Games: Exclusives and Cross-Platform Play
When it comes to games, things have changed a lot. Back in 2023, most big games like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Fortnite were available on both consoles, giving you pretty much the same experience no matter which one you owned. But the real difference has always been the exclusive games—those titles only available on one console.
For PlayStation, you have games like Spider-Man, God of War, and The Last of Us. If you want to play these, you need a PS5. On the Xbox side, there's Halo, Forza, and Gears of War. To play these, you'd typically need an Xbox.
However, things are shifting. Over the last year, many Xbox exclusives have started coming to PlayStation. For example, Forza Horizon 5, a big Xbox game, is now available on PS5. This means you don't need an Xbox just for that game anymore. Other Xbox titles like Oblivion Remastered, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Grounded, Hi-Fi Rush, and Sea of Thieves are also making their way to PlayStation. Even Gears of War Reloaded is coming to PS5 on the same day as Xbox. This is a big deal because it means PlayStation players can now play almost everything on one console.
Microsoft seems to be focusing less on hardware and more on getting their games to as many players as possible. This is good for gamers, but it makes you wonder: do you really need an Xbox in 2025? If you have an Xbox and want to play a PlayStation exclusive, you still need a PS5. But if you have a PS5 and want to play Xbox games, it looks like you might not need both consoles anymore. Plus, many of these Xbox games on PS5 benefit from the DualSense features and are PS5 Pro enhanced, making it a pretty good experience.
Game Pass vs. PlayStation Plus
If you prefer to buy your games outright, whether physical or digital, then Game Pass and PlayStation Plus won't change much for you. Both platforms offer games at similar prices, usually between $40 and $100.
But if you like the idea of renting or borrowing games, that's where these services come in. I personally have both Game Pass Ultimate and PlayStation Plus Premium. They offer similar experiences but also have key differences.
PlayStation Plus has a library of hundreds of games, including many PlayStation exclusives like Spider-Man and God of War. Depending on your plan, you can also play classic PS1 and PS2 games. They add new games every month, plus three monthly PS+ games you can download and keep. However, new PlayStation exclusives usually aren't available on day one; you'll still need to buy them.
Game Pass, on the other hand, is a bit different. It also has hundreds of games, but it offers day-one releases. Games like Indiana Jones and Oblivion Remastered launch directly onto Game Pass at no extra cost. Forza is on Game Pass, and the upcoming Gears of War Reloaded will also be there on day one. So, if you want to rely on a monthly subscription for your games, Game Pass is a strong option, providing access to many games. The downside is that once you stop paying, you lose access to those games.
Here's the thing: you don't even need an Xbox to use Game Pass. While there likely won't be a Game Pass app on PS5, you can use Game Pass on your phone, tablet, or even some smart TVs. This means you can have a PS5 and still access Game Pass games through other devices, covering pretty much all your gaming bases.
Controllers
There's still a clear difference between the Xbox and PlayStation controllers.
- Xbox Controller: This is similar to what we've seen for years. It has good battery life, asymmetrical thumbsticks, and many custom color choices through the Design Lab. It's a solid, familiar design.
- DualSense Controller (PS5): This is a new design with cool features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. These features make games feel more immersive. While limited edition controllers exist, they often sell out fast. I personally like the symmetrical layout of the PS5 controller, but if you don't, third-party controllers are available for both consoles that offer different layouts.
Both consoles also have Pro controllers, like the DualSense Edge and Elite Series 2. These cost more but offer extra buttons and instant triggers, making them worth it for serious gamers.
VR Gaming
If you're interested in virtual reality (VR) gaming, the PS5 is your only choice between these two consoles. The PSVR2 headset comes with the headset and two controllers, and the library of VR-compatible games has grown a lot. You'll find dedicated VR games like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Mossbook, as well as games that can be played both normally and in VR, like GT7 and The Midnight Walk. This flexibility is great.
On the Xbox side, there's no VR headset available or any native VR games to play on the console.
Cloud Gaming and Remote Play
Both consoles offer remote play options. For Xbox, you can download the Xbox or Game Pass app on devices like the Logitech G-Cloud, your phone, or the ROG Ally to remote play your games.
For PlayStation, the remote app works similarly on phones and tablets. There's also the PlayStation Portal, a dedicated accessory for streaming your games. Initially, it only worked when connected to your PS5, but now you can use it to stream PS+ games without that direct connection. It's great for playing PS5 games when you're not at your main setup.
Console Prices
Console prices have gone up recently, which might affect your decision.
- Xbox Series S: This is the entry-level Xbox. It has lower specs and no disc drive, but it's the cheapest at around £299 or $379. It's good if you just want to play games and aren't worried about the best visuals.
- Xbox Series X: This one is more powerful, has a disc drive, and supports 4K and 120fps in games that allow it. It costs around £499 or £599 with recent price increases.
- PS5 Digital: This version has no disc drive and costs around £390 or $450.
- PS5 Disc: This version includes a disc drive and costs around £480 or $500.
- PS5 Pro: This is the newest PS5, offering better visuals and overall performance. It costs around $699 or $699. If you want the best-looking and performing games, this is the one to get.
Key Takeaways
- Games: Many Xbox exclusives are now available on PS5, reducing the need for both consoles.
- Game Pass: Offers day-one releases and can be accessed on many devices, not just an Xbox.
- Controllers: PS5's DualSense offers unique haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, while Xbox controllers are familiar and customizable.
- VR: PS5 is the only console with native VR support.
- Remote Play: Both offer remote play, with PlayStation having the dedicated Portal accessory.
- Price: Xbox Series S is the cheapest entry point, while PS5 Pro is the most expensive but offers top performance.
Which is Better?
Normally, I'd say both consoles are pretty much the same, and you should just pick the one you like. But honestly, I don't think that's the case anymore. It really comes down to a few things:
- Controller Preference: You can now get controllers that mimic the other console's layout if you prefer.
- Where Your Friends Play: Though with Discord, you can chat with friends no matter what console they're on.
- Do You Want Game Pass?: Remember, Game Pass is available almost everywhere, not just on an Xbox.
So, do you need an Xbox in 2025? Honestly, no, not anymore. If you don't have one already, I don't see a strong reason to buy one today. If you're choosing between the two, I'd pick the PS5. It has exclusives, the DualSense controller, VR support, the PlayStation Portal, and can now play most Xbox exclusive games all in one place. Sure, you'd have to buy those Xbox games instead of renting them through Game Pass, but at least you'd own them.
Of course, this is just my opinion. What do you think? Which console would you pick if you could only choose one? Do you think the PS5 is the better overall choice, or am I completely wrong? Either way, it's great that more and more games are launching on both consoles, which is what we all want to see. And don't worry, I'm not selling my Xbox; I still use Game Pass a lot!
