Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5: The six-month report card

Are Microsoft and Sony even competing with each other anymore?.

[darthv72]

Having both the PS5 and Series S, I give both the same grade of B+. I love that both offer improvements to existing games as it's about the only thing i play until the bigger, newer games come (Ratchet is just 1mo away and Halo is...?). FPB boost and quick resume are intriguing for the Series line and the Dual Sense is the best thing so far about the PS5.

I look forward to what the future holds for each.

[Sonic-and-Crash]

giving PS5 grade B+ with Demon Souls, Returnal , and Sackboy out is hypocrisy (3 superwell AA made games better in production than many PS4 well sold games like Crash Remakes , Re2 remake etc) ..i dont even include Spiderman Morales and Bugsnax,

i rate PS5 A+ (could have been S-surperior easily , if they had made theoritcal in my mind moves---example Monster Hunter PS5 version not the Rise , or launching with full fledged Astrobot game with 15 + duration )

and XSX i give F (6 months without an exclusive game (even low quality) to play or convience me bying it)

[SavageFlamingo]

F? Really? I’m a PlayStation fan and that seems unrealistically low to me. Xbox has some really cool features even for older games. The FPS boost alone is worth at least a C+. And that’s not even counting the quick resume and GamePass. PS5 is also missing features that Xbox already has implemented. Such as VRR.

[SyntheticForm]

I would give PS5's launch effort a B+ at this juncture. By launch effort I simply mean they've put forth a good faith effort to deliver new, exciting material. So, commendable and admirable effort by Sony.

While I respect what Xbox has brought, I don't respect the lack of what they haven't.

FPS boost is nice, but new games please. New games and new franchises.

[CaptainHenry916]

I agree. I would give Microsoft a F because they haven't had one new great exclusive in over a decade

[Highrevz]

Not going to deduct points from the ps5 for still having issues the PS4 had? How about features missing or the lack of expandable storage?

Everyone should be able to pick faults and wish for improvement, people like you will end up turning Sony into Nintendo and i can’t help but find that depressing.

[Abear21]

F makes sense to me. They Failed to properly support Halo—how they thought the reaction would be anything different than what it was for the game tells you all you need to know about quality control at M$. Throw in the fact that Flight Sim, a truly revolutionary and next gen experience, isn’t even on the radar to be ported to the world most powerful console…still smh. Wake me up to Xbox when it’s not just a game rental machine.

[darthv72]

Sonic... are those the "numerous AAA" games you said were on the PS5 that Halo was hoping to overshadow? Now you call them AA so which is it?

Demon soul is on ps3, Bugsnax is on ps4, sackboy is on ps4, spiderman mm is on ps4 even oddworld is on ps4. Only returnal, godfall and astro are ps5.

I like astro, it is a really good example of the controller and its potential. Its only going to get better from there.

[DarXyde]

Yeah, I think an F is ridiculous. I do not own either, but I've not heard any bad things about the hardware itself. It just needs new games. The hardware is damn good for classics (and solves a big problem of purchasing remasters). The FPS Boost seems quite popular and I can see why. That aside, the hardware is perhaps a bit boring compared to PlayStation, mostly for the DualSense.

And if you're rating any console an A+ in the first six months, your standards might be a little low. You're unduly praising PlayStation and unduly criticizing Xbox. The question is, how much of your critique is based on software and how much is based on hardware. As an observer with neither platform, I would say PS5 deserves a B+/A- for a strong software start and great hardware, but falls short because it's still missing some very basic features around storage options, functional rest mode, and VRR. Xbox Series X is very intelligent hardware (super backwards compatible, some impressive machine learning tech, very good storage options). Its issue is really just in terms of software. There's no reason to really own one unless you're dead set on revisiting older titles with enhancements. For me, C+/B-. Series S on the other hand I would rate higher because at that price and considering what you're getting, you really must admit that it's not a bad value. Series X is a console for the long run, but with the reliance on old games being enhanced, I think this is where the Series S's value is most apparent. B/+.

[RauLeCreuset]

@Darxyde

"Yeah, I think an F is ridiculous."

