The PS5 is now over 3 years old. But is it still worth buying a PS5 in 2024? MeinMMO discusses the pros and cons of the Sony console and explains what you should consider if you’re thinking about making a purchase.
The PS5 was released on November 12, 2020, and since then numerous versions and new editions of the PS5 have been released. But is it even worth buying a PS5 almost 4 years after its release?
MeinMMO looks at the pros and cons of the PS5 and explains the reasons for or against buying a PS5.
- What speaks for a PS5 in 2024?
- What speaks against a PS5 in 2024?
- Alternatives: Xbox Series X|S or a Gaming PC
- Conclusion: Is the PS5 still worth it in 2024?
What speaks for a PS5 in 2024?
Modern technology: Even after almost 4 years, the PS5 still offers you modern technology. Games load quickly and you can enjoy all titles in 4K. A well-known YouTuber has even noted that the PS5 can still keep up with modern PCs.
Accessible and easier entry: Basically, a PS5 offers a relatively easy entry into gaming. Games start immediately, the console handles many settings by itself, and you only have to worry about playing. The hurdle is significantly higher with a PC.
DualSense controller: The PS5 comes with the new and improved DualSense controller, which features several exciting options like haptic feedback and special triggers. There is also the excellent DualSense Edge for the PS5 with additional paddles on the back.
Backward compatibility: The PS5 is backward compatible with most PS4 games. You can still play your beloved old titles on the PS5. However, keep in mind that you need a drive for disc games.
Slim model: The new Slim model is slimmer, quieter, and consumes less power than the old model. There isn’t faster hardware; Sony mainly focused on fine-tuning. You can find all important information about the Slim model on MeinMMO as well.
Upgrade from PS4 to PS5: Another reason why a PS5 might be worth it is if you’re still using a PS4 but want to play new games. The new Banishers, for example, is not coming to PS4:
What speaks against a PS5 in 2024?
PS5 Pro: Not yet announced, but the PS5 Pro is expected to come at some point. Nobody knows when it will arrive, but it should be kept in mind when considering buying a PS5 now. Sony has already stated that the PS5 is reaching its end cycle. A new console is therefore more than likely.
Price and follow-up costs: The PS5, at 549 or 449 euros (Digital), is not exactly cheap. Additionally, you need to keep in mind that you will have to pay for PS Plus (multiplayer) and for games as well. Full-price titles usually cost between 70 and 80 euros. And the discounts in the PS Store are generally worse than promotions on Steam or in the Epic Game Store.
Lack of exclusive games: The PS5 had a limited number of exclusive games at launch, which disappointed many players. Although more exclusive titles have been released in recent years, the PS5 library is still not very extensive, despite some excellent exclusive titles.
Sony has also started releasing exclusive titles for PC as well. With enough patience, you won’t need to buy a PS5, but can simply wait for a PC release. Sony has already stated how long PS5 games will remain exclusive before they appear on other platforms.
Noise: Players often criticize that their PS5 is too loud. However, it depends on which model you “get.” Depending on the model, Sony uses a different fan. It’s a matter of luck whether you get a loud or quiet model. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a negative point, but it can annoy some players.
Alternatives to the PS5: Xbox Series X|S or Gaming PC
The Xbox Series X: The Xbox offers you almost identical hardware compared to the PS5: The SSD of the PS5 is slightly faster, but the chip of the Xbox runs at a slightly higher clock speed. However, both systems use the same combination chip (APU) from AMD. The Xbox Series S as an alternative has a slower chip installed.
On both platforms, you can play almost the same titles. Both platforms have a few exclusive titles (Halo on Xbox or Spider-Man on PS5) in their lineup.
Gaming PC: On first glance, the gaming PC is less user-friendly than a game console, but it offers you almost endless freedom regarding settings and possibilities. Additionally, you can upgrade or modify a gaming PC at any time, provided you have the budget. This is also the biggest drawback of a gaming PC: the entry price is significantly higher than that of an Xbox or a PS5.
Conclusion: Is the PS5 still worth it in 2024?
Basically, the PS5 in 2024 is a much more accessible and attractive offer than at launch when scalpers bought every available console. However, scalpers are now stuck with the PS5 consoles. Apart from that, the PS5 offers you a vast library of games with many strong titles.
Nevertheless, there are also reasons against a PS5. Especially with exclusive titles, the PS has by no means been as strong as it once was, as more and more titles are also being released for PC. A possible PS5 Pro could also argue against the purchase.
What speaks for or against a PS5? In the end, it also depends on what you expect or want:
- If you are looking for a straightforward and accessible gaming experience, then the PS5 is still a very good console.
- However, if you want to get the most out of your games, then a gaming PC could be the better long-term choice, as it offers more options.
- If you have a tight budget, the PS5 is also the better choice than a gaming PC, as you can easily bridge the next few years with the PS5.
- If budget is not a concern for you, then you could also get a powerful gaming PC with a great OLED monitor.
- Some specific titles are still exclusively reserved for the PS5, but those could also be released for PC in the future. This is not certain but quite likely.
More on gaming: Many players are considering whether to buy a gaming PC or a console. But what do PS5 and Xbox do better than a proper gaming PC? MeinMMO presents the advantages of consoles: 6 things where PS5 and Xbox are simply better than a gaming PC