Playstation 5 Review

After months of casually looking and joking about getting the next generation PlayStation, my girlfriend gifted me one as an early birthday present. After spending a few days tinkering around and experiencing what this machine has to offer, I have some thoughts. Does "play have no limits" like we've been seeing in marketing? Or is this really the future of the industry that people have been boasting about.

Let's start with the Dualsense. Stepping away from the previous "Dualshock" branding, the Dualsense is a bulkier counterpart, bringing it closer to an Xbox controller. The Dualsense fits wonderfully in your hands without feeling like you're going to break it (an issue I had with the previous Duakshocks feeling cheap). The main features of the Dualsense are haptic feedback, which uses rumble motors in the control to simulate things like walking over different terrain or movement happening. Adaptive triggers are the other selling point, using different levels of force and tension while driving or firing weapons (think of pressing a thumbstick down to fire, about halfway). You'll have to use more force as the trigger almost locks into place with tension. Both of these features are used expertly in the pre-installed Astro's Playroom that's designed to showcase the Dualsenses features. It's really something you have to experience to fully grasp. Sadly, outside of the triggers being used as different firing types and a slight rumble while moving, I haven't really experienced these across the board. Right now, it comes off more like a gimmick that Playstation first-party titles are being forced to include in some way, rather than a significant change that other developers will be incorporating into core gameplay.Dualsense brings back the touchpad, which is essentially warranted to an extra large menu opener and a built-in microphone, which I could entirely do without. Hearing players in lobbies is extremely quiet coming from the controller, and speaking with it to talk to others comes out muffled and distant.

I remember when the PS5 was announced, I almost mocked the design, and I still don't get it. I've had to have mine horizontal under my TV to even have a chance of a place to put it. Even with the console being dead silent while in use, it looks awkward with the rest of my setup, but the blue light emitting from inside the shell is a nice touch I enjoy. Once system software and updates are finished, you'll have roughly 667GB of space left on the system. With exclusive games reaching up to 70+ GB, you'll certainly be running out of space sooner than later. Thankfully, Playstation now allows you to use external hard drives with your console, and they also released a video demonstrating how to upgrade the SSD to something larger.Playstation has built its legacy on exclusive premium first-party experiences you can only have on PlayStation. While that didn't quite work out for me the past 2 generations, where I skipped or dropped out of some of their biggest titles, so far my time with the PS5 has been a blast. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart has been an absolutely jaw-dropping experience, with the lush scenery and varied levels you'd be hard pressed to find in other AAA endeavors. I haven't been hit with as much nostalgia and childish wonder as I have with Astro's Playroom. Every single level, corner, and carefully crafted throwback to Playstation's past is in full effect here and is truly the shining star preinstalled on every PS5.

Honestly, the only hiccups with the system thus far may not even be with the console itself. For example, my PS5 and Xbox Series X are hooked up side by side the exact same way to the internet and everything else. However, while downloading games to the PS5 has taken upwards of 4+ hours to do, while on the Series X doing the same tasks takes a fraction of the time, barely reaching an hour at a time. Also, some media apps like YouTube or Disney+ in the first week were constantly crashing or refusing to start up at all before being met with an error message. Sony, if you're listening, you seriously need to get some form of quick resume pronto. These are slight missteps in the grand scheme of things, but after being spoiled with the Series X for the past 2 years, it felt like I was taking a step back with the quality of life features you can find elsewhere .

The PlayStation 5 is definitely a system for people focused on core gaming experiences. While certain options and services would improve the console tenfold, It doubles down on being a system for exclusive AAA titles that feel like an experience to play. Looking back at Playstation's legacy, you can't help but feel excitement looking ahead, especially with some of their recent franchises reaching their finale. The Last of Us Part 2, Uncharted, and God of War are all finishing up their storylines once Ragnarok releases, which leaves room for the next generation of franchises on the platform. Even if you already have an Xbox Series X and/or Gamepass, if the lineup of first party AAA exclusive interest you that much absolutely the PS5 is worth investing it. If you’re entering this generation for the first time I’d say it’s honestly still a toss up on which to jump on if you’re someone who’s only able to get one of the other. Either way gaming is in a beautiful place right now with so many different ventures being taken to bring the best experience to gamers.