♦ Introduction ♦
Sony have done a fantastic job with their new generation of console, the PlayStation 5.
I won't bore with the specifications, however one thing is for sure, this thing is a "beast", especially when considering the price of a PC with equivalent specifications would cost so much more.
It is important to note that there are two versions of the PS5; both have the exact same internal specifications including memory space (825GB SSD, with around 667GB of that being useable), so it's down to your preference on how you buy games and whether you see any use in having a disc drive:
• PS5 - Digital Version: This is the cheapest model in the short-term. As this is lacking a disc drive you cannot watch Blu-Ray's or put in game discs with this version. To purchase games, you will need to connect the console online by Wi-Fi or Ethernet and get them from the PlayStation store; buying games through this method is typically more expensive but it's the convenience and freeing up space in your home.
• PS5 - Disc Version: Gives you the flexibility of buying physical copies of games or going digital and in addition you can watch DVD/Blu-Ray/UHD-Blu-Ray's. The disc versions of games will still take up the same amount of storage space as they still need to install, though the bonus about having discs is that you can trade them in or sell them once you are done, unlike the digital copies.
♦ Box Contents & Optional Extras ♦
Whichever version you go for, you will get the following in the box:
• PS5 console.
• Console stand (horizontal & vertical use).
• DualSense wireless controller (x1).
• USB-C charging cable for controller.
• HDMI cable.
• AC power cable.
• Instructions (Do read them!).
There are many optional extras you can buy, though not necessary:
• DualSense controller (for additional players).
• DualSense charging station (useful for charging two controllers at one time).
• PS5 HD camera (recommended for those who like to stream/broadcast their games).
• PS5 media remote (a remote that fine-tuned for your media needs should you want it).
• 3D Pulse wireless headset (Utilises the PS5 '3D Audio')*.
* Any headset with a 3.5mm cable is compatible by connecting it to the DualSense controller.
• External HDD (this is recommended if you are downloading PS4 games as it frees up the PS5's main storage for PS5 games).
There is an internal M.2 SSD expansion slot, however, for the time being this slot is disabled until Sony announce or make available compatible SSD drives that can match the PS5's on-board storage specifications.
♦ Set-Up & Using ♦
The set-up process is very simple and if you have an existing PS4, it will actually guide you from transferring your accounts, saved data and games directly! This can be done over the same WiFi but recommended to connect the two together via Ethernet cable.
If you're new, it will guide you through the process including making an account (if you are a parent who wants more parental controls, you can look this up on the official PlayStation website).
The user interface is actually well thought-out and simple to navigate through including the console settings. The only thing I need to get past is my muscle memory of navigating around the PS4 for the last 7 years...
♦ Performance ♦
When it comes to graphics, the biggest jumps were certainly between the first four PlayStation consoles PS1 - PS2 - PS3 - PS4; with the PS5, there are a lot of games (not all) that will look similar in quality to the PS4 but the overall performance has been enhanced from quicker load-up times, more consistent frame-rates and stability, better transitions between cut-scenes (resulting in some being a seamless transition) to name a few, then there is ray-tracing which if a game supports this will blow your mind.
Typically when a PS5 games has ray-tracing, it will give you an option to choose between a lower frame-rate such as 30fps with ray-tracing or have 60fps with ray-tracing disabled. Most my friends including myself feel that 30fps with ray-tracing in the better option as it gives the gameplay a whole new breath of life. There are plenty of videos online to show you the difference of having ray-tracing and I would highly recommend you check it out.
Cooling: The console is extremely quiet despite handing games which are more demanding of specifications. I barely notice any noise being emitted from the console and it's a nice change playing Call of Duty without my console sounding like a jet engine like my PS4 Pro did... Even after long gaming sessions, my console remains at a good temperature. NOTE: You should always place the console in an open space and at least 10cm away from a wall (if your console cannot "breathe" then it will be your fault to why it may overheat).
SPEED: As mentioned the loading times are brilliant but it's also how quickly you can jump from one game to another, sometimes in seconds. For example: I was in the middle of playing a game when I got a notification that someone beat my high-score on Astro and with a click of the 'PS' button, I was in the other game ready to take on my friends score... Crazy!
