Xbox One vs. PS4: Price, Features, and Which Console to Choose (No Xbox 720)

First, a quick correction: there is no "Xbox 720." The current Xbox generation is the Xbox Series X|S. If you're comparing last-gen consoles, it's Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4—both still viable in 2024 for budget gaming.

Xbox One (S / X)

Pros

• Xbox Game Pass: 300+ games for a monthly fee; includes day-one first-party titles.
• Backward Compatibility: Plays thousands of Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, often with enhancements.
• Xbox Cloud Gaming: Stream Game Pass titles to phone, tablet, or weak PC (requires Game Pass Ultimate).
• Quick Resume: Suspend multiple games and switch instantly.

Cons

• Fewer high-profile exclusives than PlayStation.
• Xbox One S struggles at 1080p/30 in modern cross-gen titles.

PlayStation 4 (Slim / Pro)

Pros

• Best-in-class exclusives: God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima.
• Lower used prices: PS4 Slim often cheaper than Xbox One S.
• VR support: PSVR (original) works on PS4; large library of VR titles.

Cons

• No Game Pass equivalent; you buy most games individually.
• Limited backward compatibility (only select PS2/PS4 classics via PS Plus Premium streaming).
• No Quick Resume; slower UI on base model.

Decision Checklist

Both consoles are discontinued but widely available used. Check disc drive health and controller drift before buying.