The latest generation of gaming consoles is here and to say that Sony's PlayStation 5 was highly anticipated would be a dramatic understatement. The PS5 is big, fast and powerful, with a 4K/HDR capable GPU and SSD that loads games at lightning speed. For $499.99, it offers gaming performance that far surpasses itPS4Proand the Xbox One X, an Ultra HD Blu-ray player (which the PS4, oddly enough, lacked) and a new DualSense gamepad packed full of cool touch features. PlayStation 5 is a must-have for PlayStation fans and deserves to be shared with our Editors' ChoiceXbox seria X.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S: We review next-gen consoles
Great tower, great power
We should start by noting that the PS5 is available in its standard form, or as the PS5 Digital Edition for $399.99 which comes with no optical drive. The PS5 Digital Edition is actually identical to the PS5, with the same computing power as the disc-equipped version. That's not the case with $299.99Xbox Series S, a scaled-down X-series that has significantly less power than the larger system and has half the space. We don't recommend the Series X for Xbox fans, but if you want a PS5 and don't need a disc drive, the PS5 Digital Edition is a solid way to save $100.
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PlayStation 5 is a huge gaming console beast. It measures 16 x 4 x 10 inches (HWD), dwarfing even the large, boxy Xbox Series X (6 x 6 x 12 inches) in height, if not in weight. It is so large that finding a comfortable place for it in the media center can be difficult. The circular, two-way stand screws into the narrow bottom edge of the console to allow the system to be placed upright. You can also attach the stand to the side edge of your PS5 to keep it on its side. The system is a bit wobbly without the base.
Visually, the PS5 is striking to the point of being weird. Its large side panels are curved white plastic and surround a glossy black plastic "core" that runs the length of the system. It evokes the look of a white shirt with a turn-down collar over a black tank top. A set of colored LEDs is hidden behind the ends of the "collars", glowing yellow when the system is idle and blue when the system is on.
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The slotted optical drive is located in the visible "bulge" on the right/bottom white panel (this bulge is not present on the PS5 digital version). On the front of the system are USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as small power and eject buttons. On the back there are two more USB-A ports, an HDMI output, an Ethernet port and a connector for the power cable.
Meet the revolutionary DualSense controller
The new DualSense controller is a significant improvement over the DualShock 4, especially in terms of size and density. The black and white onecontrolleris heavier thanPS4controller, with a profile that looks more like an exaggerated Xbox wireless controller than any DualShock gamepad. It has prominent stems that are long and almost fang-shaped. The top surface of the controller is made of smooth white plastic, while the bottom is textured for easy grip (a texture that, if you look closely, consists of little PlayStation X shapes, squares, circles, and triangles).
The design is identical to the DualShock 4 and other PlayStation controllers. Two analog sticks are placed in parallel under the D-pad on the left and the front button on the right. As with the DualShock 4, the trackpad sits between the D-pad and the front buttons, and is flanked by small Menu and Share buttons. The PlayStation button is located between the analog sticks, with a small speaker above it and a microphone button below it (with a microphone in the hole just below).
There are two sets of bumpers and triggers on the top of the gamepad. This is where one of DualSense's big improvements comes in: configurable triggers. The L2 and R2 triggers not only have a vibration response but also a variable resistance that varies the length and feel of the pull. Depending on the game, the triggers can be short and clicky for fast firing, or long and smooth with variable vibrations for accurate acceleration in a racing game. Many high-end gamepads come with triggers with adjustable locks to vary the length of the stroke, and some have adjustable sensitivity, but this is the first time we've seen this variable resistance in any controller.
Variable resistance and vibration contribute to DualSense's precise, accurate haptic feedback. The controller creates vibrations of varying strength on the surface of the gamepad, creating specific sensations in different situations. The demo included with the PS5 shows how the gamepad is assembled from the blocks from the bottom up, with each block shaking the controller slightly to give you the impression that it is actually being assembled in your hands. This is an effect similar to HD Rumble found in the gameNintendo SwitchJoy-Cons, but further enhanced with triggers.