Social: If you like communicating with your friends, the PS5 has made this even easier. The group function has been improved and allows you to screen-share to your WHOLE group (unlike the PS4 which limits it to one person) and they can pin your screen to any side/corner they want. My friend and I were both playing a game and we were also BOTH watching each others screens at the exact same time, such a great feature!
♦ DualSense Controller ♦
Since the original DualShock controller, Sony have made considerable improvements over the years as technology got better and better.
I can see why they have diverted from naming this controller DualShock 5 but instead calling it 'DualSense', the reasoning for this is certainly key changes such as the old rumble motor and has now opted for dual actuators which can replicate specific frequencies to give a more immersive experience through haptic feedback.
Another key feature are the adaptive triggers which allows the game developer to add resistance to the triggers. A perfect example which has been used many times to explain this is when you draw a bow, initially it's very easy to pull back until it gets to a point where more and more resistance is applied making it tougher to go any further; developers can simulate these in the triggers.
The DualSense like the DualShock 4 also has an in-built microphone, speaker, touchpad, three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer. With all the different sensory elements the new controller has in-built, it makes sense to call it "DualSense".
♦ Astro's Playroom ♦
At the time of review, 'Astro's Playroom' is pre-installed on every console. Do not take a blind-eye to this game as you will be surprised at how good it is, despite your age!
This game utilises all features the DualSense controller has to offer and delivers an absolutely incredible experience based on that alone. The game has four main islands which concentrate the theme of each generation of the PlayStation and is packed full of references. It's also not overly hard to earn a Platinum trophy either.
♦ Final Thoughts ♦
Like any console on launch there are limited options for next-generation games, but the ones that are available are typically getter very good reviews, including 'Bug Snax' which initially raised a lot of eye-brows at first. The compatibility with PS4 games is great and if you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber you have instant access to a wide-variety of top selling PS4 games, ideal for those who are moving from Xbox One to PS5.
All in all with the PS5 you are getting a console that can handle upcoming games with ease, a more user-friendly experience and a new controller which is going to upgrade your gaming to a whole new level.
✔ Pros:
✓ Wonderful console design.
✓ User-friendly interface.
✓ Great overall performance.
✓ Better cooling system.
✓ Robust & improved controller.
⸗ Neutral:
- Internal storage space is a bit limited.
✖ Cons:
✘ Buying games through the PlayStation store is quite pricey.
There is a newer version of this item:
What do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- Best Sellingin this set of products
From the manufacturer
-
Lightning speed
Harness the power of a custom CPU, GPU, and SSD with Integrated I/O that rewrite the rules.
-
Ultra high-speed SSD
Maximise your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
-
Create and share
Create screenshots and videos from your gameplay. Share with other players on PSN or social media.
-
Haptic feedback
Feel the effects and impact of your in-game actions through dynamic sensory feedback.
-
Adaptive triggers
Featuring dynamic resistance levels which simulate the physical impact of in-game activities.
1 Lightning speed 2 SSD 3 Create and share 4 Haptic feedback 5 Adaptive triggers
-
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Travel to a snowy Marvel’s New York in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, realised in beautiful 4K and HDR.
-
Demon's Souls
Experience the original brutal challenge, completely remade from the ground up, all presented in stunning visual quality with enhanced performance.
-
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
The iconic PlayStation hero bursts back into breathtaking action with a huge, fun and frantic 3D multiplayer platforming adventure with friends.
-
Godfall
Godfall is a brand-new, next-gen looter-slasher, set in a bright fantasy universe filled with heroic knights and arcane magic.
-
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Black Ops Cold War drops fans into the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s. Welcome to the brink.
-
The PlayStation Plus Collection
Enjoy a selection of generation-defining PS4 games, included with your PS Plus membership at no extra cost. Access the entire collection on your PS5 at launch.
Reviews with images
Submit a report
A few common reasons why customers report reviews:
- Harassment, profanity
- Spam, advertisement, promotions
- Given in exchange for cash, discounts
When we get your report, we will check if the review meets our Community guidelines. If it does not, we will remove it.
Sorry, there was an error
Please try again later.Top reviews from United Kingdom
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 November 2020
Sony have done a fantastic job with their new generation of console, the PlayStation 5.
