PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Best next-gen console for the Apple user

PS5 vs Xbox Series X

Sony released its most awaited product PS5 on November 19. On the other hand, Microsoft also launched Xbox series X on the 10th of the same month. Now, both gaming rivals never lose a chance to beat the opposition while competing with each other. And both of them made an audience with a sweet spot in their hearts. And usually, these two audiences create a hot-headed argument on an evergreen topic- which gaming console is the best? Therefore, you will see lots of online forums based on a single query- PS5 vs Xbox series X.

Now both the gaming consoles come with lots of similarities and differences at the same time. For example, both the gaming consoles have the same price tag of $499. And the design of both the gaming consoles is opposite of each other. Now, PS5 vs Xbox series X is a trending tech topic. But if you’re looking for a suitable gaming console for the Apple ecosystem, you’ve to do deep research on it. However, some of the fair-minded just want an answer to justify every factor. Meanwhile, others want to spend their money on the best gaming product.

TechStorify noticed the whole overwhelming situation and tried to find the practical answers to these queries. As a result, we just created a well-detailed post on PS5 vs Xbox series X. So make sure to read the entire post before spending a dime on a console. And, obviously to know which gaming console is better for an Apple user- PS5 or Xbox series X?

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Best Gaming Console for Apple Users

Now PS5 vs Xbox Series X is another topic and finding a perfect one for an Apple user is the other one. Therefore if you’ll Google it, you only find that three brands don’t deal with each other. And, no matter which gaming console you choose as an Apple user, you will get some disadvantages with it. So, there is not a clear cut answer to it. And, it depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Fortunately, you don’t have to go anywhere to find a checklist for them. This post will help you to find them easily.

Let’s talk about all of them one by one.

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which Gaming Console have a Suitable Design

A gadget’s design is a significant factor in the tech world. And, it really matters to its users. You need an ideal gaming console for the Apple ecosystem, or it is just for your gaming setup, you can’t ignore its design. However, both gaming consoles were extremely criticized by audiences for their design.

Let’s have a look.

Xbox Series X design 

Xbox Series X design for PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison

Xbox Series X design is simply a rectangle-shaped box. Well, just a black rectangle box with an Xbox sign on the upper left corner and a dark black line on its lower. Therefore users started criticizing by comparing its design with a rectangular fridge.

However, Microsoft turned this wild criticism into a marketing opportunity. And they actually launched an Xbox fridge which was a replica of Xbox Series X, with a bigger size. Besides, Xbox Series X has dimensions of 12*6*6 inches which are quite close to PS5 dimensions. Also, it has a stand at its bottom which most users want to remove. Although Microsoft mentioned that it’s non-removable and if somehow you’ll remove it, it will damage the console’s cooling system.

PS5 Design

PS5 design for PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparison

On the other hand, the PlayStation 5 did the exact opposite of the Xbox Series X. In other words, they just went too far while creating a curvy and futuristic console design. Above all, it could be a matter of perspective. Some users might love the design of it. But for me, it was little more than what it needs. It is a black color box under a white layer of 1-3 inches. And this layer crosses the verge of the inner black box with its curvy upraises and spiked corners.

Above all, I like how PCMag describes PS5 design in a humorous way which is kind of true.

“The PlayStation 5 goes too far in the other direction, with a curvy, two-tone tower that vaguely resembles a white button-down shirt with the collar popped, worn over a black t-shirt.”

Moreover, PS5 has a measurement of 16*4*10 inches (HWD). And it comes with a two-way stand which is a necessary accessory of it. You have to screw it into the bottom or consoles’ side, depends on your preferable usage- upright or sideways. On the flip side, Xbox Series X only can stand upright with its non-removable stand.

As a result, this is the plus point of Xbox Series X in the design section of PS5 vs Xbox series X. Let’s move further.

