A dazzling controller and great games give Sony the edge
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But Sony has done more than load in more graphical prowess than before.
Laukkonen/Lifewire
Slightly higher frame rates are typical.
However, not everyone will key in on such minor differences.
Microsofts Xbox Series X is the most simplistic, black box-shaped console line ever seen.
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Still, compared to the PlayStation 5s overwrought design accents, it is thankfully unfussed and relatively compact.
At least the newer PS5 Slim weighs slightly less at around 7 pounds.
It provides a lot of space for ventilation, at least.
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
When set up vertically, the disc drive sits at the bottom of the console on the right side.
The PS5 Slim skips the USB-A port and sticks exclusively to USB-C ports on the front.
It recharges via a USB-C port and can charge while playing if it unexpectedly runs dry.
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
More importantly, as the name change suggests, there’s more beneath the DualSense controller’s surface.
It’s a subtle difference, but it feels meaningful when web-swinging as Spider-Man.
It also makes shooting in games like the Call of Duty franchise more satisfying.
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
Adaptive triggers are innovations that change how games feel.
You have to feel it to understand the change.
If I buy a multiplatform game, Ill probably pick the PS5 version over the Xbox edition.
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
It showcases haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and touch and tilt controls through charming and clever challenges.
Best of all, its preinstalled free on the PlayStation 5 console.
It put a big grin on my face, and that was before the controller tutorial even ended.
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
The PS5 Slim extends that to 1TB of internal storage, with around 850GB usable.
However, as time progresses, that number feels low.
The PS5 has an NVMe SSD slot but isn’t plug-and-play.
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
If vertical, you might screw it into the bottom of the console to stand it upright.
you’ve got the option to use the PlayStation smartphone app to aid with setup.
Ultimately, the PlayStation 5 is the second fiddle to the Xbox Series X regarding raw power.
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
Were still waiting for support for8K contentfrom either console, so dont pick a console based on this.
Still, the difference in frame rates and resolutions isnt massive.
Its a tough decision!
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
Elsewhere, the PS5-exclusive remake of tough-as-nails battler Demons Souls delivers some of the most gorgeously-detailed creatures and locales.
Ubisofts multiplatform historical adventureAssassins Creed Valhallaserves up jaw-dropping environments and lighting effects.
LittleBigPlanet spin-off Sackboy, meanwhile, isnt particularly thrilling, but its lightweight, family-friendly fun.
Astros Playroom is also a PS5 exclusive.
Sony’s post-launch has been stable with exclusives, and times exclusives have also been strong.
There’s a steady flow of big games here.
Sony isn’t as keen onbackward compatibilityfor older games as Microsoft.
Alongside that, you’re able to access a Classics Catalog.
This collection includes a mixture of PlayStation 1, 2, and 3 games.
The disc drive can also play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, standard Blu-ray discs, and DVDs.
The Digital Edition is also slimmer, given the lack of an optical disc drive.
That said, only a few true PS5 exclusives arent also on the PS4.
They deliver impressive native 4K performance with immensely crisp, detailed, and smooth-running games.
The speedy SSD storage in both means that games load faster from the start and serve fewer delays.
There are more exclusives now than at launch, but are they worth the extra bucks?
Only you and your finances know the answer.