There is also a USB-C connector on the top edge of the DualSense for charging the gamepad. Hopefully the DualSense's internal battery will last longer with less battery degradation over time than the DualShock 4.
Powerful equipment under the hood
PlayStation 5 is powered by an AMD Zen 2 octa-core processor clocked at up to 3.5GHz and RDNA 2 graphics clocked at up to 2.23GHz for 10.3 teraflops (billion floating point operations per second). The system also supports air tracking. Combined with 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, this puts the PS5 in a similar position to the Xbox Series X (also with a Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU capable of 12 teraflops).
The PS5 also has an 825GB solid-state drive (SSD). This is one of the main features of the system, next to the additional computing power. The SSD loads games at lightning speed compared to the slow loading times of the PS4 hard drive. The PS5 also has an Ultra HD Blu-ray optical drive, the first UHD Blu-ray drive seen on a Sony system (PS4 has a standard Blu-ray drive that cannot play 4K video discs). The PS5 Digital Edition doesn't have an optical drive, but otherwise has identical specs, for $100 less.
Cool user interface
The PS5 UI is a fairly simple menu built around a series of icons representing the latest games and apps you've loaded up. This row is divided into two tabs: Games, for your games, and Media, for any videos and other content. In the Games tab, pressing while highlighting any game displays additional information such as news and trophy lists.
Pressing the home button, both in and out of the game, launches the quick access menu at the bottom of the screen. This allows you to switch between games, check notifications, play music, adjust sound and controller settings, access your profile, and turn off or reset your PS5. It's not as robust as the Xbox Series S/X Guide menu, which gives you quick access to all screenshots you've taken or videos to share. He is very handsome though.
To capture and share screenshots and gameplay videos, simply press the DualSense share button. This will bring up the recording menu, which allows you to record screen, record video, broadcast to PSN, or adjust recording settings. Here's a tip: Set the video clip's file type to "Most Compatible" and HDR (High Dynamic Range) to "Off" for the easiest video viewing experience.
Disappointing backward compatibility
PlayStation 5 is fully backwards compatible with PlayStation 4 games. I had no problems loading and playing Gundam Breaker 3. Unfortunately, PS5 does not allow you to play PS3, PS2 or original PlayStation games. Xbox Series S/X may have limited backward compatibility but can play original Xbox titles. You can stream some older PlayStation games viaPlayStation terazif you subscribe to this service. PlayStation Plus members with PS5 systems also have access to the PS Plus Collection, a collection of 20 great PS4 games including Crash Bandicoot: The N-Sane Trilogy,God of War (2018), Monster Hunter World i Resident Evil VII: Biohazard.
Gameplay performance
The PS5 comes pre-installed with the game: Astro's Playroom. It is a simple, short platform that showcases DualSense capabilities such as haptic feedback, customizable triggers, and motion detection. It's a fun pastime that introduces you to your new game console and controller, and is full of Easter eggs and collectibles that longtime PlayStation fans will love. You can go through it in two, three hours or maybe a little longer if you really try to find everything.
PS5 games were limited before launch, but I spent a lot of time playing Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. It shows off some of the system's impressive power and fast load times. The game has two graphics modes: Fidelity and Performance. Fidelity renders the game4Kresolution, unleashes all available visual effects and maintains a constant frame rate of 30 frames per second. Performance, however, renders the game at a slightly lower resolution and with fewer visual effects. Pros? Fixed rate of 60 fps. There's no 60fps mode with all the graphics extras, but Fidelity still impresses at 30fps.
Spider-Man: Miles Moralesit has a lovely Manhattan vibe. The area is sharper and more detailed than Spider-Man on PS4 while maintaining a consistent frame rate. Effects such as snow and scattered debris look realistic, and you can clearly see Harlem and the Battery from the top of the Empire State Building. Spider-Man's New York was already impressive on PS4, but Mile Morales' New York on PS5 looks even better, with even smoother action.
