PlayStation 5 Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the PlayStation 5 - models, specs, games, upgrade advice, and whether it's worth buying in 2026.
PS5 Models
PS5 Standard
- Ultra HD Blu-ray Drive
- 4K 120Hz Gaming
- 825GB SSD
- Ray Tracing
PS5 Digital Edition
- Digital Games Only
- 4K 120Hz Gaming
- 825GB SSD
- Ray Tracing
PS5 Slim
- 30% Smaller
- Detachable Disc Drive
- 1TB SSD
- Same Performance
PS4 vs PS5: The Difference
| Feature | PS4 | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Jaguar 8-core | AMD Zen 2 8-core (3.5GHz) |
| GPU | 1.84 TFLOPS | 10.28 TFLOPS |
| RAM | 8GB GDDR5 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 500GB HDD | 825GB SSD |
| Load Times | 30-60 seconds | 2-5 seconds |
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K 120Hz |
| Ray Tracing | No | Yes |
| Backwards Compat | PS3 via PS Now | 99% of PS4 games |
Should You Upgrade from PS4 to PS5?
Upgrade If You Want:
- Lightning-fast load times (2-5 seconds vs 30-60 seconds)
- 4K 120Hz gaming with ray tracing for stunning visuals
- Access to PS5 exclusives like Astro Bot, Spider-Man 2, Demon's Souls
- DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Better performance on PS4 games (higher FPS, faster loading)
Wait If:
- You're happy with PS4 performance and don't mind longer load times
- Budget is tight - PS5 costs $399-$499
- You mainly play older PS4 games that don't benefit much from PS5
Our Verdict
If you can afford it, the PS5 is absolutely worth the upgrade. The SSD alone transforms gaming with near-instant load times. Combined with better graphics, exclusive games, and backwards compatibility, it's a significant leap forward from PS4.
Still considering a PS4? Check out our PS4 Buyer's Guide for a complete breakdown of PS4 models, pricing, and whether it's still worth buying in 2026.
Key PS5 Features
Lightning-Fast SSD
Custom 825GB SSD delivers load times of 2-5 seconds compared to 30-60 seconds on PS4. Games load almost instantly, eliminating waiting.
4K 120Hz Gaming
Experience games at up to 4K resolution at 120 frames per second for incredibly smooth, detailed gameplay on compatible displays.
Ray Tracing
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing delivers realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows for next-gen visual fidelity.
DualSense Controller
Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers create immersive sensations - feel raindrops, tension in a bowstring, and weapon recoil.
3D Audio
Tempest 3D AudioTech creates immersive soundscapes. Hear enemies behind you, footsteps above, and rain all around.
PS4 Backwards Compatibility
Play 99% of PS4 games with improved performance, faster load times, and sometimes enhanced graphics.
Top 10 PS5 Games Worth Buying For
Astro Bot
Best PS5 exclusive showcasing DualSense features
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Stunning graphics and dual protagonist gameplay
Demon's Souls
Gorgeous remake of the PS3 classic
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Instant dimension-hopping with SSD tech
Returnal
Intense sci-fi action with incredible audio
Horizon Forbidden West
Breathtaking open world and robot dinosaurs
Elden Ring
Massive open-world FromSoftware masterpiece
Gran Turismo 7
Most realistic racing experience on console
Hogwarts Legacy
Explore Hogwarts in stunning detail
Ghost of Tsushima
Beautiful samurai epic with PS5 enhancements
Buy PlayStation 5
Find the best deals on PS5 consoles
Technical Specs
8-core @ 3.5GHz
10.28 TFLOPS
Featured Guides
PS5 Slim Guide
Everything about the redesigned PS5 Slim - specs, features, and comparisons
PS5 Disc Drive Guide
Complete guide to the detachable PS5 disc drive and installation
PlayStation VR Guide
Everything you need to know about PSVR - setup, games, and specs
Best Flight Sim Games
Top flight simulator games on PS5 with detailed reviews and screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I upgrade from PS4 to PS5?
If you want faster load times, 4K 120Hz gaming, ray tracing, and access to PS5 exclusives like Astro Bot, Spider-Man 2, and Demon's Souls, upgrading to PS5 is worth it. The PS5 offers significantly better performance and next-gen features.
What is the difference between PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition?
The PS5 Digital Edition lacks a disc drive and is $100 cheaper. Both consoles have identical performance. Choose Digital if you only buy games digitally, or Standard if you want to play physical discs and Blu-rays.
Can PS5 play PS4 games?
Yes, PS5 is backwards compatible with over 99% of PS4 games. Many PS4 games run better on PS5 with improved frame rates, faster load times, and enhanced graphics.
How much storage does the PS5 have?
The PS5 has 825GB of ultra-fast SSD storage (667GB usable). The PS5 Slim has 1TB (825GB usable). You can expand storage with compatible M.2 NVMe SSDs.