Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox Disappointing, PS5 Still the Place to Play

During the Xbox Showcase this year, it was announced that Final Fantasy 16 was finally coming to Xbox Series X|S two years after its initial release on PS5. As it was shadow-dropped during the event, players have gotten their hands on Clive Rosfield’s epic journey, and it seems to be a bit of a disappointment […] The post Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox Disappointing, PS5 Still the Place to Play appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Jun 17, 2025 - 21:10

Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox Disappointing, PS5 Still the Place to Play

Final Fantasy 16 Clive (portrayed by actor Ben Starr)

During the Xbox Showcase this year, it was announced that Final Fantasy 16 was finally coming to Xbox Series X|S two years after its initial release on PS5. As it was shadow-dropped during the event, players have gotten their hands on Clive Rosfield’s epic journey, and it seems to be a bit of a disappointment on a technical level.

Why is Final Fantasy 16 better on PS5?

In an analysis from Digital Foundry, they found some “intriguing” results when comparing the recently released Xbox Series X version of Final Fantasy 16 against the PS5 version. In graphics mode, the resolution of the Xbox Series X version is around 1224p, while the PS5 exhibits around 1440p. There also seems to be a contrast issue where highlights just don’t pop out as much, and shadows seem lifted.

When comparing the frame-rate modes of both versions of Final Fantasy 16, the resolution discrepancy is even larger. The PS5 version sits at 1080p while the Xbox Series X is 720p. Additionally, image details are lower in the Xbox Series X version, like less detailed foliage. However, the PS5 version moves around 45 to 60 frames per second in this mode, while the Xbox Series X version is nearly a locked 60 fps.

The Xbox Series S version of Final Fantasy 16 only has one graphics option. Its resolution is around 792p and runs around 30 fps, which is more in line with the expected performance targets of the less powerful console.

Unless image quality does not matter to the player, it seems like the PS5 version is the better one overall. It is nice that the Xbox Series X version can run Final Fantasy 16 at a consistent 60 FPS, but the concessions it makes to get there may not be worth it to some players.

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