The Xbox Series X is a powerful video game console that has yet to reach its full potential. It’s still early days, therefore, we expect to truly see what this device is capable of in the coming months and years. However, the big question right now is how does the Series X compare to a full-fledged gaming Windows PC?
Let’s be honest about something here. You’re not going to build a gaming PC that compares to the Xbox Series X for the same amount of funds. The Series X cost around $500, while an equivalent gaming PC would set you back more than $1,000 or more. Still, we must consider that the Series X is limited in what it can do.
Xbox Series X vs Gaming PC
Which is the better option for you? Well, the answer to that might not be as straightforward since no gamer is the same. Still, we aim to help you find that answer to make the best decision. We will discuss them under the following heads:
- Hardware Specs
- Portability
- Games
- Which is best for you?
1] Xbox Series X vs Gaming PC: Hardware Specs
As we have stated above, the Xbox Series X is no slouch. It comes packed with an 8-core Zen 2 AMD processor alongside an AMD RDNA 2 powered GPU that delivers 52 compute units. From what we have gathered, this is equivalent to AMD Ryzen 7 3700X bundled with Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800.
If you want to play games at 4K on the cheap, then the Xbox Series X is your best bet at this time. Furthermore, it comes with a super-fast SSD, something most gaming PCs are lacking, even in 2022.
At the end of the day, the Series X is locked in, which means, it cannot be upgraded to be more powerful than it is now. This is where gaming PCs take the lead because if a component becomes outdated, users can easily replace that single piece of hardware instead of buying a new system.
Additionally, if you have money to spare, you can purchase or build a gaming PC that is far more powerful than a Series X. Games will perform much better, giving you the best experience you cannot find anywhere else.
2] Xbox Series X vs Gaming PC: Portability
OK, so if you’re looking for portability, a typical desktop gaming PC won’t cut it due to its size. Since the Series X is smaller, you can pack it up in a bag and travel with it to a friend’s house with relative ease. However, if you are not interested in a video game console for portability, then consider investing in a gaming laptop.
A laptop is the most portable of them all, but bear in mind that the cost of acquiring a powerful laptop for gaming will cost more than a PC or Xbox, so if you have no problem with this, then go ahead.
3] Xbox Series X bs Gaming PC: Games
If you want the largest library of video games known to man, then you need a gaming PC. You will have the ability to play a ton of games, both good and bad without ever getting bored. But when it comes down to backward compatibility, the Xbox Series X reigns supreme due to the actions Microsoft has taken.
Players can play old games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even the original Xbox to a lesser degree. The same cannot be said for the PC because as technology changes, it becomes harder to run older titles that haven’t been updated.
We need to stress that all games coming out of Microsoft game studios will not be exclusive to the Xbox Series of consoles. They will all come to PC, so if you already have a capable gaming rig, then there are few reasons to get an Xbox unless you want to.
Nonetheless, there is one thing that truly sets the Xbox Series X apart, and that is Game Pass. Yes, the service is also available on PC, but the Xbox version contains over 400 games while the service on PC has over 100 titles and growing.
4] Xbox Series X vs Gaming PC: Which is best for you?
When it comes down to which is better, it all boils down to your personal needs. If you want portability and lack the funds to acquire a gaming laptop, then the Xbox Series X is right for you. The same goes if you want to pay a monthly fee to play over 400 games throughout the subscription period without having to pay an extra cent.
For those who want unlimited power that comes at a cost on the pocket, then we suggest looking at a gaming PC for your needs.
Read: How to clear Xbox Series X and Series S cache.
Is the Xbox Series X worth getting now?
The console has been on the market for over a year now, therefore, it now has a lot of content to be considered a viable option for gaming. In the early days, the majority of titles available for the Xbox Series X were older games from the Xbox One, but that has long changed.
Can a regular PC be used for gaming?
Yes, you can use a regular Windows PC for gaming, but you will likely have to stick with playing less demanding titles such as Minecraft, League of Legends, World of Tanks Blitz, and more.
That’s all.