The phrase "console wars" has been going around ever since the 1990's, and today it carries on strong as gamers will soon be deciding between Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X. Historically, fans of the PlayStation and Xbox lines of gaming consoles have usually been at each other's throats, with some dedicated followers supporting both platforms equally. Players tend to base their preferences on appearances, exclusive games, console specs, and the unique controller designs that come alongside them. Both of the PS5 and Xbox Series X are shaping up to be quite impressive, but which console will end up becoming the better purchase at the end of the day?

Both systems have gone for all-new designs that really aesthetically set them apart from any other console in general. The PS5 has a more unique look, with a white shell that sticks out much like wings on its outer edge encasing the black middle portion. It has also been revealed through comparisons of its USB ports to be absolutely massive, and it's much bigger than even what the Xbox Series X will be. The new Xbox has a much more modest design that looks much like a modern PC tower. It looks more sleek and discrete than the PS5 and it will likely attract more buyers than the strange PS5 design that has been the inspiration of countless memes ever since its reveal.

Controllers are one of the most important aspects of a console, since its the piece that players will be interacting with by far the most, and the Xbox Series X is taking the safe route by replicating the Xbox One controller heavily. The D-pad looks slightly different and there are other minor improvements like the ability to quickly pair the controller to multiple devices like phones and computers. The PS5 controller, known as the DualSense, has an all-new look and shape to it that mimics more closely what gamers expect from an Xbox controller. The sticks are still symmetrical at the bottom part of the controller, and it has a lot of returning features from the PS4's DualShock like motion control. Both controllers look quite strong, so it's hard to say which one will be the better option overall.


The part that truly separates the two consoles apart is the line-up of games that players can expect in the future. The PS5 already has a great line up of first-party games with an all-new Ratchet and Clank, Demon's Souls remake, Horizon Forbidden West, as well as the new Spider-Man: Miles Morales title. Each of these heavy-hitter AAA games are sure to attract many players to Sony's new console. Xbox Series X has Scorn, The Medium, and Halo Infinite, the latter of which will most certainly push many pieces of hardware. The decision is an extremely tough one to make, but the PS5 just barely scrapes by with its list of exclusives over the Xbox Series X.

The PS5 and the Xbox Series X are both looking to be excellent transitions into the next generation of gaming with mind-blowing graphics, stellar exclusives and bold new designs that will surely turn some heads. Since both platforms will be continuing their paid online service, feature similar specs and likely run the same third-party games, the console to buy ultimately boils down to simple consumer (and exclusive game) preference. There is also the issue of console price, something which neither company has yet revealed. The PS5 in particular is looking to be the overall better option since its lineup of games manages to look more impressive than the still very capable Xbox Series X.