Ps4 Pro Vs Xbox One X Which Aging Console Still Holds Up In 2025

As we step deeper into 2025, the gaming world has largely shifted toward next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Yet, millions of players still rely on older hardware—particularly the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X—for their daily gaming needs. These were the most powerful mid-generation upgrades of the eighth console generation, designed to deliver 4K gaming and enhanced visuals before true next-gen arrived. But nearly a decade after their launches, how do they stack up today?

This isn’t just about raw specs or launch-day hype. It’s about real-world usability in 2025: backward compatibility, performance with modern games via cloud or streaming, media functionality, online stability, and overall longevity. For budget-conscious gamers, second-hand buyers, or those waiting out supply shortages, choosing between these two aging titans still matters.

Hardware Showdown: Power Under the Hood

The PS4 Pro and Xbox One X launched within months of each other—November 2016 and November 2017, respectively—and both promised “true 4K” gaming. However, the reality is more nuanced than marketing suggested.

The Xbox One X holds a clear edge in raw power. With 6 teraflops of GPU performance, 12GB of GDDR5 RAM (shared), and a slightly faster CPU clock speed, it was Microsoft’s answer to Sony’s early lead in console adoption. By contrast, the PS4 Pro offers 4.2 teraflops, 8GB of GDDR5, and slower memory bandwidth. On paper, this makes the One X significantly stronger.

In practice, many multiplatform titles run better on the Xbox One X. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider often achieve higher resolution rendering, more stable frame rates, and improved texture filtering on Microsoft’s machine. While neither console renders native 4K consistently, the One X uses checkerboard rendering more effectively, resulting in sharper images on average.

Tip: If you own a 4K TV but no next-gen console, the Xbox One X will extract more visual fidelity from supported games than the PS4 Pro.

Thermal Design and Longevity Concerns

Both systems have faced criticism over heat management. The PS4 Pro, especially earlier models, is prone to loud fan noise during intensive sessions. Its compact design limits airflow, leading to thermal throttling in some cases. Replacing the internal thermal paste can help extend its life—a common fix among enthusiasts.

The Xbox One X, while larger and heavier, benefits from superior cooling architecture. Its vapor chamber heatsink and large internal volume allow for quieter operation and consistent performance over time. Users report fewer long-term reliability issues compared to the PS4 Pro, though both benefit from proper ventilation and dust control.

“Even at five years old, the Xbox One X remains remarkably stable under load. Its engineering foresight gave it an edge that’s still visible in 2025.” — Jordan Lee, Console Hardware Analyst, TechHorizon Weekly

Game Library and Backward Compatibility

When evaluating an aging console, software support often outweighs hardware specs. Here, the two platforms diverge sharply.

Sony’s approach to backward compatibility has historically been limited. The PS4 Pro plays all PS4 titles, including enhanced versions labeled “PS4 Pro Enhanced,” but cannot run PS3, PS2, or PS1 discs natively. Some legacy titles are available through PlayStation Plus Premium’s streaming service—but only with a subscription and strong internet.

Microsoft takes a different route. The Xbox One X supports thousands of original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games through official backward compatibility. Over 650 titles—including critically acclaimed entries like BioShock: Remastered, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and Starfield (via Smart Delivery)—run with improved frame rates, resolutions, and load times on the One X.

Feature	PS4 Pro	Xbox One X
Backward Compatible Generations	PS4 only	Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Enhanced Legacy Titles	No	Yes (over 650)
Native Game Streaming Support	Limited (PS+ Premium)	Xbox Cloud Gaming (included)
Free Online Multiplayer	No (PS Plus required)	No (Xbox Live Gold/Xbox Game Pass Core)
Smart Delivery Support	No	Yes

This difference becomes crucial in 2025. As physical media declines and digital libraries grow, having access to a vast catalog without repurchasing games gives the One X lasting appeal. Meanwhile, PS4 Pro owners face potential obsolescence when trying to revisit pre-PS4 classics.

Media and Ecosystem Integration

Modern consoles are entertainment hubs, not just gaming devices. In this role, both the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X remain surprisingly capable.

The PS4 Pro integrates tightly with Sony’s ecosystem. It supports 4K Blu-ray playback, making it one of the most affordable 4K disc players on the market. Apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube run smoothly, and HDR10 support ensures vibrant picture quality. However, updates have slowed since the PS5 launch, and newer app features may arrive late or not at all.

The Xbox One X also plays 4K UHD Blu-rays and handles major streaming services well. What sets it apart is deeper integration with Windows 10/11 PCs and Microsoft’s broader ecosystem. Features like Remote Play, cross-save with PC titles, and seamless transitions via Xbox Cloud Gaming provide continuity that Sony lacks.

