[Initial Thoughts—Please stay tuned as I plan to add to this as I go]
Opening the Box:
Unboxing the PS5 reminded me of my first experience with Apple products years and years ago. And if you are not an Apple fan, you might not realize, how, back in the dark ages, tech was haphazardly packaged or that everyone else largely does it the “Apple way” nowadays. Needless to say, my experience was refined, not clunky, with the layout making sense, and very little wasted space.
The Beast inside:
The PS5 itself, is, well, massive. It dwarfs the PS4 Pro, and hell, even the new options from Microsoft. The styling of this hunk of plastic and metal is equally in your face. There is no two ways about it, some will love it, others will hate it and pray for a refined “slim version” to come sooner than later. I am more the former than the latter as I enjoy something a bit futuristic when it comes to my console experience. In other words, I like that it looks like a vase, even if it has become the ridicule of many who make many phallic jokes about it. That said, the disc drive version, which I have is a bit awkward at the base as it is a bit more “girthy” (Yeah, I know, I know.) than the digital edition.
Setup:
Setup experience is, well, exceptional. Ladies and gentlemen, I have been gaming a long a** time. My first console was an Atari 2600 and man, oh man, have we come a long way from that thing. It is, and I will borrow the old catch phrase from Apple-land, “it just works”. Transferring of games and save information over your router in between your two consoles is rather seamless but depending on how much you are shipping from your PS4 to your PS5, it might take a bit. I had heard that there was a way to directly connect the two, however, I did not do so.
*That said, COD: MW (2019) gave me a bit of trouble because of the sheer size, which led me to popping in the install disc to help speed it along.
Noise level of the PS5:
The PS5 is rather quiet, the loudest part, and it really is not that loud, per se, is the disc drive. And, if you owned a PS4 or PS4 Pro, you would appreciate the fact that the 4k blu ray drive in this does not sound like you are opening and closing a 55’ Chevy Truck door. It loads quietly, largely runs quietly, and ejects, quietly. But what about the fan? You can hear the fan's "whirring" sound if you get up close to it. Apparently, Sony has the ability to send out firmware updates that can change how the sound works. For you tin foil hat wearing folks, be ware, BIG BROTHER is watching you....and your PS5 fan.
The UI:
The UI, as much as the DualSense, is pretty much the talk of the town, right? But, it is a bit disorienting until you start to learn it. That said, as for speed and ease of navigation, I give the overall feel of it, a solid 8/10. Why not a perfect score, well, because nothing is perfect and I feel as if it almost a mix of the Switch’s UI and the PS4 and while I think it looks great, runs great, but I am not sure I fully love it, yet. For instance, some functions, feel buried, but they are not really, it is just how you access them that has changed, which means, you and I have to change. Do note, I am not saying this is for the better, I am saying this is how it is.
Storage:
The Elephant in the room. Storage. Storage is limited. There is really no other way to say it. For instance, after installing Fall Guys, COD: Modern Warfare (2019) and keeping Astro's Playroom installed, I had roughly 300gbs of space left. Now, not everyone happens to like having a catalog of games on their drive, which is fine. But many do. And with Sony releasing a digital edition, one would think that they would, custom drive not withstanding, given a bit more. Further, Sony does not have or has not yet released a list of drives that can populate the extra M.2 port that can take advantage of PS5s incredibly speedy architecture. This problem is further compounded because currently, you cannot offload games onto a USB attached storage drive.
The Controller:
The DualSense, without any game play, feels nice and hefty. Though, I will note the D-Pad feels a bit “squishy” to me. When playing games with it, it feels good. I have average hands, maybe a tad small (HEY! They are mighty hands, you leave me be!) and I did not experience any discomfort. In games where the DualSense is programed for, you will feel things differently as you play. It really is a step forward in that regards. In games, however, that are not setup for it, you essentially get the feel of rumble, all day, everyday. However, I encourage you to play Astro's playroom or Spiderman MM to get a good feel of its potential.
The Games:
At launch, Sony has a slight advantage with games--but not with subscription service. Whether they are all new, Demon's Souls, for instance, is another issue. As for playing games, I tried a couple of "older" titles, "Fall Guys" and "COD: Modern Warfare (2019)"--most notalby, Warzone. Both displayed improved load times, especially for the latter title. MW had a graphical and textural pack applied to it and while it helped some, I did not feel it made that much of a difference on the newer system as compared to when I played it on my old PS4 Pro. Indeed, it looked a bit more washed out, but consider, I had switched over from "Fall Guys", which is a cornucopia of colors that vary the spectrum or simply, it is like playing a game inside a bag of Skittles. You get my point.
