PlayStation 5 Review
May 6th, 2021
Ever since the first PlayStation was released in 1994, it signalled Sony’s rise to a behemoth in the world of video games. Sony’s latest console, PlayStation 5, was released in November 2020. The PS5 certainly leapt a whole generation in terms of graphic tech, controller, and design. Naturally, no new console is free from drawbacks, and Sony’s new system isn’t an exception. For example, the enormity of the console wasn’t appreciated by many users. In addition, there is a shortage of exclusives for the PS5 specifically. We’ll be diving deeper into the design, performance, compatibility, and many other features in this article, including the drawbacks.
The optical audio port which was available in the PS4 was scraped in the Playstation 5. This is inconvenient for those who connected their PlayStation with certain audio devices that used optical connections. However, it is still possible to use external optical-to-HDMI splitters to get this function back. Aside from the built-in SSD storage, you can expand the 825GB through a PCIe 4.0 M.2 expansion slot. This slot is only accessible if you open up the console. Also, it is worth mentioning that the expansion drive you choose to use should be compatible with Sony’s bandwidth requirements. This is publicly available in their PS5-certified SSDs list. Standard external hard drives can only be used to transfer digital PS4 games and save files.
Due to the PS5 size, many people would have to reconsider their choice of entertainment units as it’s almost impossible to fit the gaming console under the TV. Regarding the design itself, users and many Sony fans had different opinions, some absolutely love it with the lighting effect’s soothing hue when in rest or operation mode. Other fans were quick to disapprove of the space-age aesthetic.
In other PlayStation 5 games, you will be able to test a sense of resistance sometimes from the controller. Other times, you will feel an electricity buzz. These effects can add so much to the gaming experience. The controller is also packed with a built-in microphone to easily connect and chat with your friends. This can come in handy in many interactive online games.
Playstation 5 Expansion Capabilities and Ports
Similar to the PS4, the PlayStation 5 console comes with a standard set of ports such as HDMI and power. The PlayStation 5 console also capitalizes on newer modern conveniences like USB Type-C SuperSpeed and USB Type-A. It’s a good thing to finally see a console take advantage of the extra power and convenience offered by Type-C ports. This allows you to connect to external drives, headsets, and other accessories. There are 2 USB ports on the front, 1 is Type-A and the other is Type-C, while the back features 2 USB Type-A ports, 1 HDMI port, and a power adapter port.
The optical audio port which was available in the PS4 was scraped in the Playstation 5. This is inconvenient for those who connected their PlayStation with certain audio devices that used optical connections. However, it is still possible to use external optical-to-HDMI splitters to get this function back. Aside from the built-in SSD storage, you can expand the 825GB through a PCIe 4.0 M.2 expansion slot. This slot is only accessible if you open up the console. Also, it is worth mentioning that the expansion drive you choose to use should be compatible with Sony’s bandwidth requirements. This is publicly available in their PS5-certified SSDs list. Standard external hard drives can only be used to transfer digital PS4 games and save files.
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Playstation 5 Design
Sony has revolutionized gaming consoles with the PS5 gargantuan design. It immediately outshined any other gaming system that has come out in the past few decades including PS4 and the pro versions. If we categorize gaming consoles, PS5 would be classified under a new category of heavyweight. Though the huge measurements might form a challenge regarding its placement as it’s measured to be around 39 x 10.4 x 26cm (H x W x D), still it leaves space for better ventilation and adding a bigger fan.Due to the PS5 size, many people would have to reconsider their choice of entertainment units as it’s almost impossible to fit the gaming console under the TV. Regarding the design itself, users and many Sony fans had different opinions, some absolutely love it with the lighting effect’s soothing hue when in rest or operation mode. Other fans were quick to disapprove of the space-age aesthetic.
PS5 Integrated UI
Building upon its predecessor’s strength, the PS5 takes the already snappy and clean UI of PS4 and develops it further. Thanks to the SSD, the UI became a lot more responsive and faster due to the lesser loading and writing times. The PS5 navigation is so clean and snappy that the PS4’s UI will feel sluggish and crowded. The PS5 kept a good portion of PS4’s home screen, with horizontal tiles arranged by recency and dynamic preview of highlighted games with background music. The Explore tab reveals news and updates, in addition to a Game Library that contains all your games, including PS4 digital games. Placing your games into a folder isn’t possible on the default UI like in the PS4, but it’s possible to implement that function later on. If you’re used to PS4’s UI, you may need to familiarize yourself with the new PlayStation button interface because it brings up a control centre that includes battery life, notifications, switching apps, and more. It’s now finally possible to customize the control centre, giving you more options like network settings, accessibility, and broadcasting, which is a huge leap from PS4’s rigid quick menu.A Breakthrough with the Controller
Sony’s PS5 comes with a DualSense controller that might be the most revolutionary part about this next-gen gaming console. There is perfect harmony between the haptic feedback from the gamepad, adaptive triggers, and the over-the-top built-in speaker. These create the perfect chance to immerse in a whole new level of gaming experiences. To sense the extent of the new DualSense controller’s brilliance, you can see it truly shine in Astor’s Playroom where you can test everything from the subtle impact of walking on every grain of sand to smoothly gliding over ice.In other PlayStation 5 games, you will be able to test a sense of resistance sometimes from the controller. Other times, you will feel an electricity buzz. These effects can add so much to the gaming experience. The controller is also packed with a built-in microphone to easily connect and chat with your friends. This can come in handy in many interactive online games.
Heat and Noise
Thanks to the gigantic design, a massive fan has been integrated with large vents inside of the chassis to offer better ventilation. Upon trial, the PS5 should remain cool and quiet while it’s running. There are barely any noticeable noises throughout the trial of different games. Some audible noises might be noticed while running some games, however, during playtime and downloads, the PlayStation 5 has proven to be blissfully quiet compared to other gaming consoles. The PlayStation 5 UK retails for £449.99, while the PlayStation 5 price for the digital edition is much cheaper for £349.99 in the UK. At the top of gaming console lists, the PS5 comes first with a 4.5-star rating.Pros
- Impressive 3D audio for different supported games.
- Next-gen graphics.
- Over-the-top controller.
- Streamlined UI prioritizes games.
- Included Astro’s Playroom is fantastic and gives a chance to experience the true powers of the DualSense controller.
- The space-age looks and feels of the design might be a plus to some fans.
Cons
- The design is borderline impractical especially for a device that is designed to fit under TVs.
- Syncing up saved data on the cloud might form a hassle.
- Some games might put you in a pickle of choosing between resolution, frame rate, and ray tracing.
