. Anyway, onwards…

The hot topic of the moment is which new console to get - a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X. If you’ve already got one of Sony or Microsoft’s machines in your house, then you’re likely going to get that company’s upgrade. But for those that are still on the fence, or like to mix things up a little, you’re going to need the hard facts. And that’s where this article comes in.

I’m going to list the pros and cons of each new console. I’ve bought or played pretty much every piece of new hardware since the temperamental Commodore Vic-20 to the Xbox One and PS4 - so I know a bit about this conundrum. Oh, and I’m sticking to the full-fat PS5 and Xbox Series X, not the Series S, as they’re the closest rivals right now.

OK, let’s do this.

Pro - Price

Both clock in at AED 2,099. Yep, that’s a fair chunk of change to pay out in one go, but then consider just how many hours of fun you’re going to get from your new console. They’re cheaper than a standard gym membership, and you’re far more likely to be using them in six month’s time anyway.

Con - Launch lineups

To put it mildly, they’re awful. Even the most blinkered PlayStation or Xbox fan would have a hard time making a positive case for the games that will be out come launch day. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Godfall are the only two PS5 exclusives to cause a ripple of excitement. Gears Tactics and Tetris Effect: Connected are even more deflating for Xbox Series X.

Pro - Xbox Game Pass

No doubt the biggest weapon in Microsoft’s arsenal is the Xbox Game Pass. The monthly subscription service ($14.99) allows users to access and play a raft of back catalogue games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Series X. You can also play new Xbox games on the day they’re released through the subscription. PlayStation simply can’t compete in this respect.

Con - The size

It’s another unwanted victory here for Sony. The PlayStation 5 looks like a BMW i8 and appears to be the same size as the car too. Finding a spot to park it near your telly is going to be trickier than ever whether its on its lying on its side or standing up. Xbox Series X is still a big boy too, mind.

Pro - PlayStation DualSense

In lieu of great new games to play, its left to a slightly leftfield feature to justify your purchase. The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller is set to make you feel games like never before. Through the wizardry inside each controller you’ll be able to feel the difference between walking on ice or traversing sand dunes via the analogue sticks. That sounds you hear is me hitting the bottom of the barrel trying to find great things to talk about.

Con - Games. Again

I’ve covered the lack of exclusive games, but it’s worth mentioning the cross-platform ones too. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and FIFA 21 are all going to look their best on the new console, that’s a fact. But they won’t play any different than the PS4 and Xbox One versions. The first round of next-gen games are always just good, not great as developers split their time working on multiple versions. They will only focus on making the most of new hardware when the consoles are actually out.

Pro - Shiny new gadgets

Let’s be real - getting a new piece of tech is always fun. From taking the units out of their packaging and hooking it up to the TV for the first time, to fumbling around in the menus trying to work out what everything does, it’s a treat.