An F isn't ridiculous for a 6 month report card. I disagree more with giving the PS5 an A+ (or an S), but you accidentally hit on something. Standards ARE lower at launch. That's why it's justifiable to give Xbox an F for launching with nothing.

Defenders try to downplay PS5's launch lineup, including in this comment section. Demon Souls is just a PS3 game? Okay. Why didn't Xbox launch with a 360 remake? Miles Morales is cross gen? Okay. Why didn't Xbox have a new cross gen exclusive for launch? Astro Bot is a demo? Why didn't Xbox include a "demo" with the Series S and X?

[Chevalier]

I'd give the PS5 a A and Xbox a C+. IMHO.

[waverider]

The series S cant even have the improvements that the Xbox One X got... its a digital console with 364 gigas of space that got problems to run locked at 1440p. The same grade both? because the S got FPS boost and quick resume? They arent even on the same league. The X is a good console, spec wise, but the S isnt. It was part of the strategy of Microsoft to say they got the cheaper console... but anyone that wants to play next gen games isnt getting them with the S.

[DJStotty]

It is called an opinion Waverider, don't lose sleep.

[darthv72]

I have the one x as well and series s does better in some things and holds its own in others. I get the feeling MS is underselling its potential so not to deter sales of the big brother.

[GamingSinceForever]

You give them both the same grade despite one making an attempt to release games taking advantage of the new hardware. Make it make sense please?

Not to mention you are ranking the PS5 against the inferior version of the XBox Series.

[RauLeCreuset]

There is no making sense of it. You've been gaming since forever. What other system has launched without any new exclusives?

[darthv72]

sorry fellas, I don't put any weight on exclusives. I've grown up over the years when exclusives were all the rage but now I just play games. Doesn't matter to me if exclusive or not. For me its more about the controller and how comfortable it is to use. I have passed up many games on PS2/PS3/PS4 due to the controller because I much prefer offset sticks.

I know there will be only certain games you can't play any other way than with a DS and for those I will buy and play them but if given the opportunity to use the XB controller instead... I would. And yes i know there are 3rd party ones that mimic the style of 1st party controllers. I don't use 3rd party unless there is no other choice.

And i give them the grade I feel is best deserving based on my own personal enjoyment. I like both platforms and feel they are (as of this moment) worthy of a B+.

[GamingSinceForever]

@darth72 I understand that it is your opinion. I’m just trying to understand your logic behind an equal score to 2 systems that clearly aren’t the same.

As you mentioned in your second reply Sony made an attempt to not only make games taking advantage of the hardware (something that MS has yet to do) but they also brought in a welcome improvement to the controller.

I respect everyone’s opinion, but that doesn’t mean that they still can’t be considered illogical at times. Not starting an argument at all, I was just looking for a good reason behind your thought process.

[RauLeCreuset]

@Darth

I'm sorry, but your statements don't add up. You say you don't put weight on exclusives, but you said in your initial comment that you love that both offer improvements to existing games, as they're all you play until bigger, newer games come. Which you specifically listed as Ratchet and Halo, two exclusives, despite a number of big, new multiplats being currently available for PS5 and Series S/X.

"I love that both offer improvements to existing games as it's about the only thing i play until the bigger, newer games come (Ratchet is just 1mo away and Halo is...?)."

You seem to now be going for an "I'm just that person who prefers candy corn" argument, which is fine, but that's not what you started with. Nor, to Gaming's point, should you need to enjoy student essays for your grading to reflect the difference between those who complete their essay assignments and those who don't.

[darthv72]

Raul, there is nothing wrong with what i said. I dont put weight on exclusives, I like to just play the games. If it makes you feel better, i play the games that interest me. I listed ratchet and halo because those are two long running franchises that i enjoy that i am looking forward to. i am also looking forward to Mass Effect remaster and Ninja Gaiden compilation. (I like compilation sets)

The reason i dont emphasize exclusives like others do is because i dont restrict myself to one platform like many others do. To them, having exclusives is the driving force to buy into a platform. I just like new hardware in general, which is why I dont alienate myself when it comes to platforms. I will buy both exclusive games and multiplats but i do so because the games interest me, not the fact they are exclusive games or multiplats. That just comes with the territory.