But where this thing shines, frankly, and everyone has told you this-- and they ain't lyin' brosephus and sistersephus-- is with games built for it. On the PS5 the best examples of this are going to be "Demon's Souls" and "Spiderman: Miles Morales" and "Astro's Playroom". As of this update, I have played all three and can say confidently you will not be disappointed.
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Great step towards Next Gen Gaming
I love this! The DualSense doesn't feel like a normal controller and the games speed of download and online play are insane fast! Can't wait to see what more games and features to come!Update: 12/6/2021 In depth:I will sum up of not just the physical look but performance and play overall on M.2 SSD and PS5 SSD etcThe PS5 may look, depending on people preference, special in its own way but the futuristic look of the console is a breath opener for whats to come when powered on making a great, eye catching, for what awaitsThe Look: Personally, I love the look. Not only because its something new, but looks nex gen and more out of the current gen style. I seen lots of memes of being a heater, LOL funny, but the look works and better prepare on how different this console is from any other PS System ever played on before. The system shells even have mini carved printed Triangle, Square, Cross, and Circle symbol from the playstation controller as unique feel on the case as well. The stand, no matter side ways or standing, RECOMMEND using it as the stand helps support the weight, especially on Digital owners as the digital version weight is top heavy. However, I don't like their isnt many USB slots on the PS5 as, depending if using VR too with the PULSE Headset, can take all slots easily.Gameplay: The games gameplay appeal, even in remakes of PS3/PS4 titles take things to a whole new level as the new software of PS and the Hardware specs are almost that of a PC spec of a RTX GPU with separate options. The promo of Ray Tracing is gorgeous to look at, the colors, HDR, saturation and even real time render of the reflections, shadows, and in game particles make game lookes like a real live movie or in real life time itself. The separate options are Fidelty (which keeps ray tracing and real shadows and particles but in 4K to full quailty but in 30FPS) or Performance (Which doesnt have Ray tracing but in full 60fps and runs smoother than previous console of PS4, even on PS4 games looks much smooth with update of PS5 patches) on both PS5 games and even in the PS5 settings for anyone looking for a separate Ray tracing or true 60fps experiance. With or Without any Ray Tracing or HDR, games still look amazing no matter what screen size from a 1080p or 4K even in upcoming 8K (which have been tested and looks great on OLED UHD TVs.Memory: The PS5 Speed of its internal SSD is amazing for reducing loading times and almost instant to a dime, its even faster, depending on your M.2 SSD, Speed making its almost none existence thas even on PS4 games. For Digital Owners, I recommend save for M.2 thats up to 2TB to 4TB as some PS5 games are large but worth it with expanded SSD. The PS5 Internal 825GB is ok, but not enough, especially if recording video on PS5 or even trophy achievement videos. Thankfully, can disable the trophy achieve videos to only image. The recommend M.2 SSD is Gen4 6000m/s speed and M.2 Thermal casing for a good reason. Yes, you can do with lower speeds at some M.2 but I wouldnt recommend that. You can use HDD but only for PS4 games as PS5 games need SSDs for speed and size of game that runs on them than a SATA HDD.Fan/Cooling: Thankfully, this is the same issue as with PS4/PS4 Pro as the fan is silent no matter the settings and hard push for game quality. The fan is cool and quiet and even testing temperature doesn't get anywhere near hot as long in a open desk or spaced area.The Controller: The DualSense... is MORE than just a controller. The haptic feedback works too well to even call as vibration. The triggers weight for the feedback and feature of the controllers motion ALL shine in Astro's Playroom Demo on the PS5 and recommend for ANY PS fan as it is token for not just being a demo to showcase the controllers features, but secret messages and easter eggs too. Besides the haptic feed, the Touch Pad has had even a small upgrade as feel on it tracks and feel the feed through press or sliding on the touch pad on the DualSense, at least in games like Astro's Playroom and Demon Souls, whether through the character you are playing or even the environment for the feed back of the wind or the quake of the ground or weapons and abilities from the trigger buttons. I do hope more game developers fully use the DualSense features to their protentional.Backwards Compatibility: as of 12/6/2021, PS5 is completely backwards compatible with 99.9% of PS4 games, PSVR games as well, and works with PS5 DualSense controllers, but I recommend PS4 DualShock 4 Controller on some games though. PS Plan for more different service for a answer for more games from previous generation but we will have to wait, if I test out, will update the review here.Pros:-Can play MANY PS4 games, Disk or Digital out the box via your PSN Account-Great library, so far and the planned games ahead-DualSense is a GREAT next generation of gaming introduction into next gen of gaming in general-Fast loading and expansive storage for PS5 M.2 SSDs-PS5 can use HDD for PS4 games but still increase loading on most games that been updated through the patch (although not as fast than on PS5 or M.2 SSD)Cons:-Hard to get one if any because scalper bots-Is big and can take up lots of space depending on desk size-Not many USB slots on the console-Removing the cover shell of PS5, if impatient, can scratch the console a bit (but isnt damaging)
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Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
I love this! The DualSense doesn't feel like a normal controller and the games speed of download and online play are insane fast! Can't wait to see what more games and features to come!
