Both Microsoft and Sony have created massive next-generation consoles. We’ve known for weeks that the PS5 is a release The largest gaming console In recent history, however, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X isn’t exactly young. Now that we have both controllers to compare side by side, the design decisions and the differences are immediately apparent.

Both Microsoft and Sony have taken different approaches to designing the console for this next generation. These design choices appear when you place both vertically or horizontally side by side. The PS5 is bigger than Xbox Series X in nearly every possible way.

While the PS5 towers over the Xbox Series X when standing vertically, it is thinner when placed. This means you can unlock the PS5 in TV mounts as you can’t squeeze out the Xbox Series X. This is something you have to consider before full reviews.

The placement of the controllers is important since both require adequate ventilation to ensure that heat or dust does not build up in or around the devices which could affect performance and noise in the coming months.

The PS5 is approximately 390 mm (15.4 in) long, 260 mm (10.24 in) deep and 104 mm (4.09 in) wide, while the Xbox Series X 301 mm (11.8 in) is 151 mm (5.9 in) wide or deep.

Sony and Microsoft designs also differ when it comes to accessing interior items. Sony allows PS5 owners to open the console and clean dust, or even expand their storage capabilities with an M.2 SSD slot. The Xbox Series X does not invite or allow you to open it, and storage expansion is handled by special expansion cards.

The differences between the next-generation Xbox and PS5 consoles become more apparent when you look at the smaller Xbox Series S consoles. Microsoft has managed to compress most components from the Xbox Series X into a much smaller package, without the same GPU power found on a larger unit.

Comparing Xbox Series S to PS5 is similar to apples and oranges based only on general specifications, but they are physically different as well. The Xbox Series S is 275 mm (10.8 in) long, 151 mm (5.9 in) wide and 63.5 mm (2.5 in) wide in portrait mode. This smaller Xbox looks almost out of place next to the towering PS5 and massive Xbox Series X.

While Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S consoles do not have removable mounts, Sony has opted for a mount that you will need to move based on directions. The PS5 stand is shaped like a disc, and attaches using a flat head screwdriver on the bottom of the console. The stand also has claws that fit into the hollow portion of the PS5 when it stands upright, or you can simply remove the mount from below and use these claws to secure it to the back of the console to rest horizontally.

The Xbox Series X has its own stand, but it is not removable. When you place the Xbox Series X horizontally, it appears to have fallen off with the stand still attached. The Xbox Series S looks good in either position without the need for any mounts, and is clearly designed to easily fit indoor TV cabinets.

We’ll have a full review of all three of the next-generation consoles in the coming weeks. stay tuned.

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge