PS5 Power performance & Pitfalls

Sony’s PlayStation 5 has dominated headlines and living rooms since its launch in late 2020. With its futuristic design and promise of next-gen gaming, the PS5 sold out almost instantly and remains one of the most sought-after consoles in the market. But three years in, how does it hold up? Let’s break down the key strengths and weaknesses of the PS5.

Power: Next-Gen Hardware That Delivers

The PS5 was built with power in mind. Under the hood, it boasts a custom AMD Ryzen Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, delivering ray tracing, 4K resolution, and smooth frame rates of up to 120fps. Games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Demon’s Souls, and Horizon Forbidden West show off its capabilities with near-instant load times, detailed textures, and fluid gameplay.

The console's ultra-fast SSD is a true game-changer. Load screens are nearly extinct, and transitions between levels or fast travel points are almost instant. This has a tangible impact on immersion, especially in open-world games.

Performance: A Gamer’s Dream (Mostly)

The PS5’s performance doesn’t stop with just graphics and speed. The new DualSense controller is arguably the most impressive innovation. With haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, games feel more interactive—whether it’s the tension of drawing a bow or the rumble of driving over gravel, the controller enhances the overall experience.

Sony has also done well with backward compatibility. Most PS4 titles run better on the PS5, often with higher resolutions and improved frame rates. For gamers with an existing PlayStation library, the transition is smooth and rewarding.

In terms of the user interface, the PS5 offers a clean, fast experience. The Control Center, Activity Cards, and in-game tips are helpful additions that streamline navigation and keep players focused on gaming.

Pitfalls: Where the PS5 Falls Short

Despite its strengths, the PS5 isn’t perfect. One of the most glaring issues has been availability. Even into 2025, the console’s supply hasn’t consistently met demand in some regions, frustrating potential buyers.

Storage is another weak point. While the built-in 825GB SSD is fast, only around 667GB is usable. With modern AAA games taking up 100GB or more, players quickly find themselves needing more space. You can expand storage with a compatible NVMe SSD, but that adds extra cost and complexity.

The size of the console is also polarizing. At nearly 15 inches tall, it’s one of the largest mainstream consoles ever. It may not fit comfortably into all entertainment centers and lacks the aesthetic subtlety of earlier PlayStation designs.

Another common criticism is the lack of strong PS5-exclusive titles at launch. While the library has improved over time, with hits like Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy XVI, early adopters had to rely heavily on cross-gen titles or backward-compatible games.

The Bottom Line

The PlayStation 5 is a powerful and innovative console that successfully delivers the next-gen gaming experience. Its lightning-fast load times, incredible visuals, and standout controller elevate gameplay in meaningful ways. However, limited storage, a bulky design, and availability issues still hold it back from being a flawless upgrade.

If you’re a passionate gamer or a longtime PlayStation fan, the PS5 is absolutely worth owning. Just be prepared to manage storage carefully—and clear some space in your entertainment setup.