When Microsoft released the specs for their next-gen Xbox Series X console, it was clear the system would pack a punch. Equipped with some of the latest high-end technology available, the Xbox Series X is bound to be a powerful system which can rival any other machine. However, with the majority of players opting for PC over a home console, the Series X will truly need to stand out in its performance and technical capabilities in order to compete.
With the recent Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft unveiled their line-up of exclusives for the 2020 season and beyond. Fortunately for Xbox One owners, many of these titles, including Microsoft's flagship Halo: Infinite title, will be releasing on the system. Those who have a PC will also get the chance to play Xbox's latest titles, as Microsoft is focused more on community between its players than exclusivity. As such, if PC and Xbox Series X owners will be able to play the same content, why is one system better than the other?
When it comes to sheer power and performance, the Xbox Series X is an absolutely brutal machine. In fact, the Series X has quite a twice the power seen in the Xbox One X and makes the Series X the fastest console that's currently available.
How PC Stacks Up Against The Xbox Series X
For gaming PC owners who want to try and match the computing capabilities of the Xbox Series X, they will need to budget approximately $1,200 USD for a state-of-the-art graphics card alone. However, a PC doesn't need such expensive equipment to be a reliable machine. Even a cheaper gaming computer can run some of the most taxing games at a steady FPS with minimal downsides. Really, where PC will always win over consoles is how adaptable these systems are. Unlike consoles, which are solely equipped with the hardware they ship with, PCs can always be upgraded and customized with the latest hardware on the market. While in the long run this makes PCs quite a bit more expensive than a console, it does allow players to really tinker around and create their own ideal gaming setup.
What any console or system comes down to are games. With Microsoft really striving to make their Xbox titles available across other Microsoft products, Xbox Series X and PC owners will have a lot of overlap. Perhaps the only area where PC falters in is backwards compatibility. The Xbox Series X will be compatible with a vast library of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles. While PC s will have access to all the latest Series X and a few Xbox One games, the Xbox 360 is host to many exclusives. However, it may end up being easier (and cheaper) for players to purchase an older Xbox system if there's a particular game they wish to play, over owning both a PC and an Xbox Series X.
Ultimately, any comparison between systems comes down to personal preference. Given that Microsoft is so geared towards eliminating the concept of "exclusives" from their titles, there's little reason for players to purchase an Xbox Series X if they already have a powerful PC. However, for those who may prefer to avoid spending thousands on a custom PC and would much rather just make a one time console purchase, the Xbox Series X is definitely the way to go. Microsoft has made it clear their next-gen console will be better than ever, and so far, that is definitely the case.
