Is NieR: Automata Better on Xbox One X or PS4 Pro?
When PlatinumGames brought NieR: Automata to the Xbox One family with the Become as Gods Edition, it sparked a major technical debate. While the game was originally a PlayStation exclusive, the added power of the Xbox One X promised a sharper, more stable journey through its hauntingly beautiful world.
At AwesomeGaming101.com, we’ve broken down the technical specs from the latest [Digital Foundry](https://www.digitalfoundry.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-nier-automata-xbox-one-x-first-look) tests and community reviews to see which legacy console takes the crown.
The Resolution Gap: Native vs. Reconstructed
The biggest difference you’ll notice on your 4K TV is image clarity. While the PS4 Pro is capped at a native 1080p, the Xbox One X pushes much closer to a 4K experience.
| Feature | Xbox One X | PS4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×2160 (Reconstructed 4K) | 1920×1080 (Native) |
| Frame Rate | Target 60 FPS (Stable) | Target 60 FPS (Occasional dips) |
| HDR Support | Yes (Reconstructed) | Yes (Native) |
| DLC Included | Yes (On-disc/Digital) | Yes (In Yorha Edition) |
🏆 The Visual Winner: Xbox One X
The Xbox One X provides a significantly crisper presentation than the PS4 Pro. By rendering at 1920×2160 and using reconstruction techniques to hit a 4K output, it clears up the “aliasing and shimmer” that often plagues the Pro’s 1080p image. Reviewers from [BagoGames](https://bagogames.com/nier-automata-shines-on-xbox-one-x/) even noted it feels like the game has been given a “new lease on life” on the X.
Performance and Stability
Both consoles target 60 frames per second, which is essential for PlatinumGames’ fast-paced combat. However, the Xbox One X generally holds onto that target more consistently in the open world.
- Xbox One X: Stays rock solid at 60 FPS during almost all exploration and most combat, though it can still stutter during massive boss explosions.
- PS4 Pro: Targets 60 FPS but frequently dips into the 40s or 50s in foliage-heavy areas or intense skirmishes.
Bonus Content & Extras
PS4 Pro The Yorha Edition includes unique PS4 themes and profile avatars.
Xbox One X The Become as Gods Edition is generally considered the more polished software build and includes all previously released DLC natively.
❓ FAQ: Choosing the Best Version
Q: Is the HDR “broken” on Xbox One X? A: Early reports suggested the Xbox version used a form of “fake HDR” (SDR data in an HDR container). While it still provides a brighter image than standard, purists may prefer the more natural HDR implementation on the PS4 Pro. Q: Should I re-buy it for the Xbox One X if I own the PS4 version? A: According to [Digital Foundry](https://www.digitalfoundry.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-nier-automata-xbox-one-x-first-look), it’s a “tough sell” for $50 if you’ve finished it already, but for first-time players, the X version is the definitive no-frills way to play. Q: How does it look on a 1080p screen? A: If you don’t have a 4K TV, the Xbox One X uses supersampling to downscale its high-res image, resulting in a cleaner, flicker-free look compared to the Pro’s native 1080p.Final Verdict
If you want the absolute cleanest visuals and the most stable frame rate, the Xbox One X is the winner. It overcomes the softness of the Pro version and provides a level of detail that legacy PlayStation hardware simply can’t reach.
Is 2B’s journey on your to-play list? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for other stunning legacy titles, check out our guide on Xbox One Games That Still Look Better Than Series S Titles.