Outer Worlds 2 runs better on Xbox Series X than PS5, report finds
In a surprising twist, Obsidian’s latest RPG performs best on Xbox’s console with PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro struggling to keep up.
For years, side-by-side tests have often favored Sony’s hardware when it comes to multiplatform performance. But The Outer Worlds 2 seems to have flipped that story. Obsidian’s latest RPG actually runs better on the Xbox Series X than on either the PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro according to a report by Digital Foundry.
On the surface, both versions look nearly identical, but dig deeper and the differences start to show. Digital Foundry found that the PS5 version suffers from image breakup, lower resolution, frame rate dips, and screen tearing, even when running in performance mode. The Xbox version, meanwhile, holds up more consistently, with smoother gameplay and sharper visuals.
The PS5 Pro doesn’t escape unscathed either. Its proprietary PSSR upscaler apparently clashes with The Outer Worlds 2’s lumen and ray-traced lighting systems, leading to unstable frame rates and lighting inconsistencies during intense moments. Digital Foundry’s verdict? “The general run of play is noticeably worse than Series X.” The analysts even speculate that Obsidian may be tapping into Xbox-specific hardware features that give it a small but clear edge.
Oluwaseun Bamisile
Outside of performance, Obsidian has been busy expanding the Outer Worlds universe. Players recently met the game’s six new companions, none of whom can be romanced but all of whom can betray you if pushed far enough. There’s also a quirky new “Couch-Panion” Moon Man plushie up for grabs in a contest running until November 16, plus two limited-edition customizable Xbox controllers themed after the game, both priced higher than the base game’s $70 tag.
Critics are already impressed. GameSpot scored the game 8/10, calling it “a sequel that feels like the series coming into its own, carried by flexible combat and smart progression systems.”
The Outer Worlds 2 launches in early access on October 24, with the full release landing on October 29 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can jump in day one.
The Takeaway
The Outer Worlds 2 might be one of the rare cases where Xbox Series X delivers the definitive console experience, outperforming Sony’s systems in stability and visual fidelity. It’s a small win for Microsoft and a reminder that, sometimes, the console wars still come down to raw optimization.
Emmanuel Umahi