PS5 vs Xbox series X: Performance Compatibility for Apple Devices 

Xbox Series X

Now let’s talk about Apple users. I have researched on both consoles and found that both consist of different abilities from each other.

The Xbox Series X is a flagship model and supports 1440p with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It is capable of 8K HDR gaming, 2160p and comes with a disk drive. Moreover, it has a CPU of 8-core 3.8 GHz AMD Zen 2. Plus it comes with a GPU of 12.0 teraflop AMD RDNA 2. The RAM storage of Xbox Series X is 16GB GDDR6 with a storage of 1 TB custom NVMe SSD. With these configurations, it’s easily compatible to perfectly run with Apple devices. Also a different Xbox device, version doesn’t affect the way it works with an iPhone.

PlayStation 5

After that PS5 comes with a 8-core 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2 with a GPU of 10.3 teraflop AMD RDNA 2. Both consoles have the same RAM as 16GB. However, PS5 comes with low storage as compared to Xbox Series X which is 825 GB custom SSD.

Now Sony has confirmed that it’s launching 2 PS5 models- PS5 standard and PS5 Edition. The standard console has a disk drive to support PS4 games through discs. On the other hand, the Edition variant doesn’t come with a disk drive. Meanwhile, this also makes it a little sleeker and lighter as compared to the standard model. You can check out Pocket-lint’s post to know more about these variants.

Moreover, from the perspective of performance, you won’t see much difference between these two models. You can do 4K gaming at a refresh rate of 120Hz. Also, it has an output capability of up to 8K. Therefore you won’t find any interacting problem with your Apple devices.

PS5 vs Xbox series X: Available iOS/iPadOS Applications 

Xbox Series X: Xbox app

Xbox app by Microsoft

If we talk about the apps availability, iOS and iPadOS have apps developed by Microsoft. Also, you can use these apps to manage and control Xbox from Apple devices. For example, you can use the Xbox app for a better Xbox’s social and remote management. Moreover, you can find games, chats with your gaming friends, and much more. Also, you can take help from this app to set up your console. And you can even view media captured while playing games. Plus, you can also use this app to play games remotely too.

Playstation 5: PlayStation app, Remote Play app 

Playstation app for PS5

Sony created a little more hands-off app for iOS and iPadOS as compared to Microsoft. Sony’s PlayStation app allows you to control your PS5 console. Also, it is useful to do text, voice chat, join games, and other social functionality tasks. Moreover, you can view the trophy list and games you’ve been playing before. Plus, you can see your friends online and the games they’re playing and their trophy list. However, you can’t view or share images/videos saved on the PS5 console.

Furthermore, you can integrate the console’s storage with the latest PlayStation app. You’re also allowed to buy a game and send them to the download cue. Meanwhile, you can switch on your console via the app. And the PlayStation app is also useful to launch a particular game or to manage the storage remotely.

PS Remote Play

Except for the PlayStation app, Sony also has another app named Remote Play app. It’s made specifically to play your PS5 console on your iPhone. Although your console and your iPhone should have connected on the same network. Remote Play app also supports a controller connection with optimized on-screen touch controls for the display. Certainly how smooth the gaming experience will depend on your internet speed. Still, you can stream a game on 1080p in HDR on your iOS device.

PS5 vs Xbox series X: Controller’s Evolution

Xbox Series X’s controller

Xbox Controller

After the console’s design, we’ll move on to the most essential part of it- Controller. Xbox Series X comes with the same old controller that we see with the Xbox One. You’ll feel the same kind of emotion or comfort while using the new controller. Even it comes with the same shape as before. However, you can see a few tiny changes in it. For example, instead of a plus-shaped direction pad, you’ll see a plus sign in a circular and carve shield. Also, you’ll notice some textured triggers and a new share button too.

Above all, you might know most gaming pads still use a micro-USB connection but Xbox Series X got a new change. The new Xbox Series X comes with a USB-C connection as an upgrade. Moreover, you still can use AA batteries in it, depends on your convenience. But basically, and overall it is the same as the controllers we’ve already seen with previous consoles.