I won't bore with the specifications, however one thing is for sure, this thing is a "beast", especially when considering the price of a PC with equivalent specifications would cost so much more.
It is important to note that there are two versions of the PS5; both have the exact same internal specifications including memory space (825GB SSD, with around 667GB of that being useable), so it's down to your preference on how you buy games and whether you see any use in having a disc drive:
• PS5 - Digital Version: This is the cheapest model in the short-term. As this is lacking a disc drive you cannot watch Blu-Ray's or put in game discs with this version. To purchase games, you will need to connect the console online by Wi-Fi or Ethernet and get them from the PlayStation store; buying games through this method is typically more expensive but it's the convenience and freeing up space in your home.
• PS5 - Disc Version: Gives you the flexibility of buying physical copies of games or going digital and in addition you can watch DVD/Blu-Ray/UHD-Blu-Ray's. The disc versions of games will still take up the same amount of storage space as they still need to install, though the bonus about having discs is that you can trade them in or sell them once you are done, unlike the digital copies.
♦ Box Contents & Optional Extras ♦
Whichever version you go for, you will get the following in the box:
• PS5 console.
• Console stand (horizontal & vertical use).
• DualSense wireless controller (x1).
• USB-C charging cable for controller.
• HDMI cable.
• AC power cable.
• Instructions (Do read them!).
There are many optional extras you can buy, though not necessary:
• DualSense controller (for additional players).
• DualSense charging station (useful for charging two controllers at one time).
• PS5 HD camera (recommended for those who like to stream/broadcast their games).
• PS5 media remote (a remote that fine-tuned for your media needs should you want it).
• 3D Pulse wireless headset (Utilises the PS5 '3D Audio')*.
* Any headset with a 3.5mm cable is compatible by connecting it to the DualSense controller.
• External HDD (this is recommended if you are downloading PS4 games as it frees up the PS5's main storage for PS5 games).
There is an internal M.2 SSD expansion slot, however, for the time being this slot is disabled until Sony announce or make available compatible SSD drives that can match the PS5's on-board storage specifications.
♦ Set-Up & Using ♦
The set-up process is very simple and if you have an existing PS4, it will actually guide you from transferring your accounts, saved data and games directly! This can be done over the same WiFi but recommended to connect the two together via Ethernet cable.
If you're new, it will guide you through the process including making an account (if you are a parent who wants more parental controls, you can look this up on the official PlayStation website).
The user interface is actually well thought-out and simple to navigate through including the console settings. The only thing I need to get past is my muscle memory of navigating around the PS4 for the last 7 years...
♦ Performance ♦
When it comes to graphics, the biggest jumps were certainly between the first four PlayStation consoles PS1 - PS2 - PS3 - PS4; with the PS5, there are a lot of games (not all) that will look similar in quality to the PS4 but the overall performance has been enhanced from quicker load-up times, more consistent frame-rates and stability, better transitions between cut-scenes (resulting in some being a seamless transition) to name a few, then there is ray-tracing which if a game supports this will blow your mind.
Typically when a PS5 games has ray-tracing, it will give you an option to choose between a lower frame-rate such as 30fps with ray-tracing or have 60fps with ray-tracing disabled. Most my friends including myself feel that 30fps with ray-tracing in the better option as it gives the gameplay a whole new breath of life. There are plenty of videos online to show you the difference of having ray-tracing and I would highly recommend you check it out.
Cooling: The console is extremely quiet despite handing games which are more demanding of specifications. I barely notice any noise being emitted from the console and it's a nice change playing Call of Duty without my console sounding like a jet engine like my PS4 Pro did... Even after long gaming sessions, my console remains at a good temperature. NOTE: You should always place the console in an open space and at least 10cm away from a wall (if your console cannot "breathe" then it will be your fault to why it may overheat).
SPEED: As mentioned the loading times are brilliant but it's also how quickly you can jump from one game to another, sometimes in seconds. For example: I was in the middle of playing a game when I got a notification that someone beat my high-score on Astro and with a click of the 'PS' button, I was in the other game ready to take on my friends score... Crazy!
Social: If you like communicating with your friends, the PS5 has made this even easier. The group function has been improved and allows you to screen-share to your WHOLE group (unlike the PS4 which limits it to one person) and they can pin your screen to any side/corner they want. My friend and I were both playing a game and we were also BOTH watching each others screens at the exact same time, such a great feature!
