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Tech 24 verdict
The new, thinner PS5 has more capacity, better connector choices, a detachable disc drive, and a physical reduction in size. It still has the same potent processor, cutting-edge SSD, and 4K-capable graphics inside. The PS5's outstanding DualSense controller, user-friendly interface, and unrivaled selection of unique titles, along with a tribute to PlayStation's history, make it the best platform of this generation.
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PRONS | CONS |
+Beautiful, fast UI | -Controller may feel too big for some |
+fast speed SSD | -Massive size |
+Robust game library | -No Dolby Vision |
+Excellent game load times |
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The new, thinner PS5 has more capacity, better connector choices, a detachable disc drive, and a physical reduction in size. It still has the same potent processor, cutting-edge SSD, and 4K-capable graphics inside. The PS5's outstanding DualSense controller, user-friendly interface, and unrivaled selection of unique titles, along with a tribute to PlayStation's history, make it the best platform of this generation.
With an easier setup and user-friendly layout, the user experience has been completely redesigned. While Plus Extra and Premium subscribers have access to a larger game library, PS Plus Essential members have instant access to a carefully chosen selection of titles. With backward compatibility, your PS4 game collection will function flawlessly on the PS5.
Design and build quality
The PlayStation 5 is the largest gaming console ever produced by Sony, measuring 39 x 10.4 x 26 cm (H x W x D). Its curved surfaces make precise measurements challenging, and its weight of 4.5 kg makes it difficult to fit under a TV. The PS5's design and color scheme are polarizing.
with some fans loving its futuristic design and others disliking it. However, the console's subtle lighting effect adds to its space-age appearance and provides continuity with the PS4.However, the glossy plastic used down the center spine of the console, where the front USB ports are located, can become scratched and collect dust and fingerprints, but keeping your PS5 clean is quite simple. The console's curves and height make setting it up difficult, and the attachable stand is not user-friendly.
The stand is functional but flimsy, and it can slip off the small lip it clamps onto multiple times when repositioning the unit.The PS5 features a variety of ports, including USB-A and USB-C ports on the front, HDMI 2.1 ports, Ethernet ports, and power ports. There are no proprietary ports, which is beneficial for replacing cables.
Performance and speed
The PlayStation 5 game machine has an 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU, 10.3 teraflops of graphics processing capability, and a unique SSD that reads data extremely quickly. It's a great option for gaming since it offers steady framerates, high quality, and quick load times.
The graphics on the console are amazing, and Spider-Man: Miles Morales looks like a top-tier PC game. Miles Morales for the PS5 has a performance option that upresizes 4K content and turns off ray tracing in favor of a better framerate. This makes going back to the PS4 version challenging.
The ultra-fast SSD makes the console feel next-gen, with games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales launching in 20 seconds, Astro's Playroom in 20 seconds, and features like skipping to specific parts of a game via the Activities menu.
Controller
Compared to the DualShock 4 from the PS4, the Sony DualSense controller that comes with the PS5 is more ergonomically designed and more comfortable.
The grip bottoms' rough texture, matte white plastic finish, and balanced weight all work together to improve grasp and lessen slippage. The PS4 lightbar and the controller's two-tone color scheme have been moved to the area surrounding the touchpad. The analog sticks have a textured outside ridge, are more robust, and are concave. Moreover, the DualSense has haptic feedback and adaptable trigger buttons that may be disabled or modified at the system level for accessibility. Compared to the DualShock 4, battery life is much longer, reaching 12.5 hours in tests.
The DualSense Charging Station is an optional accessory, or you may use the USB-C to USB-C connection that comes with the device as a charging alternative. Like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series, the future DualSense Edge provides customizable choices.
User Interface and Experience
A highly customized user interface (UI) with an emphasis on games and media apps has been offered by the PlayStation 5. The material is arranged in user-friendly clusters by the new design, which facilitates navigation for regular users. Every game has its own area with important features like trending broadcasts and the trophy page.
With immediate access to alerts, buddy lists, parties, music, mic settings, controller information, and rapid access to notifications, the Control Center provides contextual information depending on current activities. Activity cards offer quick access to in-game activities as well as game-related information. The PS5 user interface seems slick and cutting-edge, and it has built-in tutorials for tricky areas. The PS Plus Collection, a collection of popular PS4 titles, is available to subscribers at no additional cost.
Online multiplayer gaming is made easier with the DualSense controller's integrated microphone, which makes party communication effortless even without a headset. With its improved online play, Control Center, Activity Cards, and Navigation, the PS5 provides a cutting-edge gaming experience all around.
Game Library and Compatibility
Despite having a small game selection when it started, the PS5 system has a vast selection of fantastic games, including some that are backward compatible with PS4 titles like Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, God of War,
The Last of Us Part II, and Marvel's Spider-Man. PS Plus members may play Astro's Playroom, a platformer that highlights the console's features, as well as previous games.
With first-party titles like Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Demon's Souls, The Last of Us: Part I, God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West, Returnal, and Gran Turismo 7, the PS5 catalog has increased tremendously. There are also third-party blockbusters, including Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, Saints Row, Elden Ring, Resident Evil Village, and Stray. There are also indie treasures like Bugsnax, the first PlayStation Plus downloadable game for the system. The PS5's game catalog will keep growing as it develops, providing even more amazing gaming opportunities.
VR Compatibility
Despite numerous similarities between the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the PS5 has a notable advantage in that it supports virtual reality. Both the original PlayStation VR and the more recent PlayStation VR 2, which made its public release in 2023, are compatible with the PS5.
With titles like Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, No Man's Sky, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge, Thumper, and Rez Infinite, the PlayStation VR 2 already has an amazing collection of games.
The PlayStation VR 2's cutting-edge eye-tracking technology, advanced haptic feedback, and stunning 4K OLED screen combine to provide one of the most immersive VR experiences on the market. But because it has to be connected to the PS5 all the time, there is a slight risk of the cable tripping. Moreover, the price is a significant disadvantage because the PlayStation VR 2 headset needs to be bought separately.
Final verdict
When compared to the Xbox Series X, the new PS5 "Slim" is still an impressive platform and provides a more exciting gaming experience straight out of the box. Ray Tracing makes games like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart look amazing, and the controller is great. Furthermore, experiences that are exclusive to PlayStation VR 2 and PlayStation Portal cannot be had on Xbox or Nintendo.
Those who were looking for both frame rate and graphic fidelity may be disappointed to learn that many of Sony's titles force them to choose between the two. The Xbox Series X is now a better deal with Game Pass, especially in light of the latest price rise. Despite these shortcomings, the PS5 Slim offers a number of positive enhancements in addition to being smaller. It provides improved I/O and more storage. It's not necessary to upgrade to the Slim variant if you own a PS5. However, the PS5 Slim is the best option if
You're purchasing a PS5 for the first time.
FAQ
What are the key upgrades in the new slimmer PS5?
The new slimmer PS5 offers more storage, improved port options, a detachable disc drive, and a smaller physical size while maintaining the same powerful internals
Is the PS5 backward compatible with PS4 games?
What makes the PlayStation VR 2 special?
How does the PS5 compare to the Xbox Series X?
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The Xbox Series X is a multipurpose game console with modern technology, a stylish appearance, and remarkable performance capabilities. It provides a huge gaming selection that includes both third-party and exclusive titles