SSD for PS5 also means lightning-fast loading of games. I can jump from the home screen of the system to Spider-Man: Miles Morales in less than 20 seconds, and fast travel between any point in the city is so fast that the game does not show the loading screen. After a second or two, Miles just exits the subway. In Spider-Man PS4, power-ups are twice as long, and fast travel involves Peter Parker riding a subway car for a few seconds to pass the time.
This improved performance requires game development with PS5 in mind; PS4 games won't have any graphical or fast-loading benefits. For example PS4Carried by bloodit clearly renders at 1080p, downconverting from a lower resolution and producing less sharp images than if natively rendered at 4K. Its reload times are also much slower than Spider-Man: Miles Morales, with fast travel and respawn taking anywhere from six to twelve seconds.
Clockwise from left: Xbox Series S, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
Welcome to a new generation of games
The PlayStation 5 is a mighty gaming console, but its size comes with incredible computing power and a lightning-fast SSD. The system has impressive performance, and its new DualSense controller takes some smart steps forward in terms of gamepad functionality. It is capable of fantastic graphics that come to the fore in Spider-Man: Miles Morales and its beautiful reproduction of Manhattan.
Thanks to the excellent backward compatibility designed for PS4 and Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, PS5 can completely replace PS4 or PS4 Pro and prepare you for the latest console games. The only disappointing aspects are the ridiculous case design and lack of backward compatibility for pre-PS4 PlayStation games. Still, with a few exclusives available - and more on the way - the PS5 is an excellent console that deserves our Editors' Choice alongside the Xbox Series X.
As always, the most important question you need to ask is which console supports the games you want to play. If you're a Sony fan, there's a lot to like here. The PS5 offers a cool, feature-rich controller and platform exclusives like Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Sackboy: A Big Adventure to appeal to hardcore gamers. If it's more important to play Microsoft's current cross-gen releases at the highest possible fidelity on console, you'll need the Xbox Series X. Either way, console gaming has definitely stepped up this year.
Sony PlayStation 5
4.0
Editors' Choice
(Opens in a new window)
See $519.00 at Amazon (opens in new window)MSRP $499.99
Advantages
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Graphics 4K HDR
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Consistent frames per second
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Incredibly fast loading speeds
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The new DualSense controller works great with its intriguing touch features
See more
Against
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You still won't see 4K/60fps in every game
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The strange design of the housing can make it difficult to fit into the media center
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Backwards compatible with previous PS4 versions only, no real graphical upgrades
the most important
With incredibly fast load times, the revolutionary DualSense controller, and exceptional features, PS5 is a must-have for PlayStation fans.
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FAQs
Sony PlayStation 5 review? ›
Yes, the PS5 is worth buying. Now more than ever, Sony's latest console is worth your investment and there has never been a better time to upgrade. Everything about the PS5 screams next-gen.
Is PS5 worth buying now? ›Yes, the PS5 is worth buying. Now more than ever, Sony's latest console is worth your investment and there has never been a better time to upgrade. Everything about the PS5 screams next-gen.
What are the disadvantages of PS5? ›- The PS5's Gigantic Size. ...
- Limited Storage and Large PS5 Game Size. ...
- The PS5 Has Limited Backward Compatibility. ...
- It's Easy to Download the PS4 Version of Cross-Gen Games by Mistake. ...
- DualSense Controller Drift. ...
- The PS5's Noisy Disc Drive. ...
- PS Plus Is a Poor Game Pass Competitor.
The PlayStation 5 is one of the most powerful game consoles on the market, packing cutting-edge features such as 4K support, variable refresh rate and an SSD so fast that games take a matter of seconds to load. The only true rival to the PS5 is the Xbox Series X, which features similar specs.
