Ps4 Pro Vs Xbox One X Which Last Gen Console Still Holds Up For Casual Gamers

For many casual gamers, the allure of next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is tempered by cost, availability, and necessity. The truth is, both the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X remain powerful machines capable of delivering a premium gaming experience—especially for players who don’t demand cutting-edge frame rates or instant load times. Released in 2016 and 2017 respectively, these enhanced versions of the eighth generation of consoles were designed to bring 4K gaming into the mainstream. Now, years later, they continue to serve as reliable entry points into high-quality gaming without breaking the bank.

This article compares the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X across key categories relevant to casual gamers: performance, game library, user experience, media functionality, and long-term viability. While hardcore enthusiasts may lean toward newer hardware, those who play occasionally, enjoy story-driven titles, or prioritize comfort over specs will find that both consoles still have meaningful life left in them.

Performance and Visual Fidelity

At launch, both the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X were marketed as “pro” or “enhanced” versions of their base models, promising improved graphics and smoother gameplay. However, their underlying architectures differ significantly, which impacts real-world performance.

The Xbox One X holds a clear edge in raw power. With 6 teraflops of GPU performance and 12GB of GDDR5 RAM, it was—and remains—the most powerful non-next-gen console ever released. It consistently delivers native 4K resolution in many games, with stable frame rates and higher texture quality. Titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, Forza Horizon 4, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider run at full 4K on the One X, often outperforming even mid-tier PCs from the same era.

In contrast, the PS4 Pro features 4.2 teraflops and 8GB of GDDR5 RAM. While impressive for its time, it rarely achieves true native 4K. Instead, Sony implemented checkerboard rendering—a technique that simulates 4K by intelligently filling in pixels. In practice, this results in a sharp image that’s close to 4K but not quite identical. Most multi-platform games on PS4 Pro target 1800p or 1440p upscaled to 4K, with variable results depending on optimization.

Tip: If you own a 4K TV but aren't sensitive to minor resolution differences, the PS4 Pro's visual output may be more than sufficient for your needs.

For casual gamers, the difference in visual fidelity is often subtle. Sitting more than six feet from a 55-inch screen, most won’t notice the gap between native and upscaled 4K. Frame rate stability matters more for smooth gameplay, and here both consoles perform admirably in single-player experiences, where developers often prioritize graphical consistency over speed.

Game Library and Exclusive Titles

When evaluating long-term value, the strength of a console’s game library is paramount—especially for casual players who tend to invest deeply in a few beloved franchises rather than chasing every new release.

Sony has historically held a strong advantage in exclusive content. The PS4 Pro benefits from critically acclaimed titles such as God of War (2018), Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, and Spider-Man. These narrative-rich, visually stunning games are often cited as system sellers and remain highly replayable. Even after transitioning to PS5, Sony continues to support PS4 with updates and patches, ensuring these titles run smoothly on Pro hardware.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has fewer first-party exclusives that reached the same cultural impact during the PS4/Xbox One generation. Notable exceptions include Sea of Thieves, Forza Motorsport 7, and State of Decay 2—all well-made but less universally appealing. However, Microsoft’s approach has shifted dramatically with the introduction of Game Pass, which offers access to hundreds of titles, including day-one releases from Bethesda and Activision franchises.

“While Xbox lacks the marquee exclusives of PlayStation, its subscription model levels the playing field for budget-conscious and occasional players.” — Marcus Tran, Gaming Industry Analyst

For casual gamers, this changes the equation. Paying $10–$15 per month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate grants access to a vast library, cloud gaming, and online multiplayer—essentially offering more variety for less upfront cost. Meanwhile, PS Plus Premium provides a smaller catalog of backward-compatible titles and streaming options, though it includes some classic PS2 and PSP games.

Comparison Table: Key Features at a Glance

Feature	PS4 Pro	Xbox One X
GPU Performance	4.2 teraflops	6.0 teraflops
RAM	8GB GDDR5	12GB GDDR5
Resolution Output	Upscaled 4K (checkerboard)	Nearly all native 4K
Exclusive Highlights	God of War, The Last of Us, Spider-Man	Forza Horizon, Halo 5, Sea of Thieves
Backward Compatibility	Limited (PS2 classics via streaming)	Full Xbox & Xbox 360 backward compatibility
Media Features	Blu-ray, HDR, Netflix, YouTube	4K Blu-ray, Dolby Vision, full media hub
Online Service	PS Plus (Essential/Premium)	Xbox Live Gold / Game Pass Ultimate
Longevity (2024)	Supported, but declining developer focus	Fully supported via Game Pass and BC

User Experience and Daily Use

Beyond raw specs and games, how a console feels in daily use can make or break the experience for casual players—who often value simplicity, reliability, and comfort over customization.

The PS4 Pro runs a refined version of Sony’s user interface: clean, intuitive, and fast-loading. Navigating menus, switching between games and apps, and managing downloads is straightforward. The DualShock 4 controller remains one of the most comfortable in the industry, with a balanced weight, responsive triggers, and a built-in touchpad (though rarely used). However, the lack of advanced haptics or adaptive triggers—now standard on PS5—is noticeable only when returning to older hardware after trying newer devices.