♦ DualSense Controller ♦
Since the original DualShock controller, Sony have made considerable improvements over the years as technology got better and better.
I can see why they have diverted from naming this controller DualShock 5 but instead calling it 'DualSense', the reasoning for this is certainly key changes such as the old rumble motor and has now opted for dual actuators which can replicate specific frequencies to give a more immersive experience through haptic feedback.
Another key feature are the adaptive triggers which allows the game developer to add resistance to the triggers. A perfect example which has been used many times to explain this is when you draw a bow, initially it's very easy to pull back until it gets to a point where more and more resistance is applied making it tougher to go any further; developers can simulate these in the triggers.
The DualSense like the DualShock 4 also has an in-built microphone, speaker, touchpad, three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer. With all the different sensory elements the new controller has in-built, it makes sense to call it "DualSense".
♦ Astro's Playroom ♦
At the time of review, 'Astro's Playroom' is pre-installed on every console. Do not take a blind-eye to this game as you will be surprised at how good it is, despite your age!
This game utilises all features the DualSense controller has to offer and delivers an absolutely incredible experience based on that alone. The game has four main islands which concentrate the theme of each generation of the PlayStation and is packed full of references. It's also not overly hard to earn a Platinum trophy either.
♦ Final Thoughts ♦
Like any console on launch there are limited options for next-generation games, but the ones that are available are typically getter very good reviews, including 'Bug Snax' which initially raised a lot of eye-brows at first. The compatibility with PS4 games is great and if you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber you have instant access to a wide-variety of top selling PS4 games, ideal for those who are moving from Xbox One to PS5.
All in all with the PS5 you are getting a console that can handle upcoming games with ease, a more user-friendly experience and a new controller which is going to upgrade your gaming to a whole new level.
✔ Pros:
✓ Wonderful console design.
✓ User-friendly interface.
✓ Great overall performance.
✓ Better cooling system.
✓ Robust & improved controller.
⸗ Neutral:
- Internal storage space is a bit limited.
✖ Cons:
✘ Buying games through the PlayStation store is quite pricey.
Edition: PS5 DiscVerified Purchase
PlayStation 5 Console (Disc Version)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 November 2020
♦ Introduction ♦Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 November 2020
Sony have done a fantastic job with their new generation of console, the PlayStation 5.
I won't bore with the specifications, however one thing is for sure, this thing is a "beast", especially when considering the price of a PC with equivalent specifications would cost so much more.
It is important to note that there are two versions of the PS5; both have the exact same internal specifications including memory space (825GB SSD, with around 667GB of that being useable), so it's down to your preference on how you buy games and whether you see any use in having a disc drive:
• PS5 - Digital Version: This is the cheapest model in the short-term. As this is lacking a disc drive you cannot watch Blu-Ray's or put in game discs with this version. To purchase games, you will need to connect the console online by Wi-Fi or Ethernet and get them from the PlayStation store; buying games through this method is typically more expensive but it's the convenience and freeing up space in your home.
• PS5 - Disc Version: Gives you the flexibility of buying physical copies of games or going digital and in addition you can watch DVD/Blu-Ray/UHD-Blu-Ray's. The disc versions of games will still take up the same amount of storage space as they still need to install, though the bonus about having discs is that you can trade them in or sell them once you are done, unlike the digital copies.
♦ Box Contents & Optional Extras ♦
Whichever version you go for, you will get the following in the box:
• PS5 console.
• Console stand (horizontal & vertical use).
• DualSense wireless controller (x1).
• USB-C charging cable for controller.
• HDMI cable.
• AC power cable.
• Instructions (Do read them!).
There are many optional extras you can buy, though not necessary:
• DualSense controller (for additional players).
• DualSense charging station (useful for charging two controllers at one time).
• PS5 HD camera (recommended for those who like to stream/broadcast their games).
• PS5 media remote (a remote that fine-tuned for your media needs should you want it).
• 3D Pulse wireless headset (Utilises the PS5 '3D Audio')*.
* Any headset with a 3.5mm cable is compatible by connecting it to the DualSense controller.
• External HDD (this is recommended if you are downloading PS4 games as it frees up the PS5's main storage for PS5 games).
