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PlayStation 5 Review
Recently, we published our review of the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, and now it’s time to talk about the PlayStation 5. We’ll explore its key features, the reasons to consider buying it, and whether it’s worth purchasing now or waiting until 2021.
Let’s start with the technical specs, as there’s a lot of misinformation claiming the PlayStation 5 is significantly weaker than the Xbox Series X. The PS5 is built on AMD’s Zen 2 architecture with a variable frequency up to 3.5 GHz. It features 16GB of DDR6 RAM and a 10.3 Teraflop RDNA 2 GPU.
On paper, yes, the PS5 is technically weaker than the Xbox Series X. However, this difference is currently unnoticeable. All games tested so far perform equally well on both systems. Game development and optimization often matter more than raw specs.
The performance gap might become noticeable in a few years, with certain games running better on the Xbox Series X. For now, though, there’s no significant difference. The PS5 also includes an 825GB SSD, with 667GB available for use. Considering the growing size of modern games (e.g., Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War is over 130GB), investing in an external hard drive for storage is highly recommended.
The PS5 comes in two versions: the standard edition with a Blu-ray disc drive for $500, and the Digital Edition without a disc drive for $400, which requires you to purchase all games digitally.
The biggest leap forward for the PS5 is the new DualSense controller. Unlike the minimal updates to the Xbox controller, Sony has completely overhauled the design. The new controller feels more like the Xbox’s ergonomic design, which has always been praised.
The DualSense also introduces Haptic Feedback, a revolutionary feature that delivers a new level of immersion. You’ll feel the impact of weapons, the crunch of snow underfoot, or the resistance of different terrains through your hands. This feature alone sets the DualSense apart, and you need to try it to truly understand.
The controller also features Adaptive Triggers on the R2 and L2 buttons. For example, when drawing a bowstring in a game, you’ll feel the tension increase. Different weapons will create unique trigger sensations, as seen in Black Ops Cold War. However, not all games will utilize these features, as it depends on the developers. The controller’s USB-C charging also offers faster charging and longer battery life, making it well worth the $70 price tag.
The PS5’s user interface has also been overhauled. Unlike the Xbox, which retained its UI, Sony introduced a completely new, sleek black-themed interface with additional features.
One standout feature is the Cards system, which appears when you press the Home button. Cards show your progress in specific missions and allow you to jump directly into activities without opening the game’s menu.
Another feature is in-game assistance. If you’re stuck on a puzzle or boss, the system can provide hints, but this feature requires a PlayStation Plus subscription.
PlayStation has always been known for its exclusives, and the PS4 delivered masterpieces like God of War, Bloodborne, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS5 launches with strong exclusives from both first and third parties, including Demon’s Souls, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
However, most of these are cross-gen titles available on PS4, with the exception of Demon’s Souls. If you’re a fan of From Software games, the PS5 is worth buying now to enjoy this masterpiece.
If you’re not interested in these games, there’s no rush to upgrade. Waiting until mid-to-late 2021 for upcoming exclusives like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West, and Gran Turismo 7 is a better option.
The PS5 offers two subscription services. PlayStation Plus is essential for online gaming and offers 2-3 free games monthly, priced at $60/year. PlayStation Now provides access to over 600 games, including PS3 and PS4 titles, for $60/year. However, it doesn’t match the value of Xbox Game Pass, which includes first-party games and more than 15 titles monthly.
Rumors suggest Sony might introduce a Game Pass competitor offering day-one exclusives, but we’ll have to wait and see how the generation unfolds.