Moreover, Microsoft and Apple are working on project X-cloud and Xbox Game Pass. Also, both companies are making Xbox Series X and Series S controllers compatible with iOS and iPadOS. Also, we can expect Xbox Elite 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controller to be compatible with iOS 14 in the early days of the year.

PS5’s New DualShock 5

Playstation dualsense controller

And, if I’ll talk about the PlayStation 5 controller, Sony did again the exact opposite of the Microsoft X. Sony’s PS5 comes with a new DualShock 5 which is a successor of DualShock 4. And this new DualShock 5 is entirely new. As compared to DualShock 4, it is bigger in size and hefty in volume. Although it doesn’t feel heavy in a negative way. Actually, some of the users found it way more balanced and well structured than its predecessor. The long canine tooth grips of it feel more comfortable, especially if you’ve big hands. No offense.

Moreover, you’ll find some new features in DualShock 5 which seems quite interesting. For example, it has adaptive triggers with improved haptic feedback. Therefore it can adjust the vibration according to the context of the game. And it can now adjust the resistance according to the game context. Further, you can now chat with a built-in Mic without an extra piece of a headset. Lightbars on the sides of the touchpad and an improved battery with Built-in speakers are cherries on the top.

As an Apple user, PS4 is a good choice due to the compatibility of DualShock 4 with iOS 13 and later. And PlayStation Remote app is also designed especially for DualShock 4. And it gives you better connectivity to makes your gaming experience even better.

However, Sony hasn’t announced any compatibility of the Dualsense controller for PS5. It might possible in the future.

In conclusion, PS5’s DualShock 5 seems a winner of the PS5 vs Xbox series X. Well, it’s obvious as Sony added such fascinating upgrades to it.

PS5 vs Xbox series X: Backward Compatibility

Backward compatibility can easily compel you to change your gaming console right away. Imagine, you just purchased your favorite gaming console. And after a few moments, you just realized that you can’t play your old nostalgic games on it. This is actually both- frustrating and sorrowful. But don’t worry about this factor while making a checklist on PS5 vs Xbox Series X. In short, you can play almost all the games on both of these consoles.

Xbox Series X 

Xbox Series X can play all the games of Xbox One. Although Xbox Series won’t support the Kinect games anymore. Moreover, you can also play older games than Xbox One. For example, games from Xbox 360 and Xbox original. And you can play these games in both ways- by using a disc and by downloading a setup file. Besides, you can also connect the Xbox One controllers with the Xbox Series X system.

PlayStation 5

In the same vein, you can also play all the PS4 games on your PS5 console. However, like the Xbox Series X, you can’t play PS3 and PS2 games on PlayStation 5. Moreover, if you eagerly want to play these older games on it, Sony found a solution for this too. You can buy the “PlayStation Now” subscription which will costs you £8.99/month. With the PlayStation Now subscription, you can play almost every PS4, PS3, and PS2 games on your Windows PC or PS4 system. However, this subscription allows you to only stream games on your PC and system. And if you want to download you can only download PS4 games on your PS4 system. Also, you only can play games on iOS devices using the Remote Play app.

Now, most of the users don’t like streaming games as compare to gaming on the system. And that’s for the obvious reasons such as lagging issues due to a bad internet connection. Still, you can consider PlayStation Now a choice. Meanwhile, PS5 does not support DualShock 4 due to its DualSense-only technology.

As a result, and in the perspective of backward compatibility, Xbox Series X has plus points as compared to PS5.

PS5 vs Xbox series X: Supported Media Features

Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X supports Disk Drive to play 4K content with HDR quality through Blu-ray discs. Also, Xbox has a app library which includes Youtube, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. You can use them to stream your favorite content.