[RauLeCreuset]

@Darth

You're contradicting yourself.

"The reason i dont emphasize exclusives like others do is because i dont restrict myself to one platform like many others do."

Except you emphasized two exclusives in your initial comment about how you would be playing previous gen titles until the "bigger, newer" games release. They were the only games you named in your comment. You didn't reference current gen multiplats at all, directly or indirectly.

"The reason i dont emphasize exclusives like others do is because i dont restrict myself to one platform like many others do."

What but exclusives would you be playing on PS5, considering you said this elsewhere?

"Fair assessment. When it comes to controller, I personally prefer offset sticks but i will say i quite enjoy the haptic feedback of the DS. The games I can't play any other way, I will gladly do so using that controller. For everything else that interests me, it is going to be on XB due to the stick preference."

Seems like PS5 is your exclusives machine. Maybe you're trying to argue that your enjoyment of them isn't derived from them being exclusives? That you don't put weight on their status as exclusives? Okay, but that doesn't change that they are exclusives and are seemingly what lead you to buy a PS5.

[ABizzel1]

I give PS5 a B+, and Series X a C+. I think Series X is doing amazing things for last-gen and improved performance, but as a next-gen console, it has done nothing worthwhile IMO. I Think the hardware is great, and GamePass as long as it doesn't corrupt users / buying / etc... is great, but it's going to take them another year or two to really get going (Halo in a few months, but then what, ???), whereas PS5 looks like it's taking off in another 6 months - 1 year (Ratchet, Horizon, Gran Turismo, God of War, ???).

[boing1]

What? I have a really hard time understanding how your grading works.

[RauLeCreuset]

Apparently exclusives don't hold any weight in Darth's grading despite Darth's admissions that enhanced last gen games are about the only thing they're playing until exclusives come and that PS consoles are their exclusives consoles. Darth admits Darth would play these games on Xbox if not for them being exclusive to PS, a personal testament to the impact exclusives have on persuading Darth to buy Playstations. Nevertheless, Darth does not wish to include such an important factor in Darth's own purchasing decisions in grading the PS5 the same as the Series S (not even the X).

[RazzerRedux]

A report card without grades? lol....ok

[blackblades]

That's what I said about the other report card article.

[DJStotty]

Probably do not want to throw a fuel tank onto the fire.

Imagine the chaos if one was graded higher than the other, the scenes would be incredible.

[RazzerRedux]

Guess I'll give mine. PS5 is around B+/A- for me. The games just keep coming and that is and always has been why I buy PlayStation. PS5 gets docked for still not having an expansion storage in place or VRR. For most, I don't believe this to be a major issue (especially VRR) but still these need to be addressed.

I have no use for an Xbox as a PC gamer so no score from me.

@blackblades

Yeah just seems weird.

@DJStotty

I guess so, but why even call it a report card? Oh....that's right. Typical journalist nonsense.

[IanTH]

I wouldn't really need a grade, but I am surprised there isn't even a true "conclusion". Nothing that kind of sums up the general report - I mean, I suppose you can take the information to form your own conclusion, but it does feel a little weak to not state some opinion in the piece one way or the other.

[RazzerRedux]

I agree. It feels like a summary of facts and nothing more.

[Automatic79]

I said it before and I will say it again. i give Xbox Series X a B the system is fantastic. The input on the controller is fantastic, no latency. Xbox GamePass is holding me down until the onslaught of Xbox exclusives arrive. Many on this website will disagree but I would rather have a good selection of games until more arrive, than only a handful which are not catering to me. The Bethesda drop in March and sports games since February is enough to realize Xbox is catering to me. OutRiders and MLB were huge drops on Xbox GamePass. Now this week purchased and playing RE Village.

[DJStotty]

Flight sim in a month or 2 as well if that is your thing, also AOE later on in the year.

I'm looking forward to this E3 more than any other to see what Bethesda and the likes show.

[DJStotty]

"Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription service that offers access to a library of more than 150 games on Xbox consoles and PC"

Think you will find that is over 450+ my good sir, enough with the 150 lol.

