Microsoft
Xbox Series S
Zen 2 · 4 TFLOPS RDNA 2 · 1440p target
82
/ 100
From $299
VS
Sony DualSense (Black) wins by 6
Sony
Sony DualSense (Black)
Controller · 2020
88
/ 100
From $69
Specdex verdict
Sony DualSense (Black) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Xbox Series S lands at 82 and Sony DualSense (Black) at 88. That puts Sony DualSense (Black) ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Xbox Series S if…
- ✓Cheapest path into Game Pass + Quick Resume
- ✓Compact white form factor
- ✓120 FPS target at lower resolutions
Pick Sony DualSense (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Xbox Series S 82
vs 88 Sony DualSense (Black)
Score breakdown
Xbox Series S
82 performance 80
games 84
features 86
value 92
Sony DualSense (Black)
88 performance 88
games 86
features 86
value 82
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Xbox Series S | Sony DualSense (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Custom AMD Zen 2 8C @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT) | — |
| GPU | Custom RDNA 2, 20 CUs @ 1.565 GHz, 4.006 TFLOPS | — |
| RAM | 10 GB GDDR6 (8 GB @ 224 GB/s + 2 GB @ 56 GB/s) | — |
| Storage | 512 GB internal SSD | — |
| Output | 1440p target up to 120 FPS | — |
| Dimensions | 275 × 151 × 65 mm | — |
| Weight | 1.93 kg | — |
| Type | — | Controller |
| Color | — | Black |
| Release year | — | 2020 |
Xbox Series S
Pros
- +Cheapest path into Game Pass + Quick Resume
- +Compact white form factor
- +120 FPS target at lower resolutions
Cons
- −512 GB SSD fills fast
- −10 GB total RAM splits between 8 GB fast + 2 GB slow
- −No disc drive
Sony DualSense (Black)
Pros
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
FAQ: Xbox Series S vs Sony DualSense (Black)
Which is better, Xbox Series S or Sony DualSense (Black)? +
Sony DualSense (Black) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Xbox Series S worth the price? +
At $299, Xbox Series S delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in value.
Is Sony DualSense (Black) worth the price? +
At $69, Sony DualSense (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Does Xbox Series S or Sony DualSense (Black) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.