New to the PlayStation 5? Here’s What You Need To Know Before Buying One
The PlayStation 5 sold like hot cakes when it first released in November 2020, and it still sells rapidly today whenever it hits the shelves. In case you missed it, Sony recently restocked the PlayStation 5 on their official website and their official Shopee page. Its caught the eye of many PS5 aspirants, so you best make your move quick if you want to land one yourself.
If you’re new to this whole PlayStation 5 scene and want to know a little more before you cash in, you’re in the right place. Here’s all you need to know about the PS5 before buying one.
There are two versions of the PlayStation 5
Before you make your purchase, you will first have to decide on whether you’d want the PlayStation 5, or the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
The sole difference between them is the inclusion of a disc drive on the non-digital edition PlayStation 5. This means you’ll get to load games via two methods: by digitally downloading the game off the cloud, or by purchasing the disc version. You will also get the benefit of a 4K BLU-ray player with the disc drive.
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition on the other hand is not built with a disc drive, so you have to rely solely on downloading the digital format.
There is no compromise in anything else between the two versions. Everything else, from the graphics, CPU, memory, and storage remains. So the key question to ask yourself is: how important is the disc drive to me?
Keep in mind the PlayStation 5 (w/ disc drive) is more expensive at RM2,499, as compared to the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition which is RM2,069, a hefty RM400+ between them.
Our take? If this is your first ever console, then the PS5 Digital Edition is the way to go. You won’t be missing out any games, as most of them would be available on both disc and digital, particularly those famous ones such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and God of War Ragnarök.
The PS5 disc edition seems better suited for those with a large catalogue of PS4 games on disc who has yet to play through all of them.
How does the PS5 fare against PS4?
Image Credit: TechRadar
The PlayStation 5 takes giant strides forward in gaming performance and immersion as compared to the PlayStation 4. You can expect smoother gameplay thanks to higher frame rates. If you’re into open world games, then be prepared to pick your jaw off the floor with its 4K resolution and realistic graphic details.
Sony has also implemented ray tracing capabilities, which seems to be a necessity for flagship gaming devices in this day and age. Ray tracing provides true-to-life rendering of light, producing top-tier visual effects for your gaming pleasure.
The PlayStation 5 now also comes with a much welcomed storage expansion. It boasts 825GB SSD with 16GB RAM versus the 500GB HDD with 8GB RAM on the PlayStation 4.
The PlayStation 5 is backwards compatible, which means it’s able to run games released during the PS4 era. In fact, some games will even benefit from the graphic upgrades and improved framerates on the PS5.
All PS5 comes with DualSense Wireless Controller
All PlayStation 5 bought from official Sony stores comes with a single DualSense Wireless Controller. This is the upgraded version of the PS4’s DualShock controller.
The DualSense comes with improved ergonomic handling and a host of new features. For gaming experience, you’ll appreciate the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Both of these are adjustable to suit your preference.
Built in the controller itself is a microphone with echo cancellation and integrated speakers. There’s also a 3.5mm headset jack as an option.
Up to four controllers can be connected to the PS5 at a time.
Like the DualSense controller, a USB-C charging cable is included in the box. It will take approximately 3 hours for a full charge.
Accessories for PS5 to consider
Now let’s talk about what’s not in the box when you finally purchase your PS5.
The PlayStation offers accessories to complement your love affair with your new console. If you have the budget, we recommend throwing in at least one more DualSense controller. Remember, you will already have one that comes in the box. Having an extra lying around will be great fun when you call some buddies over for a game of FIFA.
If you spend most of your time on PVP games, the Pulse 3D wireless headset will do you justice. Its built with 3D audio to pick up on the softest of noises, and noise cancelling microphones for clear communication. If your intention is to stream, you might as well throw in the PS5 HD camera in as well.
PS5: A gamer’s paradise
If you’re unfamiliar with gaming consoles and have decided to take the plunge, then you’re in for a treat. With mesmerizing graphics, smooth gameplay, and immersive controller experience, the PlayStation 5 is gaming heaven.