374 minimum, just on the xbox, 257 across the PC, and 250 via xcloud, granted some of these are across all 3, but the game figure is around 450+.

https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

[jukins]

Xbox logic. "Gears 5 is on gamepass for xbox and pc and also on xcloud thats 3 games on gamepass dur dur"

Kinda sad that sonys afterthought service psnow has more downloadable ps4 games than the entire gamepass catalog..not to mention the stream only titles. Again psnow is an afterthought and still has a bigger library than the main course on xbox

[DJStotty]

Clearly you did not understand what i said, i'll repeat for the kids :-

"granted some of these are across all 3, but the game figure is around 450+"

The individual title list stands at around 450+, i clearly said that, the highest individual list is the xbox console at 374 games, you then have access to the gamepass with PC games not available on console, like age of empires etc, then you have a few xcloud games that are not available on PC or console.

You can clearly click "console" and the total is 374 minimum individual games for gamepass, Ultimate members get PC and Cloud games not available on console. The minimum amount of games you are getting when subbing is 374.

Keep kidding yourselves thinking there is only 150 ish games on gamepass, your the ones missing out.

Here is a fact-checked list from Feb 24th, and it was over 250 individual games then :-

https://www.finder.com/xbox...

[jukins]

Lol how you fact check 250 titles but claim 450? Make it make sense lol i never claimed any specific xbox numbers thats you. But like i said games are listed multiple times seperately for each system. . . Theres like 4 fifas on there lol FOUR

[DJStotty]

Again, you need to read my friend :-

"from Feb 24th, and it was over 250 individual games then"

After the addition of EA Play, and numerous game additions since then, it is around 450 individual games, go to the site, count them.

"i never claimed any specific xbox numbers thats you."

I never mentioned Playstation services either, but you felt the need to....

[DJStotty]

"But like i said games are listed multiple times seperately for each system. . . Theres like 4 fifas on there lol FOUR"

Incorrect, 3 for console, not gathered how to use the filter option yet i see?

Even if you deduce the multiples (like i have said twice i think already, but here goes 3rd time lucky) the individual game count across all 3 media, PC, Xbox, and Xcloud, currently stands at around 450+ DIFFERENT games for Ultimate subscribers.

[Doge]

I would personally give the PS5 an B+. Had a blast with the games (Demon's Souls and Returnal especially). Still missing some of the features I would like such as 1440p 120hz support and VRR, and expanding SSD storage (understandable situation).

Overall, pretty satisfied with my purchase.

Xbox Series X/S I would give uhhh....Ungraded because I don't own them nor am I interested. 🤷‍♂️

[DJStotty]

At least your honest lol, i can not grade the PS5 personally, but just judging off reviews/features/games etc, i would rate it a pre-emptive B+/A- console.

[Magog]

Yes, they are competing as they play 90% of the same games. Difference is that Sony is innovating and pushing the envelope while Xbox is hoping quantity will somehow make up for quality.

[Automatic79]

Comments like your @Magog are the reason I wish we could cut the middle ground (N4G comments section) and go to an actual place and discuss gaming in front of a live group of neutral gamers. For you to say Sony is innovative and it's system is falling behind the Series X is beyond me. Secondly, there is more quality offerings on Xbox GamePass through diversity and as you put it quantity of games than PS. The only company pushing any envelope is Xbox. Yes you will see new IP and existing IP all come to Xbox.

[Chevalier]

Its a GAME console so it's funny that we keep hearing about features for Xbox. Those are nice, but, then the same people quickly downplay the Dual Sense and VR even those affect gameplay more. Bit hypocritical.

Plus when we compare and BC and old games playable get brought up, PS4 library absolutely is better, but, that's not mentioned at all.

Plus the downplay of what Playstation has released is also just hilarious. Demon Souls, Astrobot, Returnal, Ratchet and Clank, FF VII Integrade soon and cross gen Spiderman and Sackboy with more to come and that's not much?! Okay there.

If Xbox released say Halo, Forza, Ori, Battletoads cross gen, Gears 5 crossgen and say Dead Rising timed in 7 months would the tune be the same? Nah they'd be Xbox is flush with games.

