PS5 Reviews: The Best Console. Period?
The PS5 has been marred by supply issues since its release, but now that the console is available to buy is it the best option on the market? Let’s take a look at a cross-section of PS5 reviews to find out…
Table of Contents
The PS5 is a masterclass in almost every conceivable regard. It’s rapid performance, insanely potent SSD, and backwards compatibility with existing games make it the ultimate console on the market right now. Add its blazingly fast performance, true next-gen graphics, and its myriad of AAA gaming franchises and it is easy to see why Sony won the console war in 2022/23.
- Incredibly Powerful
- 4K & 8K Support
- Has All The Best AAA Game Franchises
- Runs Very Quietly
- Market-Leading Game Controller
- Flawless & Super-Useful Software
- UX is Stunning
Playstation 5
The PS5 isn’t just a more powerful version of the PS4 Pro. Sony has completely reinvented the console, changing nearly every aspect and component of the system – from its outer casing to its software.
As complete overhauls go, the PS5 is about as extreme as it gets. And that is always risky. But it would appear that Sony’s vision was both timely and extraordinarily well executed.
But it didn’t stop with the console itself; no, Sony also took a more traditional approach to launching the console itself too. It ensured there were plenty of exclusive games available at launch.
It then worked with game companies to ensure a steady stream of exclusive games for its first couple of years on sale – this has helped keep the PS5 in the headlines, at the front and center of gamers’ minds.
Of course, the entire platform has been marred by the fact that millions of potential users could not actually buy one when it was released.
The global chip shortage made getting a PS5 for the vast majority of people next to impossible.
And this saga lasted for a very long time, a painfully long time – both for Sony’s bottom line and gamers eager to try the new console. Mercifully, things have now improved and the PS5 is easier to find in-store and online.
But is the PS5 worth buying? Is it future-proofed? Are the games that much better than what you got on the PS4 Pro?
In order to answer these questions, we first need to take a look at what makes the PS5 so powerful – its specs and hardware – and then we’ll take a look at a cross-section of reviews in a bid to build a clearer picture of its positives and negatives.
After this, we’ll analyze what we’re established and be in a better position to answer the question: is the PS5 worth buying?
PS5 Specs & Hardware
- Price: $499 (standard), $399 (Digital Edition)
- CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
- GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
- RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- Expansion: NVMe M.2 SSD slot
- Disc drive: 4K Blu-ray player
- Size: 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 inches
- Weight: 9.9 pounds
Design
The PS5’s design is a departure from previous PlayStation consoles, which were typically boxy and monochromatic. Instead, the PS5 has a curved shape with two contrasting colors that create a striking visual effect. The console’s overall shape resembles a tower, with one side standing taller than the other.
At first glance, many people might assume that the taller side of the PS5 is meant to be positioned vertically. However, Sony has stated that the console can be used in either orientation. When placed horizontally, both sides of the console rest on a flat surface.
One of the most eye-catching elements of the PS5’s design is its lighting system. The console features blue LED lights that illuminate various parts of the device when it’s turned on.
This lighting system not only looks cool but also serves as an indicator for different functions such as when updates are available or when games are downloading.
Another notable feature of the PS5’s design is its size.
The console is larger than previous PlayStation models and takes up more space on entertainment centers or shelves.
This may be seen as a drawback for those with limited space but could also be viewed as an advantage for those who want their gaming setup to make a statement.
The front faceplate of the PS5 can be removed to reveal an expansion slot for additional storage space via an M.2 SSD drive (sold separately). This option allows users to customize their storage capacity without having to replace their entire console.
PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller
The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller is a significant upgrade from the previous DualShock controller.
The design of the DualSense controller is sleek and futuristic, with a two-tone color scheme that matches the PS5 console.
One of the most notable features of the DualSense controller is its haptic feedback technology.
This feature allows players to feel different sensations in their hands while playing games, making gameplay more immersive than ever before.
For example, if a player is driving a car in a game, they can feel the rumble of the engine through the controller’s vibrations.
Adaptive Triggers
The adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller are another exciting addition. These triggers can adjust their resistance based on what’s happening in-game, allowing players to feel like they’re pulling back a bowstring or firing a gun. This level of immersion gives players more control over their gaming experience and makes games feel more lifelike.
The buttons on the DualSense controller are similar to those on previous PlayStation controllers but have been slightly redesigned for improved functionality. The Share button has been replaced with a Create button that allows players to capture screenshots and videos, share them online or with friends, and even create GIFs from gameplay footage.
The touchpad on the DualSense controller remains unchanged from its predecessor but still serves as an important input method for many games. Additionally, there’s now a built-in microphone that allows players to communicate with others without needing an external headset.
