PS5 vs Xbox Series S: how do the two consoles compare?

techradar.com:

When placing the PS5 and Xbox Series S side by side, the two consoles are stark in comparison, yet both have their distinct benefits and drawbacks depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

When it comes to price and availability, Microsoft’s cheaper, more compact, disc-less machine seems like a no-brainer. But what if you’re not ready to wave goodbye to physical media but also want a true taste of what the next generation of video games can offer? In the case of PS5, that's not just 4K resolution and higher frame rates, but also new immersive haptic and aural sensations provided by the DualSense Controller and 3D audio.

Of course, the Xbox Series S still offers a solid proposition that lets you access hundreds of titles and next-gen features like Quick Resume and blazing-fast load times More titles are set to be exclusive to Microsoft’s latest consoles in 2022, too, such as Starfield and Forza Motorsport. But does it still feel more like an iterative upgrade rather than a splash into the new?

This isn’t quite the heavyweight and lightweight match-up if you think it is, though. Ultimately, it rests on what kind of experience you’re after, which is why we’ve got all the details to help you make an informed choice.

The PS5 launched on November 12, 2020, while Xbox Series S got a slight headstart, launching on November 10, 2020, the same date as Microsoft’s flagship console, Xbox Series X.

While prices have not changed since launch, the Xbox Series S remains by far the cheapest next-gen console on the market at just $299 / £249 / AU$499, compared to the PS5’s price of $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$749.95.

Last year in the UK, GAME also had an offer where customers were able to trade in an Xbox One model or another last-gen