Update: 12/6/2021 In depth:
I will sum up of not just the physical look but performance and play overall on M.2 SSD and PS5 SSD etc
The PS5 may look, depending on people preference, special in its own way but the futuristic look of the console is a breath opener for whats to come when powered on making a great, eye catching, for what awaits
The Look: Personally, I love the look. Not only because its something new, but looks nex gen and more out of the current gen style. I seen lots of memes of being a heater, LOL funny, but the look works and better prepare on how different this console is from any other PS System ever played on before. The system shells even have mini carved printed Triangle, Square, Cross, and Circle symbol from the playstation controller as unique feel on the case as well. The stand, no matter side ways or standing, RECOMMEND using it as the stand helps support the weight, especially on Digital owners as the digital version weight is top heavy. However, I don't like their isnt many USB slots on the PS5 as, depending if using VR too with the PULSE Headset, can take all slots easily.
Gameplay: The games gameplay appeal, even in remakes of PS3/PS4 titles take things to a whole new level as the new software of PS and the Hardware specs are almost that of a PC spec of a RTX GPU with separate options. The promo of Ray Tracing is gorgeous to look at, the colors, HDR, saturation and even real time render of the reflections, shadows, and in game particles make game lookes like a real live movie or in real life time itself. The separate options are Fidelty (which keeps ray tracing and real shadows and particles but in 4K to full quailty but in 30FPS) or Performance (Which doesnt have Ray tracing but in full 60fps and runs smoother than previous console of PS4, even on PS4 games looks much smooth with update of PS5 patches) on both PS5 games and even in the PS5 settings for anyone looking for a separate Ray tracing or true 60fps experiance. With or Without any Ray Tracing or HDR, games still look amazing no matter what screen size from a 1080p or 4K even in upcoming 8K (which have been tested and looks great on OLED UHD TVs.
Memory: The PS5 Speed of its internal SSD is amazing for reducing loading times and almost instant to a dime, its even faster, depending on your M.2 SSD, Speed making its almost none existence thas even on PS4 games. For Digital Owners, I recommend save for M.2 thats up to 2TB to 4TB as some PS5 games are large but worth it with expanded SSD. The PS5 Internal 825GB is ok, but not enough, especially if recording video on PS5 or even trophy achievement videos. Thankfully, can disable the trophy achieve videos to only image. The recommend M.2 SSD is Gen4 6000m/s speed and M.2 Thermal casing for a good reason. Yes, you can do with lower speeds at some M.2 but I wouldnt recommend that. You can use HDD but only for PS4 games as PS5 games need SSDs for speed and size of game that runs on them than a SATA HDD.
Fan/Cooling: Thankfully, this is the same issue as with PS4/PS4 Pro as the fan is silent no matter the settings and hard push for game quality. The fan is cool and quiet and even testing temperature doesn't get anywhere near hot as long in a open desk or spaced area.
The Controller: The DualSense... is MORE than just a controller. The haptic feedback works too well to even call as vibration. The triggers weight for the feedback and feature of the controllers motion ALL shine in Astro's Playroom Demo on the PS5 and recommend for ANY PS fan as it is token for not just being a demo to showcase the controllers features, but secret messages and easter eggs too. Besides the haptic feed, the Touch Pad has had even a small upgrade as feel on it tracks and feel the feed through press or sliding on the touch pad on the DualSense, at least in games like Astro's Playroom and Demon Souls, whether through the character you are playing or even the environment for the feed back of the wind or the quake of the ground or weapons and abilities from the trigger buttons. I do hope more game developers fully use the DualSense features to their protentional.
Backwards Compatibility: as of 12/6/2021, PS5 is completely backwards compatible with 99.9% of PS4 games, PSVR games as well, and works with PS5 DualSense controllers, but I recommend PS4 DualShock 4 Controller on some games though. PS Plan for more different service for a answer for more games from previous generation but we will have to wait, if I test out, will update the review here.
