The console wars have taken an unexpected turn in 2025. What was once a clear battle between two distinct gaming ecosystems has evolved into something entirely different. With major Xbox exclusives making their way to PlayStation and Microsoft’s aggressive push toward multiplatform gaming, the question isn’t just “which console is better?” anymore—it’s “do you even need an Xbox in 2025?”
If you’re standing in a store trying to decide between a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, or wondering whether to upgrade your current setup, this comprehensive breakdown will give you everything you need to make the right choice for your gaming future.
The Great Exclusive Game Shuffle: Xbox’s Multiplatform Revolution
Traditional Console Exclusives Are Disappearing
For decades, exclusive games were the primary reason to choose one console over another. PlayStation had Spider-Man, God of War, and The Last of Us. Xbox had Halo, Forza, and Gears of War. The choice was simple: pick the console with the games you wanted most.
But 2025 has shattered this traditional model entirely.
Xbox Games Coming to PlayStation 5
Microsoft has fundamentally shifted their strategy, moving away from hardware exclusivity toward getting their games in front of as many players as possible. Major Xbox franchises are now available on PS5:
Already Available on PS5:
- Forza Horizon 5 – Once Xbox’s flagship racing exclusive
- Hi-Fi Rush – Critically acclaimed rhythm-action game
- Sea of Thieves – Multiplayer pirate adventure
- Grounded – Survival game set in a backyard
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – Day-one release on both platforms
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – Classic RPG enhanced
Coming Soon:
- Gears of War: E-Day Remaster – The legendary franchise debuts on PlayStation
- More Microsoft titles in development for multiplatform release
This shift means PlayStation 5 owners can now experience nearly the entire Xbox gaming library without owning Microsoft’s hardware. What’s more, these games often feature PS5-specific enhancements like DualSense controller haptic feedback and PS5 Pro optimizations.
PlayStation Exclusives Remain Platform-Locked
Meanwhile, PlayStation continues its traditional exclusive strategy. Key franchises remain PlayStation-only:
- Spider-Man series – Including the acclaimed Spider-Man 2
- Horizon series – Stunning open-world adventures
- God of War saga – Norse mythology at its finest
- The Last of Us franchise – Post-apocalyptic storytelling excellence
- Astro Bot – Platform-defining innovative gameplay
If you want to experience these critically acclaimed titles, a PlayStation 5 remains your only console option (PC versions typically arrive 1-2 years later).
Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus: The Subscription Battle
PlayStation Plus: Quality Over Quantity
PlayStation Plus has evolved into a comprehensive gaming service with three tiers:
Essential (£6.99/month): Monthly free games, online multiplayer, exclusive discounts.
Extra (£10.99/month): 400+ PS4 and PS5 games library
Premium (£13.49/month): Classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games, game streaming
The service offers hundreds of high-quality games, including most PlayStation exclusives. However, brand-new first-party exclusives typically don’t arrive on day one—you’ll still need to purchase games like Spider-Man 2 at launch.
Game Pass: Day-One Value Champion
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate continues to set the subscription gaming standard:
- Day-one access to all Microsoft first-party games
- Hundreds of games across Xbox, PC, and cloud platforms
- Cross-platform progression between devices
- Regular additions of major third-party titles
The value proposition is incredible—major releases like Indiana Jones and Gears of War Remaster launch directly into Game Pass at no additional cost. If you download 2-3 full-price games per year, you’ve already justified the subscription cost.
The Multiplatform Game Pass Reality
Here’s where things get interesting: you don’t need an Xbox to access Game Pass anymore. Microsoft has made the service available on:
- PC – Full Game Pass library
- Mobile phones – Cloud gaming via app
- Smart TVs – Direct streaming capability
- Handheld devices – ROG Ally, Steam Deck compatibility
This accessibility means you could own a PS5 for exclusives and still enjoy Game Pass benefits through other devices.
Controller Experience: Innovation vs Familiarity
Xbox Controller: Refined Tradition
The Xbox Series X controller represents evolutionary perfection rather than revolutionary change:
- Familiar layout similar to Xbox One controller
- Excellent battery life lasting 20+ hours
- Asymmetrical thumbsticks preferred by many FPS players
- Xbox Design Lab offering extensive customization options
It’s a controller that feels immediately comfortable to anyone who’s gamed on Xbox before—reliable, precise, and built to last.
Buy on AmazonDualSense: Next-Generation Immersion
PlayStation’s DualSense controller introduced genuinely innovative features:
- Haptic feedback providing realistic tactile sensations
- Adaptive triggers with variable resistance
- Built-in microphone for voice commands
- Symmetrical layout preferred by many PlayStation veterans
Games like Astro’s Playroom and Horizon Forbidden West showcase how these features can transform gaming experiences, making you feel the tension of drawing a bow or the texture of different surfaces.