There is an internal M.2 SSD expansion slot, however, for the time being this slot is disabled until Sony announce or make available compatible SSD drives that can match the PS5's on-board storage specifications.
♦ Set-Up & Using ♦
The set-up process is very simple and if you have an existing PS4, it will actually guide you from transferring your accounts, saved data and games directly! This can be done over the same WiFi but recommended to connect the two together via Ethernet cable.
If you're new, it will guide you through the process including making an account (if you are a parent who wants more parental controls, you can look this up on the official PlayStation website).
The user interface is actually well thought-out and simple to navigate through including the console settings. The only thing I need to get past is my muscle memory of navigating around the PS4 for the last 7 years...
♦ Performance ♦
When it comes to graphics, the biggest jumps were certainly between the first four PlayStation consoles PS1 - PS2 - PS3 - PS4; with the PS5, there are a lot of games (not all) that will look similar in quality to the PS4 but the overall performance has been enhanced from quicker load-up times, more consistent frame-rates and stability, better transitions between cut-scenes (resulting in some being a seamless transition) to name a few, then there is ray-tracing which if a game supports this will blow your mind.
Typically when a PS5 games has ray-tracing, it will give you an option to choose between a lower frame-rate such as 30fps with ray-tracing or have 60fps with ray-tracing disabled. Most my friends including myself feel that 30fps with ray-tracing in the better option as it gives the gameplay a whole new breath of life. There are plenty of videos online to show you the difference of having ray-tracing and I would highly recommend you check it out.
Cooling: The console is extremely quiet despite handing games which are more demanding of specifications. I barely notice any noise being emitted from the console and it's a nice change playing Call of Duty without my console sounding like a jet engine like my PS4 Pro did... Even after long gaming sessions, my console remains at a good temperature. NOTE: You should always place the console in an open space and at least 10cm away from a wall (if your console cannot "breathe" then it will be your fault to why it may overheat).
SPEED: As mentioned the loading times are brilliant but it's also how quickly you can jump from one game to another, sometimes in seconds. For example: I was in the middle of playing a game when I got a notification that someone beat my high-score on Astro and with a click of the 'PS' button, I was in the other game ready to take on my friends score... Crazy!
Social: If you like communicating with your friends, the PS5 has made this even easier. The group function has been improved and allows you to screen-share to your WHOLE group (unlike the PS4 which limits it to one person) and they can pin your screen to any side/corner they want. My friend and I were both playing a game and we were also BOTH watching each others screens at the exact same time, such a great feature!
♦ DualSense Controller ♦
Since the original DualShock controller, Sony have made considerable improvements over the years as technology got better and better.
I can see why they have diverted from naming this controller DualShock 5 but instead calling it 'DualSense', the reasoning for this is certainly key changes such as the old rumble motor and has now opted for dual actuators which can replicate specific frequencies to give a more immersive experience through haptic feedback.
Another key feature are the adaptive triggers which allows the game developer to add resistance to the triggers. A perfect example which has been used many times to explain this is when you draw a bow, initially it's very easy to pull back until it gets to a point where more and more resistance is applied making it tougher to go any further; developers can simulate these in the triggers.
The DualSense like the DualShock 4 also has an in-built microphone, speaker, touchpad, three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer. With all the different sensory elements the new controller has in-built, it makes sense to call it "DualSense".
♦ Astro's Playroom ♦
At the time of review, 'Astro's Playroom' is pre-installed on every console. Do not take a blind-eye to this game as you will be surprised at how good it is, despite your age!
This game utilises all features the DualSense controller has to offer and delivers an absolutely incredible experience based on that alone. The game has four main islands which concentrate the theme of each generation of the PlayStation and is packed full of references. It's also not overly hard to earn a Platinum trophy either.
♦ Final Thoughts ♦
Like any console on launch there are limited options for next-generation games, but the ones that are available are typically getter very good reviews, including 'Bug Snax' which initially raised a lot of eye-brows at first. The compatibility with PS4 games is great and if you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber you have instant access to a wide-variety of top selling PS4 games, ideal for those who are moving from Xbox One to PS5.
All in all with the PS5 you are getting a console that can handle upcoming games with ease, a more user-friendly experience and a new controller which is going to upgrade your gaming to a whole new level.