Is PS5 worth buying in 2023? ›If you want to play the latest games that are currently available and coming in the future, buying a PS5 base variant in 2023 might be a good idea. The PS5 is a powerful console that can handle the most demanding games, and it will likely continue to be relevant for several years.
Why are PlayStation 5 still sold out? ›A semiconductor chip shortage limited Sony's production of new PS5 consoles. Other supply chain issues prompted by the global coronavirus pandemic didn't help. Mostly, obtaining a PS5 required getting very lucky in an on-the-spot release of new supply, or being willing to pay significantly more than the console's MSRP.
Why are PS5 selling out so fast? ›Why PS5 sold out so fast? Its quick rise to popularity amidst the Covid-19 pandemic though meant one thing: the PlayStation 5 was consistently sold out as supply chain issues kept Sony from keeping its supply up with the ever-increasing demand.
What is everything good about the PS5? ›In nearly every case, games played more smoothly and with better graphics on the PS5 than on my PS4. Not every game has been updated yet, but the console's powerful guts and extremely fast storage made a difference either way, with reduced loading times and fewer issues along the way.
Which PS5 is better digital or disc? ›While the Digital version is more affordable out of the two, it doesn't have a disc drive which means that your favorite PS4 games would become incompatible with the console, forcing you to rebuy them digitally. The PS5 Disc model allows physical PS5 and PS4 games, doubling as a handy 4K Blu-Ray player.
Which PS5 model is best? ›Both PlayStation 5 models deliver the same gaming performance, but the standard PS5 could offer more value in the long run depending on your buying habits. It costs an extra $100, but it lets you play old PS4 discs, used copies of games, and borrowed discs from friends, which might end up saving you money over time.
How long should PS5 last? ›
The life-cycle of the PlayStation 5 should last for “six to seven years,” according to Sony's Masayasu Ito, who was interviewed by Game Informer as part of a big feature about the first 25 years of the PlayStation brand.
Is it better to get PS4 or PS5? ›The quality of PS5 games, full support for 4K media, faster loading times, and extra features like haptic feedback make the PS5 more than worth the upgrade for current PS4 owners. If you're planning to buy a brand-new console in 2023, there's no reason to choose a PS4 over the standard or digital edition PS5.
What is the best year to buy PS5? ›2023 Is Shaping Up to Be the Best Year Yet for the PS5
If there was ever a time to get a PS5, it is now. 2023 is bringing with it the PS VR2, the DualSense Edge controller, brand-new next-gen games, and, most importantly, more accessibility to the console itself.
That means the PS5 Pro will replace the current-gen PS5 and launch at the same price of $499 in the market in 2024.
Will PS5 ever be in stock for good? ›Despite Sony's predictions, it seems the PS5 shortage will not end any time soon. Even though it isn't Sony's fault directly, the PS5 sales don't look good for the company, especially when compared to last gen's console.
How much is a PS6? ›However, it is not hard to speculate on the cost of the PS6. Keeping the upgrades and the inflation in mind, we can expect the PS6 to be priced between $500 and $600. Plus, if we dig into the past, the PS5 was $100 more expensive than its predecessor, PS4, which retailed at $399.
Is the PS6 out? ›PS6 release: This is the key year for Sony
Whether the PS6 will arrive in late 2027, or sometime over the following years, isn't clear. It's also too early for these plans to be set in stone, and a lot of things could change over the next 4-plus years.
The Future of the PS5
The PS5 Shortage will likely last through 2023 so long as the semiconductor shortage and scalpers continue to impact supply and availability. It will still be quite some time before you can walk into your local electronics store and walk out with a PS5 unscathed.
Right now, PS5 disc editions are going for around $1,000 due to scalpers cleaning up the market and jacking up prices beyond the original $500 retail price. There is still a digital version available but it's also marked up although it's out there for less than a grand.
