If you are currently trying to buy a Next-Gen console right in time for the holidays, GOOD LUCK!
Trust me, you'll need it.
This is all thanks to the ordeal of pre-ordering, which has been an absolute nightmare. Add on the issues of scheduled deliveries gone missing, and you're set to have a truly immersive Next-Gen frustration. But, sooner or later you too shall receive the all new latest and greatest in the console world. (Exact dates not clear)
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| PS5 (barely) in a cabinet |
There are TWO PS5 versions (PS5 Digital $399 | PS5 $499). The only difference being the Digital version has no Blu-Ray optical drive, making it aesthetically more symmetrical and a $100 cheaper. Besides that the guts, storage and every other hardware component is the exact same.
Microsoft seems to have taken a much different approach with their Next-Gen Consoles.
The PS5 supports a base resolution of 4K 120 FPS (variable), and has the option for 8K 60 FPS compatibility (future update). It supports HDR 10, a whole new way of hearing in game sounds with 3D Audio, and Ray Tracing rendering support for more life-like and realistic graphics.
The DualSense controller has been reimagined from the ground up, and when you play Sony's Astro Play Room game/demo you truly feel the Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers fully immerse you into the virtual world you're in. More games will start tapping into these offerings soon.
In simple speak, it'll look, sound and feel like true Next-Gen gaming. Although you don't need to upgrade your TV, in order to experience true Next-Gen be sure your TV has 4K HDR. The PS5 ships with an HDMI 2.1 cable, so you won't need any new cables.
The custom created SSD can transfer data at lightning speeds of 5.5GB/sec. It is worth knowing that out of the box only 675GB of useable space is available. Users will be able to upgrade it through an NVME slot later and we should be receiving more options relatively soon.
Sony has built upon the PS4 user interface, but has redesigned it to be easier to navigate and more user friendly. The PS5 can also act as your entertainment center by playing your favorite movies, shows and music.
If you're ever planning on playing online, you will need to get PSN+ ($60/year). One of the added benefits being, you receive complimentary PS4 games to play, but compared to Microsoft Game Pass it's nowhere close in terms of games and feels like more of an after thought from Sony.
It is worth noting that the current PS5 game catalog is significantly sparse. It also has limited backwards compatibility and not many games tap into its numerous Next-Gen features.
However, in the coming years you will be seeing an uptick in games that tap into all the offerings of a PS5.
If you really think about it, gaming consoles are a great value proposition. For around $500, you get 7+ years of fully supported gaming before having to upgrade.
Now that I've convinced you to get one, GOOD LUCK! We don't know when the next drop is, but you can keep track of stock across all online retailers here.
Saandhyarag Sasidhar
Web and Media Specialist
Web and Digital Strategies
