The Xbox Series S is the Worthy Budget Console to Buy Over the PS5 for Many Gamers
As both an avid gamer and tech specialist, I get asked a lot: "Should I buy an Xbox Series S or PlayStation 5?" If you‘re looking for the highest performance and don‘t mind paying a premium, the PS5 is likely the better choice. However, when considering its affordable $300 pricing and impressive capabilities, the Xbox Series S is absolutely worth buying over the more expensive PS5 for many gamers.
A Quick Comparison of the Xbox Series S and PS5
Before diving deeper, let‘s briefly highlight the key specs and differences:
| Spec | Xbox Series S | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Power | 4 TFLOPS | 10.3 TFLOPS |
| Target Resolution | 1440p @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 825GB SSD |
| Disc Drive | None | 4K Blu-ray |
| Price | $299 | $499 |
As you can see, the PS5 clearly beats the Series S when it comes to raw power and 4K gaming. But the Xbox provides great bang for your buck at just $299. Keep reading as I dive deeper into the comparison.
Evaluating the Graphics Power and Performance
The PS5‘s GPU can deliver up to 10.3 TFLOPS of power, while the Series S tops out at 4 TFLOPS. What does this mean for real-world gaming?
The PS5 can hit higher resolutions like native 4K, and maintain higher framerates for smoother performance. This gives it an edge for high-end displays and discerning gamers.
However, thanks to its RDNA 2 architecture, the Series S can still power 1440p games at 60+ fps very smoothly. While not the pinnacle of 4K, 1440p provides a sharp, detailed image that looks great on most television sets.
According to benchmarks from Digital Foundry, the Series S actually comes surprisingly close to the Xbox Series X at 1440p resolutions, despite having a weaker GPU. So while not as powerful, it still delivers excellent 1440p gameplay.
For kids rooms, casual gaming, or secondary setups, the Series S handles game performance and graphics extremely well. But those wanting the absolute best visuals should go with PS5.
Game Prices and Xbox Game Pass Value
One of the biggest appeals of Xbox Series S is the value it provides when combined with Xbox Game Pass. For just $9.99 per month, Game Pass provides access to over 100 full downloadable games spanning new releases, indies, classics, and Xbox exclusives.
According to a VentureBeat analysis, you‘d have to buy around 3 full-price PS5 games per year to match the value of a Game Pass subscription. This makes the Series S + Game Pass an extremely affordable way to enjoy tons of games.
Of course, the PS5 still lets you buy used physical games at a discount after launch. But for parents or budget-focused shoppers, Game Pass can‘t be beaten in terms of gaming value.
Weighing Exclusives Available on Each System
Exclusive games are also a key consideration when choosing a console. Here‘s a quick rundown of some of the biggest exclusives on each platform:
PS5 Exclusives
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Horizon Forbidden West
- Gran Turismo 7
- God of War Ragnarök
Xbox Series X/S Exclusives
- Halo Infinite
- Forza Horizon 5
- Starfield (upcoming)
- Redfall (upcoming)
Sony certainly has more big exclusives under its belt, especially story-driven single player games. However, Xbox exclusives like Halo and Forza remain system-sellers with huge fanbases. And with Bethesda now part of Xbox Game Studios, upcoming exclusives like Starfield will be huge RPG events.
Ultimately both consoles will offer great games you can‘t play anywhere else. But at this point, PS5 has more confirmed exclusives coming soon. For some hardcore gamers, this alone may justify paying extra for PS5.
Considering Backwards Compatibility
The Xbox Series S also shines when it comes to backwards compatibility. It can play thousands of games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even original Xbox library. You can simply insert old discs or redownload digital purchases and play them at enhanced quality.
According to Microsoft, these backwards compatible games see significant improvements including faster load times, improved framerates, and even increased resolutions. So your existing library will play better than ever on Series S.
The PS5 is compatible with most PS4 games, but does not directly support older PlayStation libraries. So for those with large Xbox game collections, Series S provides full access to older titles.
The Xbox Series S is More Than Enough Console for Many Gamers
Given its affordable $300 price point, Xbox Series S delivers an impressive next-gen experience. The console‘s RDNA 2 GPU and super-fast NVMe SSD still enable 60+ fps gameplay at 1440p, quick resume, and ray tracing effects.
Load times are practically non-existent thanks to the SSD. And according to CNET testing, the Series S actually matches and sometimes beats the PS5‘s loading performance.
The Xbox Series S marks a new era of budget-friendly console gaming. Combined with Game Pass, it provides tremendous value. For parents buying a family console, gamers on a budget, or casual players, the Series S is more than enough.
Hardcore gamers wanting the ultimate 4K experience will still prefer PS5. But I firmly believe the Xbox Series S is absolutely worth buying over the pricier PS5 for many gamers. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I‘m always happy to help weigh the pros and cons of each system.