Purchasing a PS5 is actually worth it, although the PS4 has reigned supreme for almost a decade, we strongly advise against purchasing its successor, the PlayStation 5.
For those who adhere to the concept of console wars, it’s common knowledge that Sony’s PlayStation 4 outperformed Microsoft’s Xbox One by a considerable margin—with over double the sales. To put it into perspective, the PS4 has earned a spot among the top-selling consoles in history.
Nonetheless, the PlayStation 5 has yet to ascend to such elevated levels and therefore we present all the grounds why purchasing a PS5 may not be advisable at this moment.
There are only a select few first-party games that are exclusive
Playing games on different platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch or Xbox Series X/S, is a common practice among gamers. The significance of having exceptional exclusive titles restricted to that particular system cannot be overstated.
The issue lies in the fact that there are only a few games available for the PS5. Although Astro’s Playroom and Demon’s Souls are fantastic, their limited number does not justify spending hundreds of dollars on a console.
A PlayStation Showcase was held by Sony in May 2023, it had high hopes of impressing the audience with first-party announcements. However, it fell short as the event primarily highlighted third-party games – while some were captivating, Microsoft swiftly noted on Twitter that they would also be accessible across other platforms.
In due course, the situation is bound to alter as Sony will ultimately come through with an abundance of first-party exclusive games that are crucially lacking on PS5. Nonetheless, it’s quite challenging at present to highlight a singular game that can entice buyers since almost three years have passed since its launch.
The majority of games can be accessed on both the PS4 and PC.
Adding to the problem is that several of these “exclusive” games use that label liberally, as they can also be found on the PS4 – such as God of War Ragnarök and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
While these games are superb when played on a PS5 console, they remain enjoyable even on a PS4 system. As such, it may still make sense to purchase a PS4 if you currently do not have one.
Sony’s dedication to gaming isn’t limited to just consoles. They are expanding their reach into the PC market by offering exclusives, including Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart after a year or two of its release.
This is great news for gamers who possess high-performance desktops and can exercise patience while they wait for these titles on the PC platform. Additionally, it’s possible to use Sony’s DualSense controller from PS5 with your computer once connected!
It’s important not to overly criticize Sony for this. It is commendable that the company is embracing PC gaming and isn’t pressuring PS4 users into upgrading to the PS5 right away.
However, if you already own a PS4 or gaming computer, there may not be enough motivation to purchase a new console unless its superior graphics capabilities or accessories like PlayStation VR2 are significant factors for you.
The majority of games can be found on both the PS4 and PC platforms.
The cost of the PS5 is prohibitive.
Sony stated in August 2022 that the price of PS5 would rise across several regions owing to struggles arising from the “global economic climate”.
While a PS5 costs $500 in America, it remains expensive. Nonetheless, purchasing the Digital Edition (which lacks a disc drive) enables you to save up to $100.
Additionally, there are other factors to consider such as the cost of peripherals and accessories, mandatory membership for online play through PlayStation Plus (which saw an increase in price starting from September 2023), sustaining additional storage due to limited capacity with only 667GB available on PS5 or even rising prices of games.
The Xbox Series X comes in at the same price point of $500 for comparison. Conversely, the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series S both have a retail value of $300 – which is notably cheaper by two hundred dollars than that of PS5. Furthermore, starting from $399 onward lies Steam Deck – an adaptable PC device that can be carried around or docked to various setups with ease.
While these affordable gadgets may not offer the same level of performance and game selection, they are ideal substitutes if you’re looking for an enjoyable gaming system that won’t break the bank.
Anticipate the Inevitable Upgraded PS5
With its dimensions of 390mm x 104mm x 260mm and weighing in at a hefty 4.5kg, the PS5 is certainly no lightweight contender. Placing it underneath your TV within a media unit might prove challenging due to its size. Additionally, while the console’s design is acceptable, it may not necessarily be an eye-catching centerpiece that you want taking over your entire room.
Why not simply hold out for the upcoming update? The Slim version of PS4, featuring a much-needed streamlined design (which is now its primary model), was launched three years after the initial release. In addition to that, there’s also the PS4 Pro with 4K gaming capabilities surpassing those on main consoles limited to just 1080p.
As is the case with every console release, the PS5 will likely follow suit. Rumors suggest that in 2023 a more compact version of the PS5 referred to as “PS5 Slim” could hit stores and include a detachable disc drive while potentially being available at a lower price point. Taking it easy can have its rewards after all!
Is it Recommended to Purchase a PS5?
The decision to purchase a PS5 is on you alone. In the event that none of these rationales are dealbreakers for you, feel free to proceed with buying one and potentially derive countless hours of amusement from it.
Nonetheless, numerous individuals may opt to hold off. They might choose to wait until there are additional PS5 exclusive games available, the price drops further or for an upgraded version…or all three factors combined. Once this juncture is reached, it’s probable that the PS5 will have a firmer footing and be deemed essential for avid gamers alike.