Buy on AmazonThird-Party Options Bridge the Gap
Don’t like your console’s default controller? Third-party manufacturers offer alternatives:
- Razer and NACON make asymmetrical controllers for PS5
- Hyperkin creates symmetrical controllers for Xbox
- Elite Series 2 and DualSense Edge provide pro-level features
- Razer Wolverine V2 Pro (PS5) – Features asymmetrical thumbsticks for FPS precision. Check it out on Amazon
- NACON Revolution (PS5) – Another great asymmetrical option with customizable profiles. Check it out on Amazon
- Hyperkin Duke (Xbox) – Classic symmetrical design reimagined for modern consoles. Check it out on Amazon
- Elite Series 2 (Xbox) – Pro-level customization, swappable thumbsticks, and paddles. Check it out on Amazon
- DualSense Edge (PS5) – Sony’s official pro controller with adaptive triggers and back buttons. Check it out on Amazon
VR Gaming: PlayStation’s Exclusive Advantage
PSVR2: Console VR Done Right
If virtual reality interests you, PlayStation 5 is your only console option. The PSVR2 system offers:
- High-resolution displays with 4K HDR visuals
- Advanced tracking with inside-out cameras
- Haptic feedback controllers extending DualSense innovation to VR
- Growing game library with exclusive and hybrid experiences
Games like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Gran Turismo 7’s VR mode demonstrate the technology’s potential. Many games offer both traditional and VR modes, letting you switch based on your mood.
Buy on AmazonXbox: VR Desert
Microsoft has completely abandoned VR for Xbox Series consoles. There are no native VR games, no headset support, and no announced plans for VR integration. If virtual reality is important to your gaming future, this eliminates Xbox from consideration.
Remote Gaming and Portability
Xbox: Universal Accessibility
Microsoft’s cloud gaming infrastructure is impressive:
- Xbox app on mobile devices and tablets
- Game Pass cloud streaming to various platforms
- Cross-device progression maintaining saves everywhere
- Compatible with multiple handhelds like ROG Ally
PlayStation: Portal Innovation
Sony offers remote play through:
- PlayStation app for phones and tablets
- PlayStation Portal – Dedicated handheld device
- Direct PS Plus streaming without console connection
- Wi-Fi connectivity for gaming anywhere in your home
The PlayStation Portal initially launched with connectivity issues but has evolved into a genuinely useful accessory for couch gaming and playing in bed.
Buy on AmazonConsole Pricing: Value Across Price Points
Xbox Series Options
Microsoft offers clear price tiers:
Xbox Series S: £299/$379 Check it out on Amazon
- Entry-level performance
- Digital-only gaming
- 1440p target resolution
- Perfect for casual gamers or Game Pass subscribers
Xbox Series X: £499-599 (recent price increases) Check it out on Amazon
- Full 4K gaming capability
- Disc drive included
- Premium performance
- Complete feature set
PlayStation 5 Lineup
Sony provides more variety:
PS5 Digital: £389/$449 Check it out on Amazon
- Same performance as standard PS5
- Digital game purchases only
- Sleek design without disc drive
PS5 Standard: £479/$499 Check it out on Amazon
- Physical and digital game support
- Complete PS5 experience
- Backwards compatibility with PS4 discs
PS5 Pro: £699/$699 Check it out on Amazon
- Enhanced performance and visuals
- AI-upscaling technology
- Premium gaming experience
- Best-in-class console performance
The 2025 Verdict: PlayStation Takes the Lead
After analyzing games, services, features, and value, the choice has become surprisingly clear in 2025.
Why PlayStation 5 Wins
- Game Library Supremacy: PS5 plays both PlayStation exclusives AND most Xbox games, giving you the largest possible console game library.
- Exclusive Content: High-quality PlayStation exclusives remain platform-exclusive, while Xbox exclusives are coming to PlayStation.
- Innovation Leadership: DualSense controller features, PSVR2 support, and PS5 Pro performance push gaming forward.
- Complete Ecosystem: From handheld gaming with Portal to VR with PSVR2, PlayStation offers more ways to play.
- Future-Proof Investment: PlayStation exclusives aren’t going anywhere, while Xbox games continue migrating to other platforms.
When Xbox Still Makes Sense
- Game Pass Devotees: If subscription gaming is your primary model and you prefer Xbox’s interface.
- Controller Preference: If you strongly prefer Xbox’s asymmetrical layout and can’t adapt to alternatives.
- Existing Investment: If you already own extensive Xbox digital libraries and achievements.
- Budget Gaming: Xbox Series S remains the cheapest entry point to current-gen gaming.
The Bottom Line: Do You Need an Xbox in 2025?
Short answer: No.
Unless you already own an Xbox or have compelling personal reasons to choose Microsoft’s ecosystem, PlayStation 5 has become the superior choice for most gamers in 2025.
The convergence of Xbox games onto PlayStation, combined with PlayStation’s exclusive content and innovative hardware features, creates a situation where PS5 owners get the best of both worlds while Xbox owners miss out on PlayStation’s unique offerings.
This doesn’t make Xbox Series consoles bad—they’re excellent machines with great performance and Game Pass integration. But when choosing between the two, PlayStation 5 offers more exclusives, more features, and access to nearly everything Xbox offers.
The Smart 2025 Gaming Strategy
For most gamers, the optimal approach is:
- Buy a PlayStation 5 for console gaming
- Subscribe to Game Pass on PC/mobile for Microsoft’s day-one releases
- Enjoy the largest possible game library across multiple platforms
This strategy gives you PlayStation exclusives, Xbox games (often enhanced for PS5), and Game Pass benefits without needing multiple consoles.
The console wars haven’t ended—they’ve evolved. And in this new landscape, PlayStation has positioned itself as the clear winner for 2025 and beyond.
Whether you choose the standard PS5, digital edition, or splurge on the Pro model, you’re investing in a platform that offers maximum gaming potential in today’s multiplatform world.
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