- End of Abyss Xbox Series X delivers strong visuals with slightly brighter, comfortable color grading than PS5.
- PS5 leans darker in lighting, while Series X holds its own in sharpness and cutscene presentation.
- Both versions are close in overall graphics quality, so pick based on your ecosystem, not visuals alone.
- Display settings matter: a proper TV setup narrows the lighting gap between consoles.
- No version is a downgrade — expect a comparable experience on either platform.
End of Abyss Xbox Series X: Version Overview
End of Abyss on Xbox Series X is a visually capable port that holds up closely against the PS5 release. Side-by-side comparisons of the two versions show that the Series X build favors brighter, more comfortable lighting across environments, while the PS5 build applies darker shading that some players find more atmospheric. Neither version runs away with the comparison — game models, sharpness, and saturation land in similar territory on both consoles.
If you are choosing a platform purely for image quality, the differences are subtle. If you already own a Series X, you are getting a version that performs well in cutscenes and general gameplay alike.
Video Highlights:
- Side-by-side graphics comparison of Xbox Series X vs PS5 builds
- Series X uses brighter, comfortable light colors throughout environments
- PS5 adds darker tones for moodier presentation
- Both versions show similar game models, sharpness, and saturation
- Series X stands out especially in cutscene overview presentation
When judging comparisons yourself, watch shadowed areas first. Lighting differences — the biggest gap between the two versions — show up most clearly in dark corridors and dim caves rather than open, brightly lit zones.
Graphics Comparison: Series X vs PS5
Here is how the two console versions stack up based on observed head-to-head footage:
| Aspect | Xbox Series X | PS5 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Brighter, comfortable tones | Darker, moodier shading | Preference-based |
| Color vibrancy | Great, well-managed colors | Slightly brighter and richer | PS5 (marginal) |
| Sharpness | Strong detail | Strong detail | Tie |
| Saturation | Well balanced | Slightly higher | PS5 (marginal) |
| Game models | Detailed and clean | Detailed, refined from earlier builds | Tie |
| Cutscenes | Wonderful presentation | Solid presentation | Series X |
| Overall parity | Very similar | Very similar | Tie |
Both console versions of End of Abyss are great and similar in nearly every respect. The Series X version is not a compromised port — it trades a bit of PS5's darker mood for brighter, cleaner visuals.
Choose Series X If
- You prefer brighter, comfortable lighting
- You value polished cutscene presentation
- Your library and friends are on Xbox
Choose PS5 If
- You want darker, moodier atmosphere
- You value slightly richer saturation
- You prefer DualSense features for immersion
Either Console If
- You care about parity in models and sharpness
- You want the same core experience
- Platform-exclusive content is not a factor
Optimal Series X Setup: Step-by-Step
Because the Series X build leans bright, a few display adjustments help you recover contrast and get the most atmospheric presentation of the Abyss.
Enable HDR Correctly
Run the Xbox HDR calibration app (Settings > General > TV & display options > Calibrate HDR). Proper peak brightness and gamma settings make the brighter Series X lighting look intentional rather than washed out.
Check TV Picture Mode
Use Game or Filmmaker mode with warm color temperature. Avoid Vivid mode — it amplifies the already bright Series X palette and pushes saturation too far.
Prefer 120Hz Output If Available
If your display supports it, enable 120Hz at 1440p or 4K. Faster output reduces perceived latency during combat encounters in darker zones.
Adjust In-Game Brightness
Use End of Abyss's in-game brightness slider with the calibration image if available. Nudge it down slightly to bring shadow depth closer to the PS5 look.
Update Everything
Keep your console firmware, TV firmware, and the game itself updated to receive the latest patches and performance fixes.
Turn off dynamic contrast and local dimming aggressiveness on your TV. The Series X version is already bright; stacking contrast enhancement on top can crush dark details in Abyss environments.
Performance & Stability Checklist
| Setting | Recommended Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| HDR | Calibrated via Xbox app | Prevents washed-out bright scenes |
| Resolution mode | Quality (if optional) | Maximizes model detail parity |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (if display supports) | Smoother combat response |
| TV picture mode | Game / Filmmaker | Accurate colors without oversaturation |
| Dynamic contrast | Off | Preserves shadow detail |
Series X Optimization Checklist:
- Run Xbox HDR calibration app
- Set TV to Game or Filmmaker mode
- Disable dynamic contrast on the TV
- Adjust in-game brightness slider for shadow depth
- Install the latest game patch and console update
After applying these settings, replay a dark cutscene or cave section. You should see clear shadow gradients rather than flat gray or crushed black areas — a sign your setup compensates well for the brighter Series X grading.
FAQ
Q: Is End of Abyss on Xbox Series X noticeably worse than PS5?
No. Head-to-head comparisons show both versions are great and similar in nearly every perspective. Series X runs brighter, comfortable lighting while PS5 applies darker tones, but game models, sharpness, and saturation are close on both consoles.
Q: Which console version of End of Abyss looks better?
It comes down to preference. PS5 offers slightly richer, darker visuals with more mood, while the Xbox Series X version looks great in colors and stands out in cutscene overview presentation.
Q: Can I make the Series X version look darker like PS5?
Yes, largely. Calibrating HDR properly, disabling TV dynamic contrast, and lowering the in-game brightness slider can recover much of the shadow depth and moodier presentation the PS5 build shows by default.
Q: Do I need a 120Hz TV to enjoy End of Abyss on Series X?
No, the game presents well on standard 60Hz displays. A 120Hz-capable screen simply improves responsiveness, but visual quality in the End of Abyss Xbox Series X version is not dependent on it.