Larian Studios’ latest role-playing game, Baldur’s Gate 3, is now available on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and if you’re looking to find out how it compares with the existing PS5 version, read ahead.
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers 2 graphics modes on PS5 and Xbox Series X i.e. Quality and Performance. In terms of settings, both modes deliver a similar experience, and the difference largely come down to image quality and performance. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S version delivers a single graphics mode with quality settings similar to those of the other two consoles.
In terms of resolution, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions run at a native resolution of 1440p in Quality mode, which is then upscaled to 4K. In Performance mode, the game runs at a lower resolution, in the ballpark of 1080p, on both consoles. The Xbox Series S version also operates at a resolution similar to the other two consoles in Performance mode.
With regards to performance, the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions target a frame rate of 30 fps in Quality mode. In Performance modes, both consoles target a frame rate of 60 fps. In Quality mode, the game mostly maintains its target frame rate. In Performance mode, however, the frame rate is highly erratic in crowded areas with a lot of NPCs, and can even drop below 30 fps at times. Engaging VRR on supported TVs can mitigate the visible judder to an extent. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S version, much like the other two console versions in Quality mode, targets 30 fps and delivers a relatively stable frame rate.
All in all, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of Baldur’s Gate 3 deliver a similar experience across the board.
Baldur’s Gate 3 serves as the third main installment in the Baldur’s Gate series. The game draws inspiration from the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing system. Initially launched in early access for macOS and Windows in October 2020, the full Windows release occurred in August 2023. Subsequent releases for PlayStation 5, macOS, and Xbox Series X/S followed later that year.
