You cannot go wrong with either the Xbox Series X or the PS5, as each console has distinct benefits which suit different needs.
However, if I were to choose, I’d go for the PS5 over the Xbox Series X.
Here’s why.
DualSense controller
Sony’s PS5 controller design, which it calls DualSense, is a massive improvement on the previous-generation controller.
The DualSense features haptic feedback and resistive triggers, which add a whole new immersion level to your gaming experience.
For instance, when I played Horizon Forbidden West on a friend’s console, I could feel how the bowstring tension increased as I pressed down on the trigger, and how it relaxed when I decided to cancel the shot.
You’ll have to play Astrobot if you want to test out all the features the controller has to offer, like how the vibrations help you differentiate surface types based on how your footsteps feel.
It’s bizarre and feels like I’ve added a new sense to my repertoire, but I just can’t get enough of it.
The DualSense’s haptic feedback is an absolute game-changer.
Nice to haves
Unlike my PS4, the PS5 doesn’t sound like it will launch off into orbit once you boot up anything remotely taxing to the system.
Backwards compatibility is also available for most PS4 games, with some exceptions. This is excellent news since I now get to enjoy some of my PS4 favourites in 60 frames per second.
Additionally, the PS5 has settings that you can alter to universally affect your games, like game difficulty, performance settings preferences, and various accessibility settings.
The exclusives
PlayStation’s exclusives are one of the biggest motivators behind why I went with the PS3 back in the day.
I’m a big fan of the Uncharted and the God of War franchises, which are all PS exclusives – barring the recent God of War (2018) PC port, of course.
As a big Dark Souls fan, I’d also really want to play the beautiful Demon’s Souls remaster.
Other exclusives that make the PS5 worth buying include:
- Deathloop
- Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s cut
- Ghostwire Tokyo
- Gran Turismo 7
- Horizon Forbidden West
- Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
- Returnal
- The Last of Us 2
In addition to the above titles, you also have upcoming PS5 exclusives, which include:
- God of War: Ragnarok
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Marvel’s Wolverine
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
God of War: Ragnarok is one of the games I am looking forward to most this year.
Drawbacks
No console is perfect, though, and there are a few drawbacks that you should be aware of if you plan on buying a PS5.
The biggest drawback is Sony’s lack of any service that can directly compete with Xbox Game Pass. PS Now doesn’t really count either, as not all the games are downloadable, and it is unavailable in South Africa.
Another drawback, and one of the reasons I switched over to PC, is that you require a PS Plus subscription to play online. Sure, you get free games every month for being a member, but you have to continue paying if you want to keep playing any of these titles.
Finally, the PS5 doesn’t have a feature similar to the Xbox Series X’s Quick Resume functionality, which essentially caches a game so that you don’t have to restart it completely when you want to use another app.
PS Plus clocks in at R749 per month, which can add up quite quickly.
To summarise, for someone like me who already has access to Xbox Game Pass on PC, and has an extensive PS4 games library, the PS5 is the obvious choice.
On the other hand, if you are new to gaming and want the next-gen experience without putting your life savings into a high-end gaming PC, the best choice would be the Xbox Series X.
Read: Everything announced during PlayStation’s March State of Play livestream
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