Xbox Series X VS PS5 Pro: Which Console Should You Get?

In the world of gaming consoles, Sony has unveiled its most powerful PlayStation yet, the PS5 Pro, featuring new graphics capabilities, more extensive storage, and a beefier price. Naturally, as the console war is still happening, the brand-new announcement has sparked a lot of buzz about how the PS5 Pro compares to its main rival, the Xbox Series X, so today, we’re doing a lengthy cooperation between the two.

So, let’s not waste any more time and get into it.

Xbox Series X VS PS5 Pro: Which is the better console?

General specs

Console	PS5 Pro	Xbox Series X
CPU	8-Core AMD Zen 2 CPU with Game Boost option	8-Core @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
GPU	Unknown, but AMD GPU based on the base PS5 variant with 67% more computing speed and up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay	12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
RAM	Possibly 16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus. But 28% faster speed compared to PS5	16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus
Storage	2 TB SSD with 12-channel interface and 5.5 GB/s.	2 TB NVME SSD @ 2.4 GB/s
Resolution	Up to 4K@ 60Hz. Proprietary upscaling technology.	4K @ 60 FPS, up to 4K @ 120 FPS, 8K @ 60 FPS
Raytracing	Yes	Yes (limited)
Upscaling	Yes, through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, AI Upscaling	Unknown, but AMD GPU based on the base PS5 variant with 67% more computing speed and up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay/
Peripherals and Accessories	DualSense Wireless controller Astro Playroom Pre-installed Disc-less console (Disc drive to be purchased separately)	Xbox Wireless Controller Disc drive console

CPU

PS5 Pro will not be so different from its base version, the standard PS5: the enhanced version has the same CPU, an 8-Core AMD Zen 2 CPU, and comparatively with its younger sibling, the CPU comes with a Game Boost option, essentially the equivalent of Microsoft’s FPS Boost for the Xbox Series X. According to Sony, Game Boost will be available for thousands of backwards-compatible PS4 games at launch, including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Gran Turismo 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

Xbox Series X has a similar 8-Core @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU that will likely maintain its significant advantage regarding loading times. This includes the Quick Resume feature, allowing you to return to the previous game state rapidly. Its performance should be similar to that of the PS5 Pro; however, comparing them might be hard since the PS5 Pro’s new Game Boost will always be running in the background.

GPU

When it comes to GPU, the whole Xbox Series X VS PS5 Pro is debatable: the PS5 Pro has a new and more powerful graphical unit that takes the AMD GPU based on the base PS5 variant and enhances it with more computing space: 67% more computing speed, and up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay. PS5 Pro’s new Advanced Ray Tracing is another capability to be considered, as it will allow for more realistic settings, all thanks to advanced lighting and shadow effects in games. With all the new GPU features, the PS5 Pro is a better console than its younger sibling, the standard PS5.

On the other hand, the Xbox Series X already has a clear advantage over the original PS5 and PS5 Slim. The Microsoft-based console boasts an impressive 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU, and a max memory bandwidth of 560Gbps, which is higher than the original PS5’s 10.23 teraflops of GPU power with 448GB per second of memory bandwidth. However, while no details have been unveiled, the PS5 Pro will most surely have higher GPU specs than its original variant, so it might surpass the Xbox Series X in terms of graphical power.

Upscaling and Raytracing

Regarding upscaling and raytracing, comparing Xbox Series X VS PS5 Pro is hard. Both consoles have advantages and disadvantages regarding resolution and frame rates. The Xbox Series X supports native 4K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 8K at 60fps, while the PS5 Pro supports up to 4K at 60fps with better performance through proprietary upscaling technology.

However, the PS5 Pro is claimed to deliver 60fps gaming at 4K with ray tracing enabled—something the original PS5 struggled with. The new AI-based PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution should provide super-sharp image clarity and extraordinary detail to video games.

Storage & RAM

With no details about the exact amount of RAM resources, it’s safe to assume that both consoles have 16GB of GDDR6 RAM and a 2TB SSD. However, the PS5 Pro has a 28% faster RAM speed than the PS5. There are no significant changes here unless Sony boosts the new console up to 24GB or even 32GB of RAM.

Both consoles have a 2TB SSD for storage. However, the standard Xbox Series X has a 1TB SSD variant. Either way, considering the size of games nowadays (Starfield has a gigantic 125 GB size), 2TB doesn’t seem much.

Peripherals and Accessories

Regarding what’s in the box, the Xbox Series X VS PS5 Pro topic gets heated. While both consoles come with their own Wireless Controller (DualSense Wireless Controller for PS5 Pro and Xbox Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X), the new PS5 Pro is disc-less, similar to Xbox Series S. That means you won’t be able to plug in physical disks, and its whole way of dealing with games is digital. Sony will give people the chance to purchase a disk drive separately. Additionally, from a design point of view, if you want to keep the PS5 Pro up a stand on its own, you’ll need to buy a vertical stand separately.

On the other hand, the Xbox Series X has a disk input and can stand on its own without needing a separate stand.

Games

Regarding the number of games available on both consoles, PlayStation has a more extensive library than Xbox. With over 560 games available, PlayStation humbles the 448 games on Xbox Series X.

Another advantage of PS5 Pro is the greater number of exclusive games than those on Xbox Series X. And, Xbox exclusives are starting to be available on PlayStation, which makes PlayStation a viable option.

The PS5 Pro Enhanced Games also promises better performances and higher-quality visuals for PlayStation games. While only 13 titles are available for enhancement, Sony says there will be more.

On the other hand, choosing an Xbox Series X can also be quite versatile: Microsoft has developed various Xbox Game Pass models, including the new Standard Game Pass, to suit each budget and let users access dozens of games.

Xbox Series X VS PS5 Pro: Price

The topic we’re all curious about, and one that caused a bit of controversy on the Internet, is the price, but we’re going to say it: the PS5 Pro is more expensive than the Xbox Series X, and it doesn’t really make sense.

The console with 2TB of storage and no disc drive costs $699.99 (GBP 699.99, EUR 799.99, and JPY 119,980), while the Xbox Series X with 2TB of storage and a disc drive costs $599.99.

Even more ironically, Sony charges more for the PS5 Pro with a standard 1TB SSD than Microsoft charges for the Xbox Series X with a 2TB SSD: $649.99 versus $599.99.

Xbox Series X VS PS5 Pro: Which one should you get?

Getting an Xbox Series X seems like the better idea: you get the same storage, relatively the same RAM, and CPU power for a lower price. However, you’ll not be able to play as many games as you can on PlayStation 5, but you should not miss much. After all, many PS exclusives are coming to PC.

It’s worth saying that the new PS5 Pro doesn’t offer you that much, either. Aside from its unveiled RAM power, which could make the console faster than the Xbox Series X, and its new AI-based innovations in raytracing and upscaling, the PS5 Pro is diskless and only has 2TB. This is a huge deal for those who still prefer to plug in their physical disks to play the games. Plus, it’s absurd that you must buy a separate stand for the console.

However, ultimately, the choice is yours.