Is a PS5 Pro coming? ›Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming has repeatedly suggested that the PS5 Pro will launch in 2024 as part of Sony's ambitious upcoming hardware lineup that will also include a revised standard PS5 model (with a detachable disc drive) and a new handheld device centered around the console's Remote Play feature.
Why are PS5 so slow? ›
There are several reasons why your PS5's internet might be slow. It could be due to a problem with the PlayStation Network, your Wi-Fi, or an issue with your PS5 console itself. Finding out which of the above applies to your situation is the first step to fixing your internet issues.
Is a PS5 worth it without internet? ›The PlayStation 5 offers great online gaming. But, gamers can still play titles without an active internet connection. All PS5 games will feature “Single Player mode”. So, gamers can still have a great experience, even without high-speed internet.
Why is PS5 better than Xbox? ›While the PS5 and Xbox Series X are similar in terms of quality and performance, the PS5's exclusive games and gameplay-focused features make it more enticing for buyers who want an immersive experience and don't want to miss major releases.
Can I play PS5 without internet? ›When you enable console sharing and offline play, anyone who uses your PS5 console can: Play your games and media even when the console is offline. Play games and media you've purchased and downloaded. Enjoy some benefits of your PlayStation Plus membership, such as online multiplayer.
What is best thing to do on PS5? ›- Use Your Old DualShock 4 to Play PS4 Games. ...
- Chat With Friends on Your PS5 Without a Headset. ...
- Customize Your DualSense Controller's Create Button. ...
- Change Your PS5 Covers. ...
- Clean Your PS5. ...
- Stream PS5 Games to Your Mobile Devices.
Netflix is available in Ultra HD on PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 5. To stream in Ultra HD, you need: A TV compatible with Ultra HD streaming from Netflix, connected to your PlayStation via an HDMI port that supports HDCP 2.2 or later (usually the HDMI 1 port). A Netflix plan that supports streaming in Ultra HD.
Can I watch movies on PS5? ›The Media area of your PS5 console user interface brings a selection of free and paid streaming services together in one place, letting you find and launch the latest episodes, movies and recommended shows at the touch of a button.
How many games can be stored on PS5 digital? ›Many of the best PS5 games require between 40-60 GB of storage. Even if you mix in some PS4 games and smaller indies, you can realistically store 10-15 games on the drive at a time.
What is the difference between the PS5 models? ›What's different between the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition? As you may have worked out by now, there are only two key differences between each PS5 model - the disc drive and price. The standard PS5 has a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player that will let you play games from physical discs, as well as watch Ultra HD movies.
Can you play PS5 games without disc? ›Previously, the disc and digital versions of a game were considered separate entities but this has been unified in the latest update. Now, you can play the digital version of a game installed on your PS5 by inserting the disc, without having to install the disc version.
Is there a better console than PS5? ›
With more powerful hardware, a better design, a more comprehensive game subscription service and a delightful controller, the Xbox Series X has the early lead in the next generation of consoles. Still, the PS5 has some virtues that the Xbox Series X does not.
Which version of PS5 is harder to get? ›PS5 Disc vs Digital: availability 🛍️
We've explained that picking up the PS5 Disc version will be less expensive than PS5 Digital in the long run because disc games get cheaper a lot faster. But the PS5 Digital Edition is also 14 times harder to find in stock.
Whichever PS5 Model You Buy, You'll Get the Same Performance
So, does it matter if you get a new or old PS5 model? No. While Sony has gone with a PS5 redesign, the differences aren't all that significant, especially when it comes to the most important aspect; how well it runs games.
You won't have any issues when leaving the PS5 on for extended periods. In fact, the device is designed to stay on all the time (with the occasional reboot). Make sure your PS5 is in a well ventilated space where it won't get too hot, and add a cooler to manage temperature if needed.
Should I turn off PS5 every night? ›Turning off your PS5 is wise if you're not using it for a long time. This will help save energy and stop any hardware issues. Putting your PS5 in rest mode is good if you plan to use it again soon. It allows you to resume gaming, update games, and charge the controller quickly.
