It’s a rare occurrence when an older, theoretically less powerful console manages to outperform a newer ‘Pro’ model. However, according to a recent report by experts at Digital Foundry, an update for Assassin’s Creed Unity has made the game look significantly better on Xbox Series X compared to the PS5 Pro.
The key differentiating factor was resolution: while Sony’s device renders the image at 1296p, Microsoft’s console pushes out 1620p. In a game that doesn’t utilize modern anti-aliasing techniques (like TAA), these additional pixels translate into a colossal difference in image clarity.
The ‘humiliation’ for the Japanese tech giant doesn’t end there. Although the PS5 Pro maintains a slightly more stable 60 frames per second, the Xbox Series X has a ‘hidden weapon’ in the form of system-level VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support for backward compatibility. Sony has yet to implement this feature for older titles, meaning any minor frame rate drops on Xbox remain imperceptible to the eye. Consequently, Arno’s adventures on the Series X are not only sharper but also appear smoother overall.
For Xbox Series S owners, the news is less exciting: the resolution only increased to 960p, but the console consistently delivers a stable 60 FPS. It appears that even a decade after its release, Unity can still push modern chips to their limits, serving as a potent reminder that raw processing power isn’t always the sole determinant of optimal performance.