Every few years, new consoles arrive on the gaming scene. The hype is incredible, and gamers worldwide clamber for any inkling of information regarding new console hardware specifications, designs, and exclusive games.

Well, the time is here. The PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X are the latest and greatest from Sony and Microsoft, respectively. But before you head out and splash your hard-earned pennies, check out the specs for the next generation of gaming consoles.

PlayStation 5 Specifications

ps5 front with controller

Let's take a look at the specifications for the PlayStation 5 at release date:

  • CPU: Custom eight-core, 16-thread 3.5GHz AMD Zen 2 CPU
  • GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2 architecture, up to 2.23GHz w/10.3 TFLOPS
  • Memory: 16GB GDDR6 RAM
  • Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
  • Expandable: NVMe SSD slot, USB HDD support
  • Video Output: HDMI 2.1
  • Audio Output: Tempest 3D AudioTech
  • Connectivity: 1x USB 3.1 Type-A, 2x USB 3.1 Type-A Gen 2, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C
  • Networking: 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac/ax Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1
  • Dimensions: 390mm x 104mm x 260mm (WxHxD)

These are the baseline specs for the PlayStation 5. However, Sony is releasing two versions of the PS5: a regular version and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.

As you can see in our comparison of the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition, the major difference between the two is that the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition does not include an optical drive to read discs and is therefore completely digital.

The Digital Edition weighs 600g less (4.5kg to 3.9kg) and is slightly shorter (104mm to 92mm), accounting for the absent optical drive.

Xbox Series X Specs

Now you've seen what the new PS5 brings to the table, take a look at what specs the Xbox Series X is packing.

  • CPU: Custom eight-core, 16-thread 3.8GHz AMD Zen 2 CPU
  • GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2 architecture, 1.825GHz w/12.1 TFLOPS
  • Memory: 16GB GDDR6 RAM
  • Storage: Custom 1TB NVMe SSD
  • Expandable: NVMe support, USB 3.2 external HDD support
  • Video Output: HDMI 2.1
  • Audio Output: Dolby Atmos
  • Connectivity: 3x USB 3.1
  • Networking: 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi
  • Dimensions: 151mm x 301mm x 151mm

But that's not all. Not content with releasing a new console for the new generation, Microsoft is releasing a second option in the form of the Xbox Series S.

Related: Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S: Which Should You Buy?

Xbox Series S Specs

Before digging into the PS5 versus Xbox Series X comparison, check out the specs for the Xbox Series S.

  • CPU: Custom eight-core, 16-thread 3.6GHz AMD Zen 2 CPU
  • GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2 architecture, 1.565 GHz w/4 TFLOPS
  • Memory: 10GB GDDR6 RAM
  • Storage: Custom 512GB NVMe SSD
  • Expandable: NVMe support, USB 3.2 external HDD support
  • Video Output: HDMI 2.1
  • Audio Output: Dolby Atmos
  • Connectivity: 3x USB 3.1
  • Networking: 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi
  • Dimensions: 65mm x 275mm x 151mm

The Xbox Series X packs a considerable amount of hardware and gaming power into a small package, delivering 1440p gaming at 120fps.

Like the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, the Xbox Series S doesn't include an optical drive. But where the PS5 Digital Edition matches the rest of the hardware, the Xbox Series S is firmly targeting a secondary market of gamers that don't need or want gaming in 4K.

Unsure which new Xbox is right for you? Check out the questions to ask before buying an Xbox Series X.

Controllers and Backwards Compatibility

Hardware specs aren't the only important thing to consider. One of the big questions for any new console generation is backward compatibility. That is, will the games and peripheral hardware of the previous generation (in this case, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) work with the new one?

The answer isn't as straightforward as you might expect.

Major hardware changes usually involve major programming changes, too. For example, when the PlayStation 4 hit the markets back in 2013, there was an outcry as it emerged the new console wasn't backward compatible with PS3 discs. Sony rectified the situation digitally, adding PS3 games to the PlayStation Now game streaming service—but at an additional cost to the user.

Anyway, enough about the old consoles. Are the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 backward-compatible?

PlayStation 5 Backward-Compatibility

In a word, yes. The "overwhelming majority" of your PlayStation 4 discs will still work with the PlayStation 5. In fact, the list of PS4 games that won't work with the PS5 is short:

  • DWVR
  • Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One
  • TT Isle of Man - Ride on the Edge 2
  • Just Deal With It!
  • Shadow Complex Remastered
  • Robinson: The Journey
  • We Sing
  • Hitman Go: Definitive Edition
  • Shadwen
  • Joe's Diner

The PlayStation 5 has some nifty tricks for backward-compatible games, too. For example, some games will receive a performance enhancement through Game Boost, which primarily allows games to run at a higher frame rate than the PS4 version. PlayStation 4 games will also use the new PlayStation 5 Create menu, rather than the old Share menu.

Sony's game subscription service, PlayStation Now, will also deliver backward-compatible games, too. The PS Now subscription service provides access to hundreds of PS4, PS3, and PS2 games, without ever having to scramble around for a disc (that won't work anyway!).

Better still, PS Now is available on your PC, letting you access your games from almost anywhere.

playstation dualsense controller

Controllers are the other thing to consider. Your DualShock 4 controllers will only work with PlayStation 4 games. When you fire up a PlayStation 5 game, you'll need to switch to a PS5 DualSense controller (which you can use with PlayStation 4 games).

Related: The Best PS4 Controllers to Buy This Year

Xbox Series X Backward-Compatibility

The Xbox Series X also offers extensive backward-compatibility with the previous Xbox generations. All games from the Xbox One generation will work with the Xbox Series X. But as an additional boon for Xbox gamers, the Xbox Series X will also boot games from the Xbox 360 and even the original Xbox.

With 568 games from Xbox 360 and a further 39 from the original Xbox library, the Xbox Series X provides extensive backward-compatibility for your collection.

You also have the option of using the Xbox Game Pass for some extra backward compatibility. The Xbox Game Pass, like Sony's PlayStation Now, features a wide range of older and indie games you download and play without a disc. Like PS Now, Xbox Game Pass is available for PC.

Related: PlayStation Now vs. Xbox Game Pass

Better still, there are no controller restrictions on the Xbox Series X. You can use your new Xbox Series X controllers with old games or use your Xbox 360 or Xbox One controller with new games.

microsoft xbox series x controller

Does the PS5 or Xbox Series X Have Better Specs?

On paper, the Xbox Series X has better specs than the PlayStation 5. That said, there isn't much in it.

The differences between the custom AMD Zen 2 CPUs is marginal, while both consoles arrive with 16GB GDDR6 RAM. Even the paper spec that could tip the Xbox Series X ahead (the GPU clock speed and TFLOPS) isn't as it seems when you consider the relative memory bandwidth for each bit of hardware.

Only time will tell which console wins out in terms of specs, as gamers compare like-for-like performance across the platforms.