The Xbox One X shares a similar UI philosophy but integrates more tightly with Windows and Microsoft services. Its dashboard allows deeper personalization, voice commands via Cortana (discontinued), and seamless PC game syncing through the Xbox app. The Xbox Wireless Controller is widely praised for its ergonomics, especially for larger hands, and supports Bluetooth and AA batteries—making replacements easier than the PS4’s proprietary charging cable.

One major advantage the Xbox One X holds is backward compatibility. It plays nearly all Xbox and Xbox 360 titles with enhancements like higher resolutions and faster load times. For a casual gamer who inherited a library of older games or enjoys retro-style adventures, this feature adds tremendous value. The PS4 Pro, by contrast, offers no physical backward compatibility; playing older titles requires streaming through PS Plus Premium, which depends on internet quality.

Real Example: Sarah’s Weekend Gaming Setup

Sarah, a 32-year-old teacher, bought an Xbox One X in 2018 primarily for family movie nights and weekend gaming. She wasn’t interested in competitive shooters but enjoyed exploring open worlds and completing story campaigns at her own pace. Over the years, she’s played through Red Dead Redemption 2, Outer Wilds, and Stardew Valley—all accessed through Xbox Game Pass. When her father passed down his old Xbox 360 copy of Mass Effect, she was thrilled to discover it worked perfectly on her One X with improved textures and frame pacing. “I never thought I’d relive my college gaming days so clearly,” she said. “It just works.”

Meanwhile, her friend James owns a PS4 Pro. He loves God of War and plays it repeatedly with his son. He appreciates the cinematic presentation and ease of use but admits he hasn’t explored much beyond Sony’s exclusives. “I’d love to try more indie games, but buying each one adds up,” he notes. Without subscribing to PS Plus Premium, he also misses out on classic titles unless he repurchases them digitally.

Media Capabilities and Home Entertainment Role

For many casual users, a console doubles as a living room entertainment hub. Here, the Xbox One X pulls ahead decisively.

It includes a full 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, making it one of the most affordable ways to watch physical 4K movies. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, delivering excellent picture quality when paired with compatible displays. Streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max are optimized for 4K playback, and the interface integrates seamlessly with universal search and voice commands (via external mic or Kinect, though discontinued).

The PS4 Pro also supports 4K streaming and HDR, but it lacks Dolby Vision and does not play 4K Blu-rays. This means users must rely entirely on digital rentals or subscriptions for high-end video content—an ongoing expense compared to purchasing physical media once.

Tip: If you collect movies or prefer offline viewing, the Xbox One X’s 4K Blu-ray player makes it a superior media device.

Future Viability and Long-Term Value

As of 2024, neither console receives new first-party hardware support, but software and service longevity differ.

Sony officially ended production of the PS4 family in early 2022, and while PS5 development dominates, select cross-gen titles still release on PS4. However, future ports may become scarcer as developers optimize for PS5’s SSD and advanced features. Online servers for multiplayer games will likely remain active for several more years, but patch support could diminish.

Microsoft takes a different approach. Through backward compatibility and Game Pass, the company actively maintains the relevance of older consoles. Even as Xbox Series S|X dominate new releases, Game Pass ensures that Xbox One X owners can still access a growing catalog. Cloud gaming allows play of next-gen titles on older hardware, albeit with latency trade-offs.

Checklist: Is Your Last-Gen Console Still Right for You?

• ✅ Do you play mostly single-player or story-driven games?
• ✅ Are you satisfied with 30fps gameplay in cinematic titles?
• ✅ Do you already own a collection of physical or digital games?
• ✅ Is 4K important, or is 1080p/upscaled 4K acceptable?
• ✅ Do you value media functionality (Blu-ray, streaming) in one device?
• ✅ Are you on a budget and unwilling to pay current-gen prices?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, your PS4 Pro or Xbox One X likely still meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy games for PS4 Pro and Xbox One X?

Yes. Both digital stores (PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store) remain fully operational. Physical copies are still available at retailers and secondhand markets, though new stock is limited.

Will online multiplayer shut down soon?

Not in the near term. Major publishers typically maintain online servers for 5–7 years post-release. Most popular titles on both platforms will likely stay online until at least 2026. Microsoft has committed to supporting Xbox One online services “for years to come.”

Is it worth upgrading to PS5 or Xbox Series X?

Only if you prioritize faster load times, higher frame rates (60fps+), and next-gen features like ray tracing. For casual play, the upgrade is optional, not essential. Consider waiting for price drops or bundle deals if you do decide to move up.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice for Casual Play

The debate between PS4 Pro and Xbox One X isn’t just about technical superiority—it’s about alignment with lifestyle and usage patterns. For casual gamers, the decision hinges less on gigahertz and more on accessibility, content variety, and everyday usability.

The Xbox One X wins on raw power, media versatility, and long-term support through Game Pass and backward compatibility. It’s the better choice for those who want a true 4K experience, enjoy digging into older libraries, or use their console as a primary entertainment center.

The PS4 Pro shines through its exceptional exclusive games and user-friendly ecosystem. If you’re drawn to emotionally resonant narratives and polished single-player adventures, and you already own a PS4 library, the Pro remains a compelling option—especially at discounted prices now found in the secondhand market.

💬 Still using a last-gen console? Share your experience! Whether you're team PlayStation or Xbox, your insights can help others decide what truly matters in relaxed, enjoyable gaming.