Pros:
-Can play MANY PS4 games, Disk or Digital out the box via your PSN Account
-Great library, so far and the planned games ahead
-DualSense is a GREAT next generation of gaming introduction into next gen of gaming in general
-Fast loading and expansive storage for PS5 M.2 SSDs
-PS5 can use HDD for PS4 games but still increase loading on most games that been updated through the patch (although not as fast than on PS5 or M.2 SSD)
Cons:
-Hard to get one if any because scalper bots
-Is big and can take up lots of space depending on desk size
-Not many USB slots on the console
-Removing the cover shell of PS5, if impatient, can scratch the console a bit (but isnt damaging)
Update: 12/6/2021 In depth:
I will sum up of not just the physical look but performance and play overall on M.2 SSD and PS5 SSD etc
The PS5 may look, depending on people preference, special in its own way but the futuristic look of the console is a breath opener for whats to come when powered on making a great, eye catching, for what awaits
The Look: Personally, I love the look. Not only because its something new, but looks nex gen and more out of the current gen style. I seen lots of memes of being a heater, LOL funny, but the look works and better prepare on how different this console is from any other PS System ever played on before. The system shells even have mini carved printed Triangle, Square, Cross, and Circle symbol from the playstation controller as unique feel on the case as well. The stand, no matter side ways or standing, RECOMMEND using it as the stand helps support the weight, especially on Digital owners as the digital version weight is top heavy. However, I don't like their isnt many USB slots on the PS5 as, depending if using VR too with the PULSE Headset, can take all slots easily.
Gameplay: The games gameplay appeal, even in remakes of PS3/PS4 titles take things to a whole new level as the new software of PS and the Hardware specs are almost that of a PC spec of a RTX GPU with separate options. The promo of Ray Tracing is gorgeous to look at, the colors, HDR, saturation and even real time render of the reflections, shadows, and in game particles make game lookes like a real live movie or in real life time itself. The separate options are Fidelty (which keeps ray tracing and real shadows and particles but in 4K to full quailty but in 30FPS) or Performance (Which doesnt have Ray tracing but in full 60fps and runs smoother than previous console of PS4, even on PS4 games looks much smooth with update of PS5 patches) on both PS5 games and even in the PS5 settings for anyone looking for a separate Ray tracing or true 60fps experiance. With or Without any Ray Tracing or HDR, games still look amazing no matter what screen size from a 1080p or 4K even in upcoming 8K (which have been tested and looks great on OLED UHD TVs.
Memory: The PS5 Speed of its internal SSD is amazing for reducing loading times and almost instant to a dime, its even faster, depending on your M.2 SSD, Speed making its almost none existence thas even on PS4 games. For Digital Owners, I recommend save for M.2 thats up to 2TB to 4TB as some PS5 games are large but worth it with expanded SSD. The PS5 Internal 825GB is ok, but not enough, especially if recording video on PS5 or even trophy achievement videos. Thankfully, can disable the trophy achieve videos to only image. The recommend M.2 SSD is Gen4 6000m/s speed and M.2 Thermal casing for a good reason. Yes, you can do with lower speeds at some M.2 but I wouldnt recommend that. You can use HDD but only for PS4 games as PS5 games need SSDs for speed and size of game that runs on them than a SATA HDD.
Fan/Cooling: Thankfully, this is the same issue as with PS4/PS4 Pro as the fan is silent no matter the settings and hard push for game quality. The fan is cool and quiet and even testing temperature doesn't get anywhere near hot as long in a open desk or spaced area.
The Controller: The DualSense... is MORE than just a controller. The haptic feedback works too well to even call as vibration. The triggers weight for the feedback and feature of the controllers motion ALL shine in Astro's Playroom Demo on the PS5 and recommend for ANY PS fan as it is token for not just being a demo to showcase the controllers features, but secret messages and easter eggs too. Besides the haptic feed, the Touch Pad has had even a small upgrade as feel on it tracks and feel the feed through press or sliding on the touch pad on the DualSense, at least in games like Astro's Playroom and Demon Souls, whether through the character you are playing or even the environment for the feed back of the wind or the quake of the ground or weapons and abilities from the trigger buttons. I do hope more game developers fully use the DualSense features to their protentional.
Backwards Compatibility: as of 12/6/2021, PS5 is completely backwards compatible with 99.9% of PS4 games, PSVR games as well, and works with PS5 DualSense controllers, but I recommend PS4 DualShock 4 Controller on some games though. PS Plan for more different service for a answer for more games from previous generation but we will have to wait, if I test out, will update the review here.
Pros:
-Can play MANY PS4 games, Disk or Digital out the box via your PSN Account
-Great library, so far and the planned games ahead
-DualSense is a GREAT next generation of gaming introduction into next gen of gaming in general
-Fast loading and expansive storage for PS5 M.2 SSDs
-PS5 can use HDD for PS4 games but still increase loading on most games that been updated through the patch (although not as fast than on PS5 or M.2 SSD)
Cons:
-Hard to get one if any because scalper bots
-Is big and can take up lots of space depending on desk size
-Not many USB slots on the console
-Removing the cover shell of PS5, if impatient, can scratch the console a bit (but isnt damaging)
Images in this review
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