✔ Pros:
✓ Wonderful console design.
✓ User-friendly interface.
✓ Great overall performance.
✓ Better cooling system.
✓ Robust & improved controller.
⸗ Neutral:
- Internal storage space is a bit limited.
✖ Cons:
✘ Buying games through the PlayStation store is quite pricey.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 December 2020
So having owned and used the PS5 for just over a month now, I thought I'd share my initial impressions via this review.
The console is big, probably the biggest I've owned, and I've had a fair few. With that said when stood vertically on the supplied stand it really doesn't take up a great deal of space alongside a TV, or on a desk besides a monitor. Even horizontally it will only take up the same space as traditional HiFi seperate unit. It just feels looks larger due to its design and colour.
Within that large casing it houses a substantial cooling solution. During use the fan is exceptionally quiet and I am yet to hear it step up to levels that are audible in normal circumstances. What can clearly been heard is the optical drive. You know when the BD drive is spinning. It's a little disappointing compared to the relative serenity of the rest of the system. Thankfully its rare the drive needs to work outside of installation, or initialisation.
Once the system is running you encounter the UI for the first time. Everything is fairly straightforward with games front and centre. Elements will be familiar to former PlayStation owners but equally other will be less so, and maybe a little confusing at first. Once you're used to it, it's actually better than the PS4's but there are shortcomings. One glaring omissions is the lack of folders for your games and media. I am sure this can be added in a future update but it seems odd to exclude it in the first place. Closing games can be a little convoluted. On the PS4 it was a fairly straightforward affair, but. On the PS5 it take at least one to two additional button presses.
Games are what it's all about and this were the PS5 excels. So far I have played AC: Valhalla, Demon's Souls, WRC9, FIFA21, Astrobot, No Man's Sky, Bugsnax and Haven. These are all PS5 builds and a mix Triple A and Indie titles. In terms of performance it's a big step up. All of these games hit 60fps with ease. This make a big difference to action titles like AC and Demon's Souls. Couple that with the boost in visual fidelity, and lightning fast load times( thanks to the SSD) and they are joy to play. Then we have backwards compatibility. Many older games receive a significant performance boost and some first party titles receive a graphical upgrade. The now notorious Cyberpunk 2077 serves as a great example of the PS5 power. The game was poorly optimised at release for the PS4 family of consoles, to the point were it unplayable on vanilla hardware. While running the PS4 build, the PS5 can maintain a steady 60fps. Pop in is non-existent thanks to the super fast SSD and RAM, the texture pop in isn't detectable.
Everything isn't rosy when it comes to games though. Storage is limited. Of the 825gb only 667gb is usable. There is an M.2 slot for future expansion, but this currently disabled due to no suitable drives being available. You can use an external to store and play PS4 games, however you won't benefit from the boosted loading times offered by the SSD. Because of the adoption of a standardised M.2 slot this will mean future expansion will be available and get cheaper over time.
Probably the biggest surprise is the Dual Sense. Until you pick it up and play Astrobot you don't realise how big of game changer this could be. The haptic feedback is fantastic. The fine tuning on Astrobot allows you feel every surface and input. The adaptive trigger add depth to simple actions like drawing a bow. WRC 9 makes great use of this too by adding resistance to the brake trigger to mimic the progression of the pedal. If none of this is your thing, or you feel it will hinder how competitive you can be, it can all be disabled or tones down. Aside from the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the Dual Sense feels great in the hand. The DS4 was a major step up from the DS3, and the Dual Sense feels almost as big a leap. It's easily my controller of choice now. My only criticism would be that on both my Dual Senses the R1 and L1 buttons are audible. It isn't the sound of a micro switch, but more the sound of plastic on plastic.
So overall the PS5 is a great starting point for a promising future.
**Update**
So nearly two years into ownership and things have arguably got better. Many new and useful features have been added as well as some quality of life improvements. It would have been nice to see VRR and 1440p support come sooner but it's better late than never. I've added an internal m.2 NVME and have been using an external HDD for PS4 games. As of yet I've not issues with either. Overall the experience for myself remains excellent.
***Update Nov 2023***
So with three years of ownership under my belt have my thoughts changed? No not at all. The PS5 has been solid throughout. It's just a shame Sony haven't given us a few more exclusives in that time. I would still recommend the PS5.
