How Do Xbox Series X and Gaming PC Compare? Xbox vs. PC debate erupts every time a new generation Xbox is released. With the Xbox Series X leading this generation of Microsoft’s gaming console, it’s worth considering again.
This is especially true given that you might not be able to obtain one easily. If you read this later, you might not have a problem with that.
In this section, we will compare the Xbox X to a gaming PC based on important factors to assist you in making your final decision.
Things to Keep in Mind When Comparing Xbox to PC
While this article aims to supply you with useful information, keep the following things in mind:
- The pricing for Xbox Series X console and PC parts can vary depending on time and location.
- Another deciding factor is the console and graphics card availability for a gaming PC.
Another deciding factor is the console and graphics card availability for a gaming PC.
Xbox Series X vs. Gaming PC: Which Is Better?
The Xbox and the Gaming PC have a lot to offer, but which one comes out on top when compared? Let’s examine the key factors when deciding between an Xbox and a Gaming PC.
The Xbox and PC Game Ecosystem
You should consider the availability of games and the pricing of titles in addition to the hardware you interact with.
While the Xbox Game Pass offers excellent value for both PC and console, the PC base subscription includes an additional EA Play subscription. You must purchase the Ultimate Game Pass to access EA titles on your Xbox console.
Xbox Game Pass for both platforms offers a plethora of games as well as purchase discounts. If you rely on Xbox Game Pass, they are both valuable, with PC subscribers having a slight advantage.
However, you are limited to the Xbox store (or Microsoft‘s store) when using the Xbox Series X.
With a gaming PC, you can approach a variety of other game stores, such as Steam and Epic Games, which have massive collections of games and offer regular deals/free games. Furthermore, because you do not rely on a single company, there are endless possibilities for new subscriptions/services shortly, unlike Xbox Series X.
Xbox and PC Hardware Capabilities
It is a capable console with an 8-core Zen 2-based AMD processor and a GPU powered by AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, providing 52 compute units.
The Xbox Series X specifications are nearly identical to a Ryzen 7 3700X desktop processor paired with a Radeon RX 6800 or Nvidia RTX 3070. So, on paper, the Xbox Series X graphics prowess is sufficient for 4K gaming and 120 FPS experience.
Of course, performance depends on the type of game you play. As a result, you should not expect a full-fledged 4K gaming experience with 120 frames for all games.
A gaming PC with those specifications may not be sufficient for full-fledged 4K gaming. Still, you can use NVIDIA’s DLSS or AMD’s Fidelity FX Super Resolution to improve performance. However, due to console optimization, you may have a better experience.
However, if you consider a high-end gaming PC, you can easily get more experience.
Xbox and PC Price
Building a high-end gaming PC is undoubtedly an expensive endeavor. If you want every part of your component as a top-notch selection, the sky’s the limit. You might even buy a $700 PC cabinet for its looks.
Not only are you limited by price, but you must also ensure you are not overpaying for the components.
As a result, putting together a good gaming rig necessitates a significant amount of research. For convenience, you can purchase a pre-built gaming system from NZXT and others, but it is limited to the United States and Canada.
The Xbox Series X is significantly less expensive for its gaming capabilities and hassle-free one-unit purchase.
Xbox Series X and Gaming PC Upgrade Options
It is important to understand whether you want to upgrade your system after a few years or purchase a new one.
If you want to buy a PC, you can easily upgrade it. You can choose to upgrade any component, which is a huge benefit in terms of longevity. For example, if the performance of your gaming PC is unsatisfactory after a few years, you can simply upgrade the graphics card while leaving the rest alone.
However, the Xbox Series X offers limited upgrade options, as you can only upgrade the storage space, not the chip or graphics card.
So, in the case of a console, you will have to purchase a new Xbox (next-gen). However, a PC upgrade may save you more money over the years.
If you already have a mid-range PC that works well, you can get a few upgrades (like a new graphics card) to improve your gaming experience on a budget. Ultimately, it depends on your needs, but you should be able to save some money and give your old PC new life.
Xbox Series X and Gaming PC Portability
A gaming PC might not be as portable as the Xbox Series X in portability.
Technically, a mini-ITX gaming system that is similarly portable can be built. However, doing it correctly is a difficult task.
When it comes to a gaming desktop, you must consider your components’ cooling and form factor. It could be a disaster if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Of course, if you want the eventual portability, a high-end laptop may be superior to the Xbox Series X, but you may sacrifice performance for the extra money. Furthermore, a laptop has limited upgrade options.
Overall, when it comes to portability, a PC has options, but a console is already a portable machine.
Xbox Series X and Gaming PC Warranty and After-Sales
A one-year limited warranty is included with the Xbox Series X. You can examine extending the warranty for up to three years, but retailers may not offer it.
In the case of a PC, you get a warranty for each component you purchase. Most offer a three-year warranty, and some offer five to ten years.
This is a significant difference in terms of assurance and longevity.
Of course, the Xbox Series X may not fail for years (for most), but you can have it replaced for PC components.
What Should You Go For; Xbox Series X or Gaming PC?
The Xbox Series X should be a good option if you want to focus on playing games with 4K support and want the convenience of a console.
However, if you want the ability to upgrade, access more games, and a multi-purpose system, a PC should be your pick.
Both have advantages and disadvantages. Finally, you must weigh your options and pick what is more important.
