Would you rather buy a gaming PC or an Xbox Series X? Here’s a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
Every time a new Xbox generation comes out, there’s a debate about Xbox and PC. Another reason to think about Xbox Series X, the next generation of Microsoft’s gaming console. Even more so since you probably won’t be able to get one easily. You may not mind that if you’re reading this later. Taking into account all the important factors, we’ll compare Xbox X to a gaming PC.
Xbox vs PC: What to consider?
Despite what this article says, keep in mind a few things:
- Prices can vary between countries and times for Xbox Series X consoles and PCs.
- Gaming PCs have consoles and graphics cards available.
In that spirit, let’s compare the Xbox Series X to a gaming PC.
How do Xbox Series X and gaming PCs compare?
Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems.
Playing games and paying for titles are just as important as the hardware you interact with. There’s a lot to love about the Xbox Game Pass, though you get an extra EA Play subscription with the PC subscription too. With the ultimate game pass, you can play EA titles on Xbox.
There are tons of games and discounts with Xbox Game Pass for both platforms. Therefore, Xbox Game Pass is almost as good as PC Game Pass. If you use the Xbox Series X, you’re limited to the Xbox store (or Microsoft’s store). Steam and Epic Games are two game stores that have massive collections of games with regular deals/freebies when you have a gaming PC. Also, you don’t rely on one company, unlike Xbox Series X, so there’s endless possibilities for subscriptions/services in the future.
Features of Xbox One and PC.
There are 52 compute units in the Xbox Series X, powered by AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture and a Zen 2-based AMD processor. It’s almost as good as a Ryzen 7 3700X desktop CPU with a Radeon RX 6800 or Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU. The Xbox Series X’s graphics are good enough for 4K gaming and 120FPS. You have to play the right game for the best performance. For all the games, don’t expect a full-fledged 4K experience with 120 frames.
Even with those specs, you might not be able to play 4K games at all, but you do have the option to improve the performance with NVIDIA’s DLSS or AMD’s Fidelity FX Super Resolution. On the other hand, the console’s optimization might give you a better experience. It’s easy to experience more with a high-end gaming PC, though.
PC and Xbox prices.
You can spend a lot on a high-end gaming PC. Everything in your component is up to you if you want it to be top-notch. A PC cabinet can cost you as much as $700 just for looks. The price isn’t the only thing to consider, you’ll need to make sure you don’t overpay.
To set up a good gaming rig, you have to do a lot of research. NZXT and others offer pre-built gaming systems for convenience, but they’re only available in the U.S./Canada. However, Xbox Series X’s gaming features and hassle-free one-unit purchase make it a great deal cheaper.
Upgrade options for Xbox Series X and gaming PCs.
Understanding whether you’ll upgrade or just buy a new system after a few years is important. PCs are easy to upgrade if you’re thinking about getting one. It’s actually possible to upgrade any component, which makes it a lot more durable. You can, for example, upgrade the graphics card on your gaming PC if the performance isn’t up to par after a few years.
The Xbox Series X has limited upgrade options. You can only upgrade the storage space, not the graphics card or chip. Basically, you’ll have to get a new Xbox (next-gen). In the long run, an upgrade might save you more money. Don’t forget you can step up your gaming experience with a few upgrades (like a new graphics card) if you have a mid-range PC that runs decently. Overall, you’ll be able to save a few bucks and breathe new life into your old PC depending on your requirements.
Portability of Xbox Series X and gaming PCs.
There’s no denying that an Xbox Series X is more portable than a gaming PC. In theory, you could build a mini-ITX gaming system. The right way to do it is hard. Choosing components for a gaming desktop means considering cooling and form factor. Without knowledge, it could be a disaster.
The Xbox Series X is great if you’re looking for the ultimate portability, but you may lose out on performance if you spend more. Additionally, laptops don’t have a lot of upgrade options. Generally, PCs have choices for portability, but consoles are already portable.
Gaming PCs and Xbox Series X warranties.
There’s a one-year limited warranty on Xbox Series X. Retailers may not offer three-year warranties, but you can consider it. Every component of a PC comes with a warranty. There’s a three- or five-year warranty on most of them, and some have ten years. Assurance and longevity are hugely different.
While an Xbox Series X may not fail for years (for most people), a PC component is guaranteed to be replaced.
Should you get an Xbox Series X or a gaming PC?
The Xbox Series X is a great console if you want to focus on 4K gaming. A PC is your best choice if you want to upgrade, play more games, and have a multi-purpose system. There are pros and cons to both. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what’s most important.