Edition: PS5 DiscVerified Purchase
A Great Start To The Generation & A Promising Future.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 December 2020
**Updates at the bottom**Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 December 2020
So having owned and used the PS5 for just over a month now, I thought I'd share my initial impressions via this review.
The console is big, probably the biggest I've owned, and I've had a fair few. With that said when stood vertically on the supplied stand it really doesn't take up a great deal of space alongside a TV, or on a desk besides a monitor. Even horizontally it will only take up the same space as traditional HiFi seperate unit. It just feels looks larger due to its design and colour.
Within that large casing it houses a substantial cooling solution. During use the fan is exceptionally quiet and I am yet to hear it step up to levels that are audible in normal circumstances. What can clearly been heard is the optical drive. You know when the BD drive is spinning. It's a little disappointing compared to the relative serenity of the rest of the system. Thankfully its rare the drive needs to work outside of installation, or initialisation.
Once the system is running you encounter the UI for the first time. Everything is fairly straightforward with games front and centre. Elements will be familiar to former PlayStation owners but equally other will be less so, and maybe a little confusing at first. Once you're used to it, it's actually better than the PS4's but there are shortcomings. One glaring omissions is the lack of folders for your games and media. I am sure this can be added in a future update but it seems odd to exclude it in the first place. Closing games can be a little convoluted. On the PS4 it was a fairly straightforward affair, but. On the PS5 it take at least one to two additional button presses.
Games are what it's all about and this were the PS5 excels. So far I have played AC: Valhalla, Demon's Souls, WRC9, FIFA21, Astrobot, No Man's Sky, Bugsnax and Haven. These are all PS5 builds and a mix Triple A and Indie titles. In terms of performance it's a big step up. All of these games hit 60fps with ease. This make a big difference to action titles like AC and Demon's Souls. Couple that with the boost in visual fidelity, and lightning fast load times( thanks to the SSD) and they are joy to play. Then we have backwards compatibility. Many older games receive a significant performance boost and some first party titles receive a graphical upgrade. The now notorious Cyberpunk 2077 serves as a great example of the PS5 power. The game was poorly optimised at release for the PS4 family of consoles, to the point were it unplayable on vanilla hardware. While running the PS4 build, the PS5 can maintain a steady 60fps. Pop in is non-existent thanks to the super fast SSD and RAM, the texture pop in isn't detectable.
Everything isn't rosy when it comes to games though. Storage is limited. Of the 825gb only 667gb is usable. There is an M.2 slot for future expansion, but this currently disabled due to no suitable drives being available. You can use an external to store and play PS4 games, however you won't benefit from the boosted loading times offered by the SSD. Because of the adoption of a standardised M.2 slot this will mean future expansion will be available and get cheaper over time.
Probably the biggest surprise is the Dual Sense. Until you pick it up and play Astrobot you don't realise how big of game changer this could be. The haptic feedback is fantastic. The fine tuning on Astrobot allows you feel every surface and input. The adaptive trigger add depth to simple actions like drawing a bow. WRC 9 makes great use of this too by adding resistance to the brake trigger to mimic the progression of the pedal. If none of this is your thing, or you feel it will hinder how competitive you can be, it can all be disabled or tones down. Aside from the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the Dual Sense feels great in the hand. The DS4 was a major step up from the DS3, and the Dual Sense feels almost as big a leap. It's easily my controller of choice now. My only criticism would be that on both my Dual Senses the R1 and L1 buttons are audible. It isn't the sound of a micro switch, but more the sound of plastic on plastic.
So overall the PS5 is a great starting point for a promising future.
**Update**
So nearly two years into ownership and things have arguably got better. Many new and useful features have been added as well as some quality of life improvements. It would have been nice to see VRR and 1440p support come sooner but it's better late than never. I've added an internal m.2 NVME and have been using an external HDD for PS4 games. As of yet I've not issues with either. Overall the experience for myself remains excellent.
***Update Nov 2023***
So with three years of ownership under my belt have my thoughts changed? No not at all. The PS5 has been solid throughout. It's just a shame Sony haven't given us a few more exclusives in that time. I would still recommend the PS5.
Images in this review
