The rivalry between Xbox and PlayStation is one of gaming’s longest-running debates. Both Microsoft and Sony have been trading blows for over two decades, and their current flagships — the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 — remain the two most powerful home consoles on the market. Here’s a complete, up-to-date comparison to help you decide which one is right for you, and what to do with your current console if you’re ready to upgrade.
Release Dates
Both consoles launched in November 2020. The Xbox Series X became available on November 10, while the PS5 launched in the US, Japan, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea on November 12, with the rest of the world following on November 19.
Current Pricing (2026)
Console prices have increased significantly since launch due to supply chain pressures and component costs.
As of April 2, 2026, the standard disc-based PS5 costs $649.99 in the US, the PS5 Digital Edition costs $599.99, and the PS5 Pro costs $899.99. Tech Insider
The Xbox Series X is currently priced at $649.99 and the Xbox Series S at $399.99. Wikipedia
| Console | Price (US, 2026) |
|---|---|
| PS5 Disc Edition | $649.99 |
| PS5 Digital Edition | $599.99 |
| PS5 Pro | $899.99 |
| Xbox Series X | $649.99 |
| Xbox Series S | $399.99 |
Full Specs Comparison: Xbox Series X vs PS5
| Spec | Xbox Series X | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom AMD 8-core Zen 2 at 3.8 GHz | Custom AMD 8-core Zen 2 at 3.5 GHz |
| GPU | 12 TFLOPS RDNA 2 at 1.825 GHz | 10.28 TFLOPS RDNA 2 at 2.23 GHz |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 1TB Custom NVMe SSD | 825GB Custom NVMe SSD |
| Optical Drive | Ultra HD Blu-ray | Ultra HD Blu-ray (disc model) |
| Target Resolution | 4K at up to 120fps | 4K at up to 120fps |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 x2, Ethernet | HDMI 2.1, USB-A, USB-C |
CPU and GPU: How Do They Compare?
The PS5’s CPU runs at 3.5 GHz with an 8-core processor, while the Xbox Series X runs at 3.8 GHz with an 8-core processor. On the GPU side, the Xbox Series X delivers 12 TFLOPS at 1.825 GHz, while the PS5 produces 10.28 TFLOPS at 2.23 GHz on its custom RDNA 2 architecture.
In practice, the raw teraflop advantage of the Xbox Series X rarely translates to a visible difference in most games. Sony’s faster, more developer-friendly SSD and higher GPU clock offset much of the gap in real-world performance.
Storage
The Xbox Series X ships with a 1TB custom NVMe SSD. It supports proprietary expansion cards for additional storage, with the official version costing around $220. Both consoles support external HDDs, but they are not fast enough to run next-generation games.
The PS5 ships with an 825GB SSD and supports M.2 expansion drives, which are more widely available and generally less expensive than Xbox’s proprietary cards.
Controllers
The PS5’s DualSense controller ditches traditional rumble motors in favor of haptic feedback, allowing for more specific in-game responses — such as resistance in the analog sticks when walking on a tough surface, and variable trigger resistance that mimics in-game actions like pulling back a bowstring.
The Xbox Wireless Controller offers a more traditional layout with refinements to grip and button feel. It also uses AA batteries rather than a built-in rechargeable pack.
Online Subscriptions
Both consoles offer online subscription services. PlayStation Network (PS Plus) powers online multiplayer and monthly free games for PS5 users. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles online multiplayer with access to a large library of games for a monthly fee, which many gamers consider strong value — particularly if you play a high volume of titles.
Xbox Series X vs PS5: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
The PS5 is the better default purchase on price and exclusives for most buyers, while the Xbox Series X wins on raw GPU power, backward compatibility, and Game Pass value. Tech Insider
Choose the PS5 if:
- You want access to PlayStation exclusives
- You prefer the DualSense haptic controller experience
- You plan to buy physical games or resell them
Choose the Xbox Series X if:
- You’re already in the Xbox/Game Pass ecosystem
- Backward compatibility with older Xbox titles is important to you
- You value raw GPU performance
Thinking About Upgrading? Sell Your Current Console First
If you’re upgrading from a PS4, Xbox One, or any previous generation console, selling your current device can offset a significant portion of the cost. Gizmogo accepts gaming consoles in all conditions — working or not — and provides an instant quote with free shipping and payment within 24 hours of offer acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the PS5 in 2026?
As of April 2026, the PS5 Disc Edition retails for $649.99, the Digital Edition for $599.99, and the PS5 Pro for $899.99 in the US.
What is the price of the Xbox Series X in 2026?
The Xbox Series X currently retails for $649.99 in the US, with the Xbox Series S available at $399.99.
When did the PS5 and Xbox Series X launch?
Both consoles launched in November 2020. The Xbox Series X released on November 10 and the PS5 on November 12 in select regions.
Is the Xbox Series X more powerful than the PS5?
On paper, the Xbox Series X has a higher GPU teraflop count at 12 TFLOPS vs the PS5’s 10.28 TFLOPS. In practice, real-world performance differences between the two are minimal for most games.
Which console has better exclusive games?
PlayStation has a stronger catalog of console-exclusive titles as of 2026. Xbox Game Pass offers broader library access but fewer console-exclusive releases.
Where can I sell my old gaming console before upgrading?
Gizmogo offers instant quotes, free prepaid shipping, and payment within 24 hours for gaming consoles including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.