The console wars have been ongoing debates for decades, with the latest competition between Sony and Microsoft beginning in 2020 with the release of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X happening mere days apart. Now, almost two years later, rumors of upgraded models of the Xbox Series X and PS5 have rendered comparisons of the two consoles’ hardware somewhat moot until newer models hit the market – but what about the game library each has to offer?
There are obviously many things players take into account when deciding on whether to purchase an Xbox Series X or PS5 depending on personal preference, but the console’s game library itself is undoubtedly the most important. Unfortunately, when a console first launches, outside of launch titles and promises of future titles from developers it can be hard to determine which console will offer the best library in the long run. While things like console size, graphical capabilities, and differences between controllers for the PS5 and Xbox Series X may sway players somewhat, it usually comes down to the exclusive titles they’ll be able to play.
As the two-year anniversary for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X quickly approaches, it’s much easier to concretely compare the library of the two both in terms of what they have to offer now and in the future. The past two years have also seen the consoles each compete to have the best game subscription service, furthering what both have to offer even more. With all of those factors put side by side, which of the two truly has the best games to offer players?
Xbox Series X’s Game Pass Is A Major Point For Microsoft
The list of the biggest, AAA exclusive titles both present and future for the Xbox Series X is quite short. Granted, the few titles on the list are certainly a big draw for some players, like the upcoming next-gen Forza Motorsport titles. Another appealing title to fans of in-game realism is Microsoft Flight Simulator, which has received exciting additions like a tie-in with the movie Top Gun: Maverick. Perhaps the most famous Xbox Series X exclusive title is Halo Infinite, the latest in the long-running Halo saga, which has always been exclusive to Microsoft’s consoles. Xbox’s partnership with Bethesda means players can also look forward to Starfield coming to the console eventually, as well as any future Elder Scrolls titles.
Outside of AAA titles, the Xbox Series X actually has a surprisingly robust list of indie games that have come to the console, or will in the future. These include the unique story game As Dusk Falls, adorable Stardew Valley-esque Little Witch in the Woods, and the gorgeously-meditative Sable. Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program, which helps indie developers via free development tools, also means that many indie titles will come to the platform first, even if they eventually make their way to other consoles.
However, where Xbox Series X truly shines is through its Xbox Game Pass service, which has proved a harsh competitor for Sony particularly through its robust list of day-one releases. Sony has made it clear that there are no plans to bring first-party day one releases to PS Plus subscriptions regardless of tier, whereas Xbox Game Pass subscribers have been able to play new titles like Rainbow Six Extraction and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge for no extra cost, creating a tremendous amount of value that the services available for the PS5 simply can’t match. In fact, competition is so stiff there have been rumors of PlayStation paying to block games from coming to the service.
PS5 Has A Larger Exclusives List Than Xbox
When compared the Xbox Series X, the PlayStation 5 can boast a much longer list of exclusives. The console offers exclusives that appeal to a wide range of players, from Horizon Forbidden West to Gran Turismo 7. Spider-Man: Miles Morales was a launch title for the console, and its beloved predecessor, Spider-Man, is also solely available on console via the Sony machine. These only scratch the surface of highly-rated games that can only be played on PS5 that span a myriad of genres, with players having access to the rogue-like Returnal, third-person shooter Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, colorful platformer Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and much more. Additionally, Xbox Series X players can’t play Stray or other critically-acclaimed indie games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits.
Although it does require the investment in a headset, the fact that PlayStation 5 players have access to a long list of VR games must be acknowledged, although it does utilize hardware from the past generation, meaning PS4 users technically have access to the same content. This makes the access to the VR titles somewhat moot in a discussion of the most recent console generation, although the eventual release of the PSVR 2 will be a major exclusivity point for the console. This could be countered if there were any plans for the Xbox Series X to receive competing VR hardware, but Microsoft has stated its disinterest in pursuing a headset for the console multiple times, despite recurring rumors the Xbox will receive VR support.
The PlayStation 5’s game subscription service features multiple tiers that each come with different library sizes, with the most expensive tier offering a host of games dating all the way back to the PS1, and has several hundred more games available for streaming and download than Xbox Game Pass. The service does stay somewhat current, but players can’t expect any day one releases. While they can still play PlayStation exclusive games eventually, long-anticipated titles may often take a while to come to the service.
A PlayStation 5 is better for players who place more value on access to the console’s titles throughout all generations that will benefit from what PS Plus has to offer – although PS Plus offers fewer games than PS Now did – and who have more of an affinity for VR titles and series like Ratchet & Clank and God of War. On the other hand, Xbox Game Pass is a better fit for players who want to prioritize getting their hands on big releases right away, and want to use their Xbox Series X for games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, future Bethesda titles, and indie games. Although it sounds incredibly cliché, which console has the best library ultimately comes down to the individual players themselves.
