Compare Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PS5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X|S for performance, controls, VR, add-ons and value.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is generally better on Xbox Series X, thanks to its mature peripheral support, Game Pass access and closer Xbox/PC ecosystem. Choose PS5—especially PS5 Pro—if DualSense features or PSVR2 support matter most. Xbox Series S is the budget choice, but it has the clearest visual compromises.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S at a glance
The practical winner changes according to the console model, controls and features you intend to use.
| Priority | Best choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best all-round package | Xbox Series X | Full-powered Xbox version, Game Pass access and the broadest established console flight-control ecosystem. |
| PlayStation performance | PS5 Pro | More graphics headroom than the base PS5, although CPU-heavy airports and aircraft can still cause slowdowns. |
| Lowest-cost entry | Xbox Series S | Runs the complete simulator but uses more aggressive visual compromises and has less performance headroom. |
| Console VR | PS5 or PS5 Pro | PSVR2 support comes through a free 2026 update; Xbox has no native console VR option. |
| Controller feedback | PS5 | DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers give controller pilots more tactile feedback. |
| Yokes, throttles and pedals | Xbox | Xbox has a more mature selection of officially compatible flight-simulation hardware. |
Which console has better MSFS 2024 performance?
No console wins every performance comparison because Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is affected by the aircraft, airport complexity, traffic, weather and streamed scenery as well as the hardware.
Xbox Series X and the base PS5 are the comparable full-size console choices. PS5 Pro adds graphics headroom that can improve image quality or consistency, but it cannot eliminate CPU limitations, server delays or scenery-streaming hitches. Series S runs the same world, aircraft and modes, but expect lower visual quality and less headroom at dense airports.
Footage captured with different weather, traffic or aircraft is a poor basis for comparison. A complex airliner at a major hub places a very different load on the simulator from a light aircraft over open countryside. Both platforms also depend heavily on a stable broadband connection, so delayed textures or bandwidth warnings do not necessarily indicate weak console hardware.
Why is Xbox Series X the better all-round choice?
Xbox Series X is our default recommendation because it combines strong performance with the most established console ecosystem for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The simulator is available through eligible Xbox Game Pass plans, which can make Xbox substantially cheaper for someone who does not already own the game. It is also the more natural choice if you use the wider Xbox and Windows ecosystem, although individual add-on entitlements should always be checked rather than assumed.
Hardware support is the other major advantage. More console yokes, throttle quadrants, rudder pedals and integrated flight decks have Xbox-compatible versions. A common mistake is buying a generic USB or PC-only controller and expecting it to work: the product must explicitly list the relevant console. Our guide to yoke compatibility on PS5 explains why the connector alone proves nothing.
If Series X is your choice, our Xbox installation and first-time setup advice covers storage, controls and the practical Series X versus Series S differences.
When is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 better on PS5?
PS5 is better when DualSense or PSVR2 matters more than Game Pass and the larger Xbox peripheral range.
The DualSense controller provides more expressive feedback than a standard Xbox controller, which is useful when flying without a yoke. PS5 is also the only console family with an announced VR path: PSVR2 support is delivered through a free update in 2026, while Xbox Series consoles have no native VR headset support.
PS5 Pro is the preferred PlayStation model for demanding airports, detailed aircraft and higher visual settings. It still cannot guarantee a fixed frame rate everywhere because the simulator can become limited by its main simulation thread or online scenery delivery. Our closer assessment of MSFS 2024 on PS5 and PS5 Pro covers those practical limitations.
Do add-ons transfer between PS5 and Xbox?
Do not assume that an aircraft or scenery purchase made on one console will transfer to the other.
Both versions use the in-simulator Marketplace, but catalogue availability, platform approval and purchase entitlements can differ. Check the supported platform and entitlement before buying, particularly if you may switch between PlayStation, Xbox and PC. The PS5 Marketplace purchasing guide explains the PlayStation-specific restrictions.
Neither console lets you install ordinary PC freeware by copying packages into a Community folder. A PC add-on must have a compatible Marketplace release before it can be used on console, and some technically complex products never receive one.
Which console should you choose?
Choose according to the model and equipment you will actually use, not simply the Xbox or PlayStation badge.
- Choose Xbox Series X if you are starting from scratch, want Game Pass access or plan to add a yoke, throttle and pedals.
- Choose PS5 Pro if you want the strongest PlayStation option, value DualSense feedback or intend to use PSVR2.
- Choose the base PS5 if you already own one and mainly fly with a controller; changing platforms solely for MSFS 2024 is rarely necessary.
- Choose Xbox Series S if price matters most and you accept reduced visual fidelity and less headroom in demanding situations.
This comparison applies specifically to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released on PlayStation, so a PS5 cannot run that earlier edition.