[BehindTheRows]

Well said!

[Automatic79]

@Chevalier

So Xbox Series X/S isn't a game consoles and having Xbox GamePass doesn't equate to a what a game console is all about. The tune will be the same for Xbox when 1st party start releasing as it is today. Xbox is delivering the games on a vehicle that satisfies gamers. Not sure why people are so quick to dismiss Xbox. Also, no one is knocking what Sony has delivered but do you ever think that fans have a choice and not everything Sony delivers is for them. Hence reason why diversity is good for gamers. Why many are enjoying Xbox GamePass.

[waverider]

Are Microsoft and Sony even competing with each other anymore?.Right now They arent. Microsoft aproach are services. They dont care if they got new games at the start of a new gen. Their only talk are services. Sony is doing what it did with the PS4 is giving us blockbuster and good games from the start.

[DJStotty]

"Microsoft aproach are services"

But Sony have :-

PS Network
PS+
PSNOW

hhhmmmm, same services as Microsoft..... so would you agree Sony has the same approach with services?

[HaolDus]

What's with all the downvotes on your comments, dude? I am a Sony fan through and through, but you make some good points.

[anast]

No they are not competing with each other. They are not even in the same league. MSXboX runs the cellphone model disguised as a console and Sony gives you games and a console.

[Graey]

I don't have either but if you are giving things a grade what metrics are you using? I see a lot of grades, can you guys please break your grades down, maybe say Console, Games, UI, etc. Something that we can then debate about?

[Elda]

Loving my PS5 but I want a web browser & the Live With PlayStation app other than that I'll give it an A.

[Flawlessmic]

One has multiple exclusives, the other has BC.

One is getting R&C in a month the other has banjo and kazooi 360 at 500FPS.

All jokes aside xbox will get there eventually but right now and for atleast another year or 2 its not even close.

And before people try to minimise sonys exclusive out for ps5 by saying miles morales and the others dont count cause there cross gen then i guess series x still has no exclusives for the year seeing as halo is cross gen also so it doesnt count using that logic.

Exclusives matter as that what seperates the consoles.

Sony is a solid B at minimum
Xbox is a D

[DJStotty]

Pretty sure they said games would be cross-gen for at least 1-2 years after launch, i'm surprised that people still act surprised.

[Flawlessmic]

I count cross gen titles as exclusives, i was just using xbox fans logic when it comes to some of sonys cross gen exclusives.

My point still stands they dont even have cross gen exclusives right now lol halo is the next one due and that will have taken a whole year to arrive into xsx

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

PS5=B+ My only complaint with Sony is no ssd support which hopefully is resolved this summer.
XSX=C+ No incentive to even turn it on right now except to chat with my online associates.

The edge right now is very much in favor of Sony...

[BlaqMagiq1]

I give the PS5 an A easily. Love what games have come out for it so far, the tech inside, and the future games that are coming out for it.

[Lexreborn2]

I have had the series X and PS5 for a little over 2 months now. I have been playing both pretty extensively and can start to give an honest evaluation.

Both systems do BC pretty great, the fact that the Ps5 runs things automatically at PS4 pro levels is a great segway from pro to 5. Definitely give it a A for that. I’m not using it a ton but I’m using it enough.

Series X having the boost to select games in BC in my eyes brought titles that were already lacking from last gens performance metrics to a better position. The boost isn’t universal and has odd glitches to the OS (QR breaking the performance, QR breaking in general) but when it works it works damn well. I don’t have a VRR display or 120fps so those features are currently lost for me as they don’t apply to my experience. But I give their BC handling a A as well.

As for releasing titles I would give the PS4 an A, they are releasing a mad crazy amount of games so far that are also cross gen with next gen. The balance is more then welcome as playing Outriders to play I saw a massive difference from when my son was playing on the pro to me on the 5 As well as miles morales. Demon Souls was very nice as it gave so much polish to an already awesome game.

I’m picking up Returnal and RE8 soon and very happy with the balance from current gen releases and cross gen.

