Elden Ring: PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S Tech Review - The Best Ways to Play on Next-Gen Consoles

Summary

Digital Foundry examines Elden Ring on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, using the launch version updated to patch 1.02. Its central finding is that none of the native current-gen versions holds a steady 60 fps. The best way to play depends on whether smooth performance or higher visual quality matters more—and whether the player has a VRR display.

Performance and recommended ways to play

• Native PS5 and Xbox Series X|S: Each offers a frame-rate mode and a quality mode, but neither reliably reaches 60 fps. Frame-rate mode is generally smoother and is the recommended native mode.
• Xbox with a VRR-capable display: VRR makes frame-rate fluctuations feel much smoother. The reviewers consider an Xbox Series X with VRR one of the best options, though performance still dips and can fall below VRR’s effective range. With compatible LG displays, they recommend using the console’s 120 Hz output, since low-frame-rate compensation can help below 40 fps.
• PS5 running the PS4 Pro version: For players without VRR, running the PS4 app on PS5 offers the most consistent performance, delivering a very stable 60 fps. The trade-off is reduced visual quality, including checkerboard-reconstructed resolution of roughly 1800p, less-dense grass, and lower-quality shadows. The reviewers note that PS5 disc owners may not have access to this option.
• Xbox One X version on Series X: This can be run through a workaround, but requires offline play to prevent the Series X version from installing. It does not provide the same complete frame-rate improvement as the PS4 Pro version on PS5, so the reviewers do not recommend it over the native Xbox version with VRR.

Modes and visual differences

• In quality mode, PS5 and Series X use a fixed 4K resolution; Series S uses a fixed 1440p resolution.
• Frame-rate mode uses dynamic resolution. PS5 and Series X can drop from 4K to about 1512p, while Series S can drop from 1440p to about 1008p.
• Frame-rate mode also lowers shadow quality on all three consoles. Series S starts from a lower shadow setting and drops further.
• Motion blur behaves inconsistently in frame-rate mode: it is often absent in the open world but can appear in some sequences or cutscenes. Quality mode keeps it enabled more consistently.
• The reviewers caution that resolution comparisons between consoles are difficult to generalize because resolution varies dynamically.

Loading times and patch comparison

PS5 loads substantially faster than the Xbox consoles. The reviewers report typical load times of around 4–7 seconds on PS5, compared with roughly 10–20 seconds on Series X and Series S, depending on the situation. Xbox is still faster than last-gen versions, but the difference is noticeable given how often the game involves respawning and fast travel.

Patch 1.02 did not deliver the expected performance improvement over the network test. In some comparisons, the final release actually runs slower, with frame rates several frames lower in certain scenes. The reviewers also observe reduced shadow draw distance in parts of the final build. They do not find that these changes meaningfully improve performance.

Game design and review

Despite the technical problems, the reviewers praise the game’s world design and exploration. They argue that its dangerous encounters and carefully placed enemies make exploration feel consequential, rather than like completing a checklist of map icons. Discoveries—including items, caves, ruins, and merchants—can meaningfully help players overcome challenges.

They also note that the open-ended structure gives players options when they get stuck. However, Elden Ring remains a Souls-style experience and may not suit everyone.

Practical guide

1. Want the steadiest 60 fps on PlayStation? Run the PS4 Pro version on PS5, accepting its visual compromises.
2. Have an Xbox and a VRR display? Use the native version, preferably with 120 Hz output if supported.
3. Using a native version without VRR? Choose frame-rate mode for a smoother experience, but expect frequent dips below 60 fps.
4. Prioritize image quality? Quality mode raises resolution but does not solve performance issues. On Series S, it can be particularly rough without VRR.

Main speakers and sources

• Tom — Presenter and performance-capture analyst.
• John Linneman — Co-presenter and game analyst.