For households using multiple Microsoft devices, the One X functions as a natural extension of a unified experience. Gamers who play Halo Infinite on PC can jump back onto their One X and pick up exactly where they left off—progress, settings, and all.

Real-World Example: The Hybrid Household

Consider Mark, a father of two in Austin, Texas, who bought an Xbox One X in 2018. He primarily used it for single-player campaigns and family movie nights. When he upgraded to an Xbox Series S in 2023 due to space constraints, he didn’t sell his One X. Instead, he connected it to his bedroom TV.

Today, his teenage daughter uses it to replay Forza Horizon 4 and stream anime via Crunchyroll. His younger son plays remastered versions of classic platformers like Ori and the Blind Forest. Mark himself occasionally boots it up to play older RPGs that haven’t made the leap to Game Pass. Because of backward compatibility and cloud saves, none of them lost progress.

In contrast, Sarah, a Seattle-based gamer with a PS4 Pro, found herself unable to revisit her beloved copy of Infamous Second Son after moving apartments—her old PS4 was damaged, and she couldn’t transfer licenses easily. She eventually repurchased several titles on PS5, highlighting a key limitation of Sony’s ecosystem lock-in.

Performance in 2025: Can They Handle Modern Demands?

Neither console runs native next-gen titles, but both offer indirect paths to modern gaming through cloud services.

PlayStation Now evolved into PlayStation Plus Premium, offering streaming access to select PS5 titles like God of War Ragnarök and Horizon Forbidden West. However, streaming quality depends heavily on internet speed, and input lag remains noticeable—even on fiber connections. The PS4 Pro itself sees no performance improvements from these streams; it merely acts as a receiver.

Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud) provides a smoother experience. Available on the One X through a browser or app, it allows instant access to hundreds of Game Pass titles, including day-one releases like Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush. Microsoft’s data centers are optimized for low-latency delivery, and controller input responsiveness is generally better than Sony’s solution.

• Minimum recommended internet speed: 20 Mbps (Xbox), 15 Mbps (PS)
• Average latency: 60–100ms (Xbox), 80–130ms (PS)
• Supported controllers: Both accept most Bluetooth gamepads

For users without a next-gen console, Xbox Cloud Gaming on the One X offers a more future-proof bridge into current-gen experiences. The PS4 Pro’s reliance on increasingly neglected infrastructure makes it feel more isolated.

Maintenance Checklist: Extending Your Console’s Life in 2025

If you’re still using either system, proactive care can prevent failures and maintain performance. Follow this checklist:

1. Clean vents monthly: Use compressed air to remove dust buildup around exhaust ports.
2. Ensure proper ventilation: Leave at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides, especially above and behind.
3. Update firmware regularly: Even minor patches can improve stability and security.
4. Replace thermal paste every 2–3 years: Prevents overheating and reduces fan strain.
5. Use surge protectors: Power spikes are a leading cause of motherboard failure.
6. Backup saved data: Use cloud storage or USB drives to avoid losing progress if hardware fails.
7. Limit background apps: Close unused apps to free up RAM and reduce crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy digital games for PS4 Pro or Xbox One X in 2025?

Yes. Both the PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store continue to support digital purchases for these consoles. However, new indie and AAA titles are increasingly focused on next-gen platforms, so selection may dwindle over time.

Is it worth repairing an aging console instead of upgrading?

It depends. If your console suffers from a failing hard drive or thermal issues, repairs cost $50–$120—often less than buying a used next-gen model. For casual gamers or secondary TVs, repair makes sense. For serious players wanting ray tracing or fast loading, upgrading is better.

Will online multiplayer shut down soon?

Not imminently. Sony and Microsoft typically support online services for 7–10 years post-launch. Given the installed base, servers for both consoles should remain active until at least 2027. However, smaller third-party titles may lose matchmaking earlier.

Final Verdict: Which Console Holds Up Better?

In 2025, the Xbox One X emerges as the more resilient choice. Its superior hardware, expansive backward compatibility, and seamless integration with modern cloud gaming give it staying power beyond what the PS4 Pro can offer. While the PS4 Pro remains functional—especially as a 4K Blu-ray player and media box—it lacks the ecosystem flexibility and forward-looking features that define sustainable tech.

The One X wasn’t just the most powerful last-gen console; it was built as a transitional device. That vision pays dividends today. Whether you’re revisiting classics, sharing games across devices, or testing next-gen titles via the cloud, it adapts where the PS4 Pro stagnates.

That said, if you’re deeply invested in PlayStation exclusives like Spider-Man or Ghost of Tsushima, and don’t plan to upgrade soon, the PS4 Pro still delivers a solid experience. Just recognize its limitations: no legacy support, minimal cloud utility, and diminishing developer attention.

💬 Still using a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X in 2025? Share your experience—what keeps yours running, and what would make you finally upgrade?