On the other hand, if you want to play online multiplayer gaming, you have to purchase Xbox Live Gold. It’ll costs you $10/per month or you can purchase a yearly plan for $60. Without this subscription plan, you can’t play online as a multiplayer. Besides, you’ll get 2 free games every month and discounts on game purchases.

However, you can get more games, and features by spending a little on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This subscription plan comes with both Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass subscription. Therefore, you’ll get games of Live Gold subscription plus a library of 100+ more games X. All you have to pay is $15 more with the Xbox Live Gold. And in return, you’ll get access to the new Xbox Game Studios games on the first day of release, and might be with some more discounts.

PlayStation 5

PS5 comes with an optical drive too. Therefore you can play HD Blu-ray discs and media with 4K and HDR quality. Also, you can select the media apps to stream your favorite content. The list has almost all the major apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and Youtube.

Further, you can purchase PlayStation Plus, if you’re interested in classic old games of PlayStation. PlayStation Plus is a subscription plan that costs you $60 for 12 months. By paying this amount, you’ll be able to play over 100 PS2, PS3, and PS4 games. Plus, you’ll get a few games with both of these plans for absolutely free. To be specific PlayStation promised to give 20 popular PS4 games to play on your PS5.

Here is the list of all 20 games you’ll get with PlayStation Plus:

  • Bloodborne
  • Days Gone
  • Detroit: Become Human
  • God of War
  • Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
  • Batman: Arkham Knight
  • Infamous Second Son
  • Ratchet and Clank
  • The Last Guardian
  • The Last of Us Remastered
  • Until Dawn
  • Battlefield 1
  • Mortal Kombat X
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles Edition
  • Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
  • Fallout 4
  • Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition
  • Monster Hunter: World
  • Persona 5
  • Resident Evil 7 biohazard

But here’s a catch that you can only play these games if you own PS5. Meanwhile, you’ll get 100GB of storage space with this plan. Also, you’ll get additional and special skins available for members for free.

PS5 vs Xbox series X: Games You Can Play

Xbox Series X

As you might know the Xbox Series X doesn’t supports first party excluives. Even you can’t run them on Xbox One and Windows 10. But Microsoft announced recently that the newest games wouldn’t only be available for the Xbox Series X. But you’ll be able to run these games on its precedecssor such as Xbox One. To check the game list check out techradar’s dedicated article on the games you can play now. However, some of these games need few vital enhancements on the new console.

PlayStation 5

Meanwhile Sony is working on the some PS5 exclusives and few remakes such as Demon’s Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Moreover, you can check out the Sony’s next generation games which has a count of over 40. However, some of the users/publications consider this list a tiny one likewise the Xbox.

Which One You Should Choose: Xbox Series X or PS5?

Now both of the gaming consoles comes with not much difference. However, you can easily find some minor ones if you look a bit clearly. For example in PS5, you’ll get 175GB less memory as compared to Xbox Series X. Also, PS5 has a sharp plus point which is its new and perfectly redesigned gaming console. Meanwhile, Xbox has some extra perks in their apps such as view media captured while playing games.

And this is what you won’t find in PS5. Also, as it is from Microsoft, and by looking at project X-cloud and Xbox Game Pass, we can expect a better collaboration between Apple and Microsoft. Although Sony also made PlayStation exclusives for PC but didn’t make a promise about future iOS capabilities.

Moreover, PS5 comes with 2 variants- PS5 Digital Edition with an official price of $399 and PS5 console with a price tag of $499. Also, Microsoft has two edition- Xbox Series X with an official price of $499 and Xbox Series S with a price tag of $299. Well, both the consoles aren’t available right now. Actually, the stock turned out to nothing in a few minutes of launching. After that, some of the resellers start selling it in 3x of the original price. But for now, to get them at an official price you have to wait a little more.

So that was a detailed post on PS5 vs Xbox Series X. And, I hope this post gave you enough insights to choose a better gaming console for you. And if it did, let’s know by comments. Also, share this post with a gamer friend who wants to invest in a new gaming console.

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