If you are anything like me, your newsfeed is probably full of the PS5 news and seeing all kinds of review on it. So, I did what any window shopper would do, look into all things about PS5 and review about it without actually buying it.

In the interest of those who have little knowledge about PS5 but have a significant other or an over-enthusiastic sibling that cares about PS5, worry not, this guide will make sense to you as well.

The DESIGN 

The 5th generation of the PlayStation console is poise to be the largest ever, it's about 30% size increase from a PS4 pro. The white outer layer of the console are two pieces of plastic and the middle black strip of the console is not fingerprint proof or even dustproof pointed out by some reviewers.

So far PS5 only has the white version however this is certainly to change with more skin or even colour variations to be released in the future. For now, PS5's design and colour make it easier for anyone trying to hide it as a giant router or an air filter.

  

The SPECIFICATION. 

Computer graphics has come to a point where it is difficult for anyone casual to understand. To put it simply, PS5 new SSD and processor (the heart of the machine) allows it to run several impressive things including:

Raytracing. Basically making any in-game reflective materials like puddles/windows/sunlight more realistic by replicating real-life physics. You can clearly see as the example below shown in the game, the light reflective of the water is clear in the “performance mode”.

Higher resolution. The machine runs on several settings and it goes as high as 120 frame rate per second and up to 8K resolution, provided your TV screen can support it. It is no surprise the PS5 is trying to match with the PC industry. Good news is, the consoler gamers will get the video quality that will look like a Netflix nature documentary!

Faster loading time. Remember the days when a game will just load forever? Ps5 almost cut the time in half compared to PS4 and with the innovative home screen, you can switch games with ease without waiting too long.

Backwards compatibility. Sony announced almost 95% of their PS4 games are compatible on PS5, meaning your PS4 saved files is playable on the new console without buying a PS5 version.

The ACCESSORIES 

Sony had finally figured out human hands is more comfortable with a large curve controller. It is certainly heavier than the PS4 controller but with amazing new capabilities.

Haptic feedback. Basically what it means is the controller responds well to your motion as well as vibration and display it in-game, certain games may well take advantage of this by controlling the vibration you feel while playing the game, making it more immersive. 

The controller also comes with an adaptive trigger, which is behind the controller is “resistant sensitive” meaning if you are playing a shooting game, pressing to shoot a handgun is easier than firing an RPG, the real-life comparison would be stepping on the gas pedal of a car.
  

The controller also comes with an inbuilt mic but knowing hardcore gamers this will be as useful as a hotel's toothbrush.

Battery life, it is confirmed to surpass PS4 controller and it does come with a USB-type C port similar to any fast charging phone port you owned nowadays.

The console is also very quiet as compared to PS4, hardly noticeable if you are blasting the game's audio and keep your partner from discovering you are playing at 3 in the morning.

The CONS

However, no console is perfect and this is no exception. PS5 storage capacity is only 635GB, this is relatively small when the games like Grand Theft Auto is almost close to 100 GB and despite having an external port for extra memory drives, Sony does not have any officially approved memory drives on the market.

  
  

The current game titles are also lacklustre with only noticeable new titles like Spiderman: Miles Morales. That being said, PS5 does have exclusives games such as Astro's playroom which does perfectly display PS5 only functions.

Super expensive game titles and accessories. A new Ps5 game can cost between RM209 to RM299. A controller cost RM349. This is certainly hard to digest as it adds on to the already expensive console price. 

In conclusion

For any PlayStation loyalist, this is a must-own console especially if you have PS4 games and since backward compatibility allows, it is definitely a massive upgrade compared to the 7-year-old PS4 console. 

For the casual gamer, you can wait a little while longer until the console release more game titles and more console colours or skins for your liking, there is also some software and order logistics issue especially in Malaysia which warrant for more time before an order is a place. 

For those thinking to buy one as a gift, they will definitely love you for it so it a perfect gift for this holiday season and particularly now Sony is venturing into family-friendly party games such as Astro Playroom.

*The PS5 Digital Edition will be available on December 11 in Malaysia at a recommended retail price of RM1,869, and PS5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will be available at RM2,299.

This article is written by Stephen Koh Eng Sang (The game enthusiastic), arranged by Goodymy's editor Trisss.

Cover image source: image