PS5 vs Xbox Series S: Which Console is Right for You?

If you're choosing between the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S, the good news is that both are genuinely capable machines. The honest answer to which is "better" depends almost entirely on what you want to play and how much you want to spend.

The Core Difference

The Xbox Series S is a digital-only, compact console pitched as the affordable entry to next-gen gaming. The PS5 is a full-featured machine — larger, more powerful, and available in disc and digital editions.

Price difference matters: The Series S typically sits at a significantly lower price point than the PS5. That gap is meaningful.

PlayStation 5 — What You Get

Hardware: Sony's fastest console to date, with near-instant load times on supported games and a genuinely impressive SSD. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback is a notable step forward — it's not a gimmick.

Games: Sony exclusives are the main draw — series like Spider-Man, God of War, Horizon, and Gran Turismo don't appear on Xbox. If these franchises matter to you, the PS5 is the obvious choice.

Disc drive: The standard PS5 includes a disc drive, meaning you can buy second-hand games, use physical copies, and play PS4 discs. The PS5 Digital Edition removes this.

Xbox Series S — What You Get

Game Pass: Microsoft's subscription service is genuinely strong value if you play a variety of games. Day-one releases for Microsoft studios appear on Game Pass at no extra cost.

Compact design: The Series S is notably smaller and quieter than either PS5 model. If space is a concern, it's a real advantage.

Performance trade-offs: The Series S targets 1440p/60fps rather than native 4K. For most TVs and most people, this is imperceptible — but it's worth knowing.

No disc drive: You're committed to digital purchases, which means no second-hand games and dependence on store sales.

Accessories to Budget For

Whichever console you choose, factor in accessories:

• •Extra controllers (essential for multiplayer)
• •A headset if you play with audio
• •Charging stations for wireless controllers

These add cost beyond the console price — often £40–80+ depending on what you need.

The Honest Summary

Neither console is a bad purchase. The right answer is determined by your game preferences first, budget second. If you primarily want to play Sony exclusives or want the highest fidelity, choose the PS5. If you want affordable access to a broad game library through Game Pass, the Series S delivers that well at a lower cost.