What console has the shortest lifespan? ›- 1 Shortest: Virtual Boy (1995 - 1995)
- 2 Longest: Master System (1986 - Present) ...
- 3 Shortest: Gizmondo (2005 - 2006) ...
- 4 Longest: NES (1983 - 2003) ...
- 5 Shortest: Dreamcast (1999 - 2001) ...
- 6 Longest: Atari 2600 (1977 - 1992) ...
- 7 Shortest: Nokia N-Gage (2003 - 2006) ...
The PS4 and PS4 Pro are not bad consoles by any means — the PS5 is just better. You'll have a more immersive gaming experience with ray tracing, haptic feedback on the DualSense controller, a lightning-fast SSD, and so much more. If you can go for the PS5, that would be my recommendation.
Is it worth upgrading to a PS5 from a PS4? ›Not only is the PS5 the more powerful console, Sony's efforts to enable backward compatibility means that even if you buy a PS5, but you also won't miss out on the PS4's finest experiences. Most run better than ever before, with games like Ghost of Tsushima now running at 60fps on PlayStation 5.
Will PS5 last for 7 years? ›PS5 will have at least seven-year shelf life as PS6 won't appear before 2027, says report | What Hi-Fi?
How much is a PS5 in 2023? ›The PS5 Digital Edition costs $399 (£389.99 / AU$649.95) - that's $100 more expensive than Microsoft's own Xbox Series S, but we are talking about the full power of the PS5 here.
Will PS5 be easier to get in 2023? ›
Tracking down a PS5 has been quite challenging thus far, but Sony claims the console will be more readily available at retail in 2023. Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment's vice president of hardware and peripherals, explained on the PlayStation Blog that PS5s should be easier to purchase now.
How expensive should a PS5 be? ›PS5 Price: How Much Does PS5 Cost in United States? There are two PS5 price points in the United States: the PS5 Digital Edition costs $399.99, while the PS5 costs $499.99.
Is the PS5 $500 dollars? ›PS5 consoles can run you anywhere from the current $500 list price up to $1,200.
How much is the PS5 official price now? ›PS5 Digital Edition will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of $399.99 USD/$499 CAD/¥39,980/€399.99/£359.99 (MSRP), and PS5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will be available for an RRP of $499.99 USD/$629 CAD/¥49,980/€499.99/£449.99 (MSRP).
Why is the PS5 so popular? ›What made the PS5 popular? The PlayStation 5 is one of the most powerful game consoles on the market, packing cutting-edge features such as 4K support, variable refresh rate and an SSD so fast that games take a matter of seconds to load. The only true rival to the PS5 is the Xbox Series X, which features similar specs.
Which PS5 is worth buying? ›Both PlayStation 5 models deliver the same gaming performance, but the standard PS5 could offer more value in the long run depending on your buying habits. It costs an extra $100, but it lets you play old PS4 discs, used copies of games, and borrowed discs from friends, which might end up saving you money over time.
Is it easier to buy PS5 now? ›While Sony says you should have an easier time finding one now, unfortunately, it doesn't mean it's guaranteed to happen right now. You'll likely see a lot of other gamers buying up the consoles as retailers restock them—console scalpers and bots too.
Is it better to get PS5 digital or disc? ›While the Digital version is more affordable out of the two, it doesn't have a disc drive which means that your favorite PS4 games would become incompatible with the console, forcing you to rebuy them digitally. The PS5 Disc model allows physical PS5 and PS4 games, doubling as a handy 4K Blu-Ray player.
Will there be a new PS5 in 2023? ›We know know that Sony is going to launch Project Q, a PS5-dependent gaming handheld later in 2023. That means the PS5 Pro or Slim is likely to be with us in 2024 or 2025. Following the launch of the PS4 in November 2013, the PlayStation 4 Slim and higher-end PlayStation 4 Pro both appeared in September 2016.