Rechargeable Battery
Another new feature of the DualSense controller is its built-in rechargeable battery. This eliminates the need for AA batteries and makes it easier for players to keep their controllers charged up and ready for gaming sessions.
The battery life of this new controller has also been improved compared to previous PlayStation controllers.
Finally, like all PlayStation controllers before it, the DualSense features motion-sensing technology that allows players to control games by moving the controller around in space.
This feature has been used in many popular games such as “Gran Turismo” and “LittleBigPlanet” and continues to be an important part of PlayStation gaming experiences.
Overall, Sony has clearly put a lot of thought into designing this new iteration of its iconic PlayStation controller.
With innovative features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, along with improved battery life and charging options, Sony has basically created the best gaming controller we’ve seen to date.
This thing is bloody incredible.
PS5 Hardware
I/O
On top of all the above specs, you have things like WiFi 6 built-in, larger fans and inlets for better heat management, a plethora of USB slots – both micro and Type C – as well as HDMI slots and an ethernet port for mainlining an internet connection into the PS5.
Conversely, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X only supports WiFi 5. Again, Sony has been thinking about the long game here and when you look at the system in a macro way, this approach really starts to pay dividends.
PS5 SSD
With storage, you have a beefy 825GB SSD – of which 667.2GB is available – for storing all your games and media files. There is support for external SSD/HDD drives but only for PS4 games (which is odd).
You also have the potential to upgrade the internal SSD via its M.2 SSDs too, this was added in September 2021, after not being available at first. And it is a useful addition too because PS5 games are bloody massive, so you’ll rip through 800GB of storage in no time whatsoever.
CPU & GPU
Beyond this, what really makes the PS5 so special – and so very, very powerful – is its GPU and CPU.
The PS5’s GPU was custom built by AMD and has an RDNA 2-based GPU that delivers up to 10.28 teraflops of power using variable frequencies of up to 2.23GHz.
All of this means the PS5 can create next-generation graphics using things like ray tracing and significantly higher resolutions which, when combined, is what makes PS5 games look so damn good compared to PS4 and PS4 Pro titles.
The PS5’s CPU is an eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU that supports variable frequencies up to 3.5GHz. All this means is that the CPU can down-regulate its power when it doesn’t require “full beans” to run a game or an application which, in turn, makes it a more power-efficient system.
Sony also included 16GB of GDDR6 RAM inside the PS5 so as to ensure buttery smooth performance inside the PS5’s settings and menus and also its games.
Combine ALL of these things and you’re looking at one of the most powerful consoles ever envisaged.
That’s a quick overview of what’s new, specs and hardware-wise, inside the PS5. But to get a better idea about just how good the PS5 actually is, let’s now look at a cross-section of PS5 reviews to see what other reviewers made of the console.
After we’ve been through the PS5 reviews, we’ll do a recap session at the end where I’ll go over all the PS5’s PROS and CONS in order to find out whether or not the PS5 is worth buying over, say, an Xbox Series X console or a Nintendo Switch.
PS5 Reviews
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Is The PS5 Worth It?
Whichever way you slice it, if you want the best possible gaming experience in 2023 and beyond on a console, you HAVE to be looking at the PS5.
Or the Xbox Series X.
Right now, these are the only two games in town when it comes to future-proofed, next-generation console gaming. Both are incredibly powerful, both support 8K gaming, and both have a wide and ever-growing selection of titles, as well as novel ways of delivering them.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X
But for me, I think the PS5 has a slight edge over the Xbox Series X. Sony has really improved the PS5 controller, the PS5’s software is now more useful and engaging than ever, it looks and functions so much better than it did on the PS4, and Sony has a considerable amount more exclusive games available for its platform.
This isn’t to say the Xbox is inferior in any way, it isn’t.
But from a purely fun perspective, right now, I think gamers will get more out of the PS5 than the Xbox Series X.
Aside from the way they look, the Xbox Series X and PS5 are very similar on the inside. They run markedly similar hardware and specs, with the odd difference here and there.
Microsoft has introduced some massive, super-useful changes to how Xbox works and these will impress all who encounter them.
But for most people, the thing that is going to be most important is access to exclusive games, and in this context, Sony is currently winning, so right now we’d say get the PS5 over the Xbox Series X.
The PS5 is a masterclass in almost every conceivable regard. It’s rapid performance, insanely potent SSD, and backwards compatibility with existing games make it the ultimate console on the market right now. Add its blazingly fast performance, true next-gen graphics, and its myriad of AAA gaming franchises and it is easy to see why Sony won the console war in 2022/23.
- Incredibly Powerful
- 4K & 8K Support
- Has All The Best AAA Game Franchises
- Runs Very Quietly
- Market-Leading Game Controller
- Flawless & Super-Useful Software
- UX is Stunning
