The PlayStation 5 (PS5) had to meet high expectations following the immense success of the PS4 and it has far surpassed those benchmarks. Its remarkable features and the innovations accompanying the console itself make it a standout in the gaming world.
The DualSense controller is a game-changer, boasting haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. This advanced technology makes it a major selling point for the console. Although Sony later released the DualSense Edge, its high price prevented it from becoming as popular as its predecessor.
The PS5 introduces a new user interface, lightning-fast SSD load times, immersive 3D audio and powerful hardware, marking significant improvements over the PS4. These features make it hard to put down the controller once you start playing. However, the console’s design is controversial. Its large, wing-like faceplates make it an eyesore for some, though the updated PS5 Slim model addresses its bulky size. The original’s large dimensions do ensure efficient cooling and quiet operation. You can position the console vertically or horizontally, though it requires a stand for horizontal placement. Importantly, there have been no major hardware issues like crashes or storage corruption since its release.
Support for 120Hz TVs with HDMI 2.1 was initially slow, but the number of games supporting 120fps, including titles like Horizon Forbidden West, Fortnite and Ghostwire Tokyo, is growing. The addition of VRR (variable refresh rate) enhances gaming smoothness on compatible TVs, maintaining high frame rates without screen tearing or performance hits.
Even without a high-end TV, you can enjoy the PS5’s quick load times, superior performance and impressive visuals. The console’s user experience has been streamlined with a simple setup and an intuitive interface. PS Plus Essential members get a curated selection of games, while Plus Extra and Premium members can access additional Game and Classics Catalogs. Backward compatibility with PS4 games is another strong point.
Ultimately, the PS5 impresses with its design, performance and a growing library of exclusive games.
DESIGN
The PS5 is massive for a modern gaming console, measuring around 39 x 10.4 x 26cm (H x W x D) and weighing 4.5kg. This makes it the largest console Sony has ever made, potentially requiring a rethinking of your setup. The console’s space-age design and two-tone color scheme are polarizing, though the option to buy new console covers in various colors is a plus. A universally liked feature is the system’s subtle lighting effect, which adds to its futuristic look. However, the glossy plastic on the center spine, where the front USB ports are located, can get scratched and attracts dust and fingerprints.
The PS5 requires an attachable stand for horizontal placement, which can be tricky to set up and feels somewhat cheap. It includes a small compartment for a screw needed for vertical placement. Despite its basic functionality, the stand can slip off when moving the console.
The PS5 features a USB-A and USB-C port on the front, with two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, an Ethernet port and a power port on the back. There are no proprietary ports, making it easy to replace cables if needed.
PERFORMANCE
The PS5’s hardware is impressive, with a custom RDNA 2 GPU supporting 4K resolution at 120fps, an octa-core AMD Zen 2-based CPU at 3.5GHz, 16GB of GDDR6 memory and an 825GB NVMe SSD. While capable of 8K resolution, a firmware update is required to enable this feature. The main drawback is the 825GB SSD, which limits storage space. Usable storage is 667.2GB, which can hold around 16 games depending on their size. Upgrading storage with an NVMe SSD is possible but not very intuitive.
External hard drives and SSDs can be used for additional storage, though they don’t offer the same fast load times as the built-in SSD. Setting up an external SSD is straightforward and allows for storing and transferring PS4 games. A system update in April 2021 enabled storing PS5 games on external storage, though they need to be transferred back to the internal drive to play.
At launch, few games fully utilized the PS5’s hardware, but future titles are expected to take full advantage of its capabilities. Load times are significantly faster, with games like Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered and Demon’s Souls loading in seconds. Graphical improvements, particularly in resolution and frame rate, are also notable. Most games run at 60fps, with the potential for 4K/120fps and 8K/60fps in the future.
SPECS
The PS5’s specs include:
- CPU: AMD Zen 2-based with 8 cores at 3.5GHz (variable frequency)
- GPU: 10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23GHz (variable frequency)
- GPU architecture: Custom RDNA 2
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 / 256-bit
- Memory bandwidth: 448GB/s
- Internal storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- Usable storage: 667.2GB
- IO throughput: 5.5GB/s (raw), 8-9GB/s (compressed)
- Expandable storage: NVMe SSD slot
- External storage: USB HDD support (PS4 games only)
- Optical drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray drive
The PS5’s 3D Tempest Audio is Sony’s answer to Dolby Atmos, providing spatial audio on any headset. While not as revolutionary as expected, it enhances immersion in games like Astro’s Playroom and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Developers will need to optimize the technology to fully realize its potential.
The PS5 is notably quiet and cool compared to its predecessors, with minimal fan noise and heat production. Some units may emit a faint electrical noise, but this is a significant improvement over the PS4 and PS4 Pro, known for their loud fans and heat output.
DUALSENSE CONTROLLER
The new DualSense controller is a major improvement over the DualShock 4. It includes adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, providing a more immersive gaming experience. The controller is comfortable to hold, with a matte white finish and textured grips. The face buttons retain the classic PlayStation symbols but are now colorless and the light bar has been moved to a less intrusive position.
The DualSense includes a mute button for the built-in microphone, which can also mute your TV speakers or headset. The highlights are the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, which mimic real-life actions like pulling a bowstring or pressing a car pedal. These features are supported by many PS5 games and can be adjusted or turned off for accessibility.
FEATURES
The PS5 introduces a redesigned user interface with beautiful splash screens for every game. The PlayStation button now brings up a Control Center, allowing access to various sub-menus like Friends list, downloads, notifications and Spotify.
A notable new feature is the Activity Cards, which track trophy progress, allow you to jump into specific parts of a game and provide in-game hints. These add a layer of next-gen polish to the PS5 experience. Other social features include groups, SharePlay and easy video sharing. The PS5 also supports voice dictation for messaging and voice commands for opening games and apps.
You can set system-wide preferences for difficulty level, controller settings and graphical mode. The PS5 also functions as a streaming video player, supporting services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and more. However, it lacks support for Dolby Vision and isn’t the best media player compared to dedicated streamers.
GAME LIBRARY
The PS5 comes with Astro’s Playroom pre-installed, showcasing the console’s capabilities. The PlayStation Plus Collection offers a great selection of games for new players and backward compatibility allows you to play most PS4 games. The PS5’s game library is growing, with exclusive titles like God of War and Marvel’s Spider-Man being standout examples.
BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY
The PS5 supports almost all PS4 games, though not all are compatible. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support PS3, PS2 or PS1 games. This is a disappointment compared to the Xbox Series X’s backward compatibility with Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. However, the PS5’s focus on new games and improved hardware makes it a worthy upgrade for gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standout features of the PS5?
The PS5 features include a revolutionary DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, fast SSD load times, 3D audio and powerful hardware for enhanced gaming experiences.
What is the PS5’s design like?
The PS5’s design is polarizing due to its large size and distinctive appearance with wing-like faceplates. It offers options for vertical and horizontal placement but requires a stand for horizontal setup.
How does the PS5 perform compared to its predecessor?
The PS5 offers significant performance upgrades over the PS4, with capabilities for 4K gaming at high frame rates, support for 8K resolution and improved cooling and quiet operation.
What storage options does the PS5 offer?
The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, providing 667.2GB of usable storage. It supports external USB storage for additional game installations and recently added support for internal SSD upgrades.
What are some notable accessories and features of the PS5?
Notable accessories include the DualSense controller with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, along with features like the redesigned user interface with Activity Cards and support for streaming services.