Series X I would give a C, the medium is the only noteworthy game that has been made available and it’s extremely average. Since I already gave its BC a score I’m not going to use it as a metric for its current releases with is not good. Hanging on to 3rd party releases for your install base is not a good practice to me. I’m not going to give them a score based on what if’s and to come.

OS interface PS5, I give it a B+. The interface is smooth and getting to things is lightning fast but there is also a few to many buttons I have to press to get to certain things as simple as messages. Not a fan of how that’s handled and could be improved. The media applications run as expected plenty of hubs to choose from.

Series X I give a B, now I would normally give a B+ but it’s a little to overly familiar. I don’t feel like I’m learning anything new and it’s just the same as when I came from Xbox one X. 100% faster though and QR really helps out where prior systems were lacking. But QR still needs more polish in my opinion since I keep coming back to broken games from extended time away.

PS5 controller I give an A the controller just has way to many conveniences to not acknowledge how far its come. I’ve always liked the baked in speaker and touch pad. The Mic built in is amazing, even to the point my friends say they had no idea I was using it. When I used to use the camera the feedback was terrible but that mic is amazing.

Xbox controller gets a C+, it’s the same controller and it’s often good to some but for me it’s just a passing grade. The share button boosted it a bit but that’s it for me.

[darthv72]

Fair assessment. When it comes to controller, I personally prefer offset sticks but i will say i quite enjoy the haptic feedback of the DS. The games I can't play any other way, I will gladly do so using that controller. For everything else that interests me, it is going to be on XB due to the stick preference. i may be missing out on some finer details of 'feeling' the game but dexterity trumps sensation. My thumbs and reach are more comfortable for long play sessions using the XB pad than a PS pad. Like i said, that's just me... everyone is different.

[SCW1982]

I have both a PS5 and an X and I would rate Sony right now a B+ and the Series X a C+. I want that killer exclusive that's only on X and I felt the Medium was a huge disappointment.

[ScootaKuH]

Sony never did compete with xbox, it dominated

[BoneMagnus]

Both get an “incomplete” from me since I can’t find either to purchase.

[Petebloodyonion]

I gave Xbox Serie X a B yesterday because of: the power for the price, how the console is well made (silent and no power brick), how it improves the actual experience for already available games, and the quality of life it adds (quick resume, faster loading, Smart delivery, etc.).
But I mentioned that the console feels more like a simple evolution for the moment (akin to a pro upgrade) instead of a revolution and it fails at catching a wow factor that screams Next-gen making it hard to recommend to lots of gamers who already own an Xbox1 and ppl who own an Xbox1 X.

For the PS5 I would give the console a B+
Here's the positive: the design is stylish and already makes the console more attractive to the big cube. It's easier to understand what you are buying with the digital vs normal PS5 when compared to Serie S vs Serie X.
The dashboard offers some really neat ideas (the cards and online guide) and feels like it belongs to a new generation.
The Dual sense has the potential to really add a new level of immersion (we will really see in 2 years if duals sense still matter) and some of the games are showcasing the power and graphical abilities of the PS5 (Demon soul and Returnal).

Now the console does have some issue regarding storage for you still can't expand the SSD storage atm (they at least fixed the ability to back up your ps5 games).
Also upgrading your Ps4 game to Ps5 is a bit more complicated compared to Serie X.
Despite having more exclusives Ps5 games, the console also lacks games that produce a wow factor associated with a next-gen experience. sure Demon Soul looks great but it's still a reskin of the Ps3 game with the exact same gameplay, so like Xbox, I have yet to see games that scream to me this can only be done on next-gen (Ratchet and Clank might change that)
And just like the series X, it's hard to recommend today the Ps5 to a casual gamer already owning a Ps4 or Ps4 pro since the majority of the games are playable on PS4 and the experience is quite similar to the Ps5 counterpart.

Some notes for Ps5
- Having Ps+ is in my opinion mandatory since it provides you with the instant Ps+ collection
- Ps+ offers 1 free Ps5 game per month.

[franwex]

I would give it a C to be honest.
For the insecure don’t worry-Xbox I give a D.

The future does look very promising. With time we will also be able to expand the dismal storage too.