Compare MSFS 2024 on Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PS5 Pro for performance, VR, controllers and add-ons, then pick the right console.
Neither console version is universally better. Xbox Series X is the safer all-round Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 choice for Game Pass, established flight-controller support and its mature console ecosystem; PS5 and PS5 Pro are preferable for DualSense and planned PSVR2 support. Series S costs less, but makes the clearest visual and performance compromises.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched on Xbox Series X|S on 19 November 2024 and natively on PS5 and PS5 Pro on 8 December 2025. Do not confuse it with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, which was never released for PlayStation.
Xbox Series X|S vs PS5 at a glance
Xbox Series X offers the best-balanced Xbox experience, while the right PlayStation version depends on whether you value price, PSVR2 or PS5 Pro’s additional graphics headroom.
| Console | Main advantage | Main compromise | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | Established Xbox flight-sim ecosystem, strong hardware and eligible Game Pass access | No supported console VR | The safest all-round console choice |
| Xbox Series S | Lowest-cost route into the same core simulator | Least graphics, memory and storage headroom | Budget-conscious casual flying |
| PS5 | DualSense integration and access to the PlayStation version | Newer add-on ecosystem; less headroom than PS5 Pro | Existing PS5 owners |
| PS5 Pro | More graphics headroom than the base PS5 | CPU-heavy situations may not improve proportionally | PlayStation owners seeking the strongest PS5 version |
Does MSFS 2024 run better on Xbox Series X or PS5?
Xbox Series X and the base PS5 are close enough that neither has a decisive performance advantage in every flight. A busy handcrafted airport, complex glass-cockpit aircraft, live traffic, dense weather and streamed scenery can affect performance more than the badge on the console.
PS5 Pro has additional graphics headroom over the base PS5, but that does not remove CPU-limited slowdowns. Series S is the version most likely to show reduced resolution, shorter draw distances or less consistent performance in demanding areas because it has substantially less hardware and memory headroom than Series X.
Console players also receive fewer graphics controls than PC users. There is no magic console setting that guarantees smooth performance at a complex hub, and buying a more expensive simulator edition changes the included aircraft and airports rather than increasing frame rate.
Which version is better for controllers and VR?
Xbox has the broader established range of console flight controls, while PlayStation has DualSense features and the only announced console VR route.
A common mistake is buying the simulator first and checking yoke or HOTAS support afterwards. An Xbox-compatible controller will not normally work on PS5, and a PlayStation model will not automatically work on Xbox. Confirm the precise console badge and model in our guide to compatible MSFS 2024 controllers before purchasing any flight hardware.
Xbox Series X|S has no supported VR mode. Microsoft designated PSVR2 support for a free update during 2026, making PS5 the better long-term console choice for VR once that update is installed. Our PS5 release and PSVR2 breakdown covers the PlayStation-specific details and restrictions.
Are add-ons and purchases the same on Xbox and PS5?
No; the core simulator is shared, but add-on availability and store entitlements can differ between Xbox and PlayStation.
Both consoles are closed platforms without access to the PC Community folder. Add-ons must be supplied through the supported in-simulator marketplace and approved for that platform. The PS5 catalogue is also subject to PlayStation certification and licensing, so an aircraft available on Xbox is not automatically available on PS5, and releases may arrive at different times.
Cross-play is not cross-buy. Multiplayer compatibility does not by itself make aircraft, scenery or edition upgrades portable between console families. Treat paid content as platform-bound unless its product listing explicitly confirms otherwise, particularly if you already have an Xbox add-on library.
If unrestricted freeware, external utilities and the widest add-on support matter more than console convenience, neither console is ideal; our comparison of Xbox and PC limitations explains that trade-off.
Does either console avoid internet and streaming problems?
No; every console version depends heavily on a stable internet connection for the best world imagery, weather and streamed content.
Slow or unstable connectivity can cause blurry ground textures, scenery pop-in and delayed loading on Series X, Series S, PS5 or PS5 Pro. Faster hardware cannot fix a network or service-side bottleneck. See what MSFS 2024 streams and what remains available offline before choosing a console based on download size alone.
Which console should you buy for MSFS 2024?
Choose around your existing hardware, subscriptions and VR plans rather than a small theoretical graphics difference.
- Choose Xbox Series X for the strongest all-round Xbox experience, established flight peripherals, an existing Xbox add-on library or access through an eligible Game Pass plan.
- Choose Xbox Series S for the lowest entry cost and compact hardware, provided you accept reduced visual and performance headroom.
- Choose PS5 if it is already your main console, you prefer DualSense or you plan to use PSVR2 after the required 2026 update is installed.
- Choose PS5 Pro if you want the strongest PlayStation version and accept that CPU-heavy airports and aircraft may not scale as much as graphics-heavy scenes.
For someone starting without existing console hardware or add-ons, we consider Xbox Series X the best-rounded choice. PS5 Pro becomes the stronger alternative for a PlayStation-first setup or PSVR2 plans, while Series S is primarily the budget option.