Finally Got One, Was It Worth the Wait?
I held off on buying a PS5 for a while, partly because of the availability issues early on and partly because my PS4 backlog was (and still is) embarrassingly large. But after upgrading a few months ago, I have thoughts.
The Performance Difference
Going from PS4 to PS5 is a bigger jump than I expected. Games load in seconds instead of minutes. I used to grab my phone during loading screens - now I barely have time to check a notification before I’m playing again.
The frame rate improvements in games that support it are noticeable too. Playing older games with PS5 patches feels like playing them for the first time. Spider-Man at 60fps is genuinely a different experience than 30fps.
That Storage Problem
Here’s the thing nobody warned me about: the usable storage is about 667GB after system files. Modern games are huge - some PS5 games are 80-100GB each. You can fit maybe 6-8 major games before you’re juggling what to delete.
You can add an NVMe SSD, which I eventually did. That’s another $100+ expense depending on the size. Or you can use an external drive for PS4 games, which helps. Just know that the base storage fills up fast.
The DualSense Controller
The controller is probably my favorite thing about the PS5. The haptic feedback is more nuanced than regular rumble - you feel different textures and impacts. The adaptive triggers add resistance in specific situations, like drawing a bowstring or driving through mud.
Not every game uses these features well, but when they do, it’s impressive. Astro’s Playroom (the free game that comes with the console) is basically a tech demo for the controller, and it’s surprisingly fun.
Battery life is the tradeoff. I charge my controller every 2-3 days with regular use. Not terrible, but my PS4 controller lasted longer.
Noise and Heat
The PS5 runs quieter than my PS4 ever did. My PS4 Pro sounded like a jet engine during demanding games. The PS5 is almost silent most of the time, with just occasional fan noise during intense moments.
The console does run warm, though. Make sure it has decent airflow wherever you put it.
The Size Issue
Look, the PS5 is huge. Way bigger than any console I’ve owned. It barely fit in my TV stand, and I had to remove a shelf to make it work. If you’re tight on space, measure before buying.
I went with the disc version because I still buy physical games occasionally and like having the option. The digital edition is slightly smaller and cheaper, but you’re locked into digital purchases forever.
What I Like
- Load times are absurdly fast
- Games look and run better, especially with 60fps modes
- DualSense controller features are genuinely cool when games use them
- Much quieter than the PS4
- Backward compatibility with almost all PS4 games
What Bugs Me
- Storage fills up embarrassingly fast
- The console is massive and awkward to place
- Controller battery could be better
- Exclusive games library is still building (though it’s better now)
- PS Plus price increases are frustrating
Should You Buy One Now?
If you’re still on a base PS4 or haven’t gamed in a while, the upgrade is significant. The SSD alone changes how you interact with games.
If you’re on a PS4 Pro and happy with your setup, it’s less urgent. The improvements are nice but not transformative unless you really want 60fps or the new controller features.
At this point, the PS5 is well-stocked and priced normally, so availability isn’t the issue it used to be. It comes down to whether the games you want to play are on PS5 and whether the performance improvements matter to you.
For me, it was worth it. But I also spent another $150 on storage expansion, so budget accordingly.
Prices are subject to change without notice.