Playstation 5 Consoles

The PlayStation 5 is Sony’s latest Home Gaming Console. The PlayStation 5 is currently available in two different models; the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. The Digital Edition is a slightly cheaper model and has all the same technical specifications and hardware of the other PlayStation 5 model, except without a disc drive. The Digital Edition will only play games that are purchased and downloaded online through Sony’s PlayStation Store, whereas the other model can play games off a disc in addition to the PlayStation Store.

In terms of performance, both models of PS5 are capable of resolutions up to 8K and framerates of up to 120fps. The Playstation 5 is also capable of Ray Tracing which produces more realistic lighting and reflections in games. These features will vary game to game and require a compatible Gaming TV or Monitor to take advantage of them. The included PS5 DualSense Controller features adaptive triggers that can simulate different types of resistance in game.

The PlayStation 5 is backwards compatible with PlayStation 4 games and hardware. This means you can play a wide variety of PS4 games on a PS5 Console, and also play games that require Sony’s PSVR virtual reality headset which was released for the PS4 platform.

PSVR hardware and games work on the PlayStation 5 but require a PS4 camera, adapter and a DualShock 4 or Move Controllers. Please note that the PlayStation 5’s HD Camera does not work for this use and the PlayStation Camera for the PS4 will be needed for the original PSVR headset to work. To set the PS4 camera up on your PlayStation 5 you will need a PlayStation Camera Adaptor, which Sony supply for free via their website.

Sony have also released the PS VR2 for the PS5, improving in leaps and bounds from the PS4 VR. It includes incredibly high resolution OLED screens per eye at up to a 120Hz framerate, doesn't require a camera to track, subtle headset rumble and Tempest Audio for purely immersive soundscapes in game, among many other upgrades.

The PlayStation 5 is backwards compatible with most PlayStation 4 games and hardware. It should be noted that you can’t use a DualShock 4 Controller to play PlayStation 5 games, but you can use them to play PlayStation 4 games on your PlayStation 5. If you have purchased the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition you will only be able to play the digital versions of PlayStation 4 games, as there is no disc drive to insert PlayStation 4 game discs.

Whilst older PlayStation games from the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and original PlayStation platforms are not currently playable on PlayStation 5, Sony has announced that they will be made available via a digital game library. At a higher paid tier of Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service called PlayStation Plus Deluxe, users will have access to a catalogue of classic PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable games.

When it comes to hardware both Consoles offer high resolutions up to 4K and even 8K at up to 120fps. Before deciding on a new Console, think about the games you want to play. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are relatively new, so remember to look at what games are in development as well. Both Consoles can play games from their previous generation, so if you already own a lot of games for the PlayStation or Xbox ecosystem you may want to stick with that family.

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service for Xbox and PC hardware that gives users access to a rotating library of games. Games produced by Microsoft owned studios will always be available on the service from day one, making it an enticing option for Xbox newcomers and those already invested.

Sony has announced a new tier to their PlayStation Plus subscription service called Deluxe that will give users access to a library of PlayStation, PS2, PS3, PS4 and PSP games.