PlayStation 5 Review: Next Gen Gaming!

Summary

In this detailed review of the PlayStation 5, MKBHD dives into the console's bold design, faster performance, and next-gen features. He highlights the stunning new user interface, the speed of the SSD, and the enhanced graphics with ray tracing. The review touches on the performance differences in games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and NBA 2K21, as well as the impressive DualSense controller with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Despite some underutilization of the new tech in certain games, the PS5 is praised for its sleek design, smooth gameplay, and future-proof potential.

Takeaways

• 😀 The PlayStation 5 has a bold design with a black and white motif, making it stand out but also a potential risk for those with different home aesthetics.
• 😀 The PS5 is faster, with a redesigned user interface (UI) that enhances the overall experience with quick menu navigation, fast load times, and quick game launches.
• 😀 The PlayStation 5 is comparable to a gaming PC in terms of value—small, affordable ($500), and promising relevance for the next few years, though not offering the same graphical prowess as a high-end PC.
• 😀 The console features an improved storage system with a significantly faster SSD that reduces load times, though the actual usable space is around 670 GB after accounting for the system's OS.
• 😀 The PS5 supports backwards compatibility with PS4 games, offering them in an improved way, but some bugs may be present in some games.
• 😀 PlayStation 5 games such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales showcase next-gen features like ray tracing, high resolution, and smoother gameplay, but the difference between fidelity and performance modes can be noticeable.
• 😀 Ray tracing on the PS5 is partial but adds to the realism, especially in reflections on surfaces like glass and puddles, although not every game element fully utilizes it.
• 😀 The new DualSense controller offers innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, making the gaming experience more immersive, especially in games like Astrobot's Playroom.
• 😀 The PS5’s adaptive triggers provide realistic resistance depending on in-game actions, such as sprinting in NBA 2K21, adding a layer of physical feedback to the gaming experience.
• 😀 The PlayStation 5 is quieter compared to the PS4, with better airflow and less noise, which is a major improvement in console design.
• 😀 Load times are faster across PS5-optimized and backwards-compatible games, contributing to a next-gen gaming experience, while the new UI organization and ‘card view’ for games makes navigation smoother.

Q & A

What is the main design philosophy behind the PlayStation 5?

The PlayStation 5's design is bold and intentional, aiming to stand out as a next-gen console with a modern, eye-catching appearance. Its black and white motif is consistent across the console, controller, accessories, and even the controller dock, making it a statement piece in a room.

How does the PlayStation 5's design impact its compatibility with home aesthetics?

The PS5's large and unique design can be a risk for users whose home decor might not suit its futuristic look. While some people might appreciate the modern aesthetic, others might find it difficult to incorporate the console into their setup without it standing out.

Why is it recommended to use the PS5's stand, and does the reviewer personally use it?

The stand is recommended to ensure proper airflow, especially when the console is placed vertically or horizontally. The reviewer mentions using the PS5 without the stand in a vertical orientation but acknowledges the stand’s importance for optimal ventilation.

What is the significance of the PlayStation 5’s faster SSD?

The PlayStation 5's faster SSD significantly improves load times, making the console feel much quicker compared to previous generations. It enables faster menu navigation, quicker game launches, and reduced loading times, contributing to an overall more seamless user experience.

How does the PlayStation 5 compare to a gaming PC in terms of size, cost, and relevance?

In terms of size and cost, the PlayStation 5 is incredibly compact and affordable, priced at $500, making it a great value for a console. While it cannot match the graphical power of a gaming PC, it offers strong performance and relevance for several years, which is hard to achieve in the PC world at that price.

How does the PlayStation 5 handle game storage, and what should users be aware of?

The PS5 offers 825 GB of storage, but after system software installation, only around 670 GB is available for game storage. Newer games tend to be large, and users should be mindful of this, especially since external SSD support is limited to backing up PS4 games rather than running PS5 titles.

What is the gaming experience like on the PlayStation 5, and how does it feel like next-gen gaming?

The next-gen gaming experience on PS5 is defined by improvements in speed, storage, and graphical enhancements. Games load quickly, and visuals are sharper, with features like ray tracing, high resolution, and high frame rates adding up to create a distinct next-gen feel.

What does the reviewer think of the use of ray tracing in Spider-Man: Miles Morales?

The reviewer notes that Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the best demonstration of ray tracing on the PS5, offering detailed reflections and lighting effects. However, the reviewer highlights the tradeoff between visual fidelity (ray tracing) and performance (higher frame rates), with the option to choose between 30 fps in fidelity mode or 60 fps in performance mode.

How does the DualSense controller contribute to the PlayStation 5’s next-gen experience?

The DualSense controller is a major part of the PS5's next-gen experience, with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that provide immersive sensations like feeling sand or ice, and resistance in triggers when performing specific actions. However, the controller's capabilities are underutilized in some games, such as Spider-Man.

What improvements in the PS5's interface and user experience stand out?

The PS5 introduces a redesigned interface with a faster, more intuitive navigation system. New features include a 'card' view for accessing game progress, checkpoints, and tutorials, and a streamlined home screen for easy access to recently played games, enhancing the overall user experience.