Should You Buy a PS5 in 2026? An In-Depth Analysis

The PlayStation 5 has now been out for over two years. Initial excitement around the new console with cutting-edge specs and exclusive games has settled down. Hype has been replaced with a more sober evaluation of what the PS5 offers – both now and in the future.

If you‘re still on the fence about purchasing a PS5, this detailed guide will walk you through everything to consider and help make the right decision for your needs.

At a Glance: PS5 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Next-gen power that rivals gaming PCs
• Immersive haptic feedback and 3D audio
• Smoother performance with 4K/120fps support
• Lightning fast load times with custom SSD
• Stunning graphics and ray tracing capabilities
• Seamless backwards compatibility with PS4 library
• Sony first-party exclusives look incredible

Cons:

• Very limited availability and difficult to find in stock
• Expensive at $499 for base model
• Small SSD capacity means frequent storage upgrades
• Few true next-gen exclusives so far
• Lacks some features like 1440p output and VRR

Power – PS5 Leads the New Console Generation

With a custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU and GPU based on AMD‘s Radeon RDNA 2 architecture, the PS5 packs serious punch. The GPU in particular stands out, delivering 10.28 teraflops of power – surpassing both the Xbox Series X‘s 12 teraflops and high-end gaming PCs with RTX 3070s.

This raw power combines with specialized hardware like the PS5‘s custom ultra high-speed SSD to enable transformative next-gen gaming features:

• 4K resolution: The PS5 can run games smoothly in crisp 4K, up to 120 frames per second in some titles. This level of visual fidelity exceeds most gaming PCs.

• Ray tracing: PS5 ray tracing produces true-to-life lighting effects in enabled games for more immersion. Xbox Series X also has hardware ray tracing, but fewer games utilize it so far.

• Blazing fast load times: The PS5‘s SSD has raw throughput of 5.5GB/s. Games boot in seconds, and there‘s no more waiting around on load screens.

If you want the undisputed leader in cutting-edge gaming performance in the console space, the PS5 cannot be matched right now. The specs speak for themselves.

DualSense Controller Adds Next-Gen Immersion

The PS5‘s DualSense controller goes well beyond the DualShock 4, offering:

• Haptic feedback: Feel subtle sensations like rain dripping down your hands or the recoil of different weapons. Much more immersive than simple rumble.

• Adaptive triggers: Triggers actively provide resistance or tension to simulate drawing a bowstring or driving through mud.

• Built-in mic: Voice chat easily without needing a headset.

These features combine with 3D spatial audio support in the PS5 headphones to create incredible levels of immersion in supported games. The DualSense really shines in first-party PlayStation exclusives designed to showcase what it can do.

Backwards Compatibility Extends PS4‘s Stellar Library

A major advantage of the PS5 is full backwards compatibility with almost all PS4 games – over 4000 titles. You insert the PS4 disc or access the download, and you‘re playing the game.

Unlike Xbox, the PS5 does not feature native improvements for these PS4 titles. But many still see benefits like faster loading, improved or more stable framerates, and the DualSense controller‘s haptic feedback. The already great PS4 library plays as good or better on PS5.

For those with large PS4 game collections, backwards compatibility makes upgrading to PS5 seamless. You won‘t miss out on any of that stellar content.

PlayStation Studios Primed for Next-Gen Exclusives

While the PS5‘s launch exclusive lineup was sparse, the future looks extremely bright thanks to Sony‘s wealth of first-party studios like Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, Insomniac, and more. Major upcoming exclusives include:

• God of War Ragnarok: Sequel to 2018‘s acclaimed God of War reboot coming in 2022.

• Final Fantasy XVI: Major new FF coming first to PS5 in 2024.

• Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2: Sequel to best-selling Spider-Man PS4 title, with 2023 release.

• Horizon Forbidden West: Open-world action/RPG and follow-up to the popular Horizon Zero Dawn, arriving February 2022.

Sony has invested heavily in prestige first-party content, and it shows. These kinds of high-quality exclusives that leverage PS5‘s cutting-edge hardware represent the console‘s killer app.

Why You May Want To Wait on Buying a PS5

Given all these advantages, why might you want to hold off on purchasing a PS5 for now? Here are some of the most compelling reasons:

Availability: As we near the 2 year mark, PS5s are still very difficult to reliably purchase. Stock sells out instantly when retailers get inventory, and scalpers use bots to buy up supply. Landing a PS5 for MSRP requires diligence and luck.

Few true next-gen games: While the PS4 backwards compatibility helps, only a handful of titles built exclusively for PS5 have been released so far. The library needs more time to mature.

Small 667GB SSD: With some games taking up 50-60GB, the PS5‘s usable storage fills up fast. Expect to spend extra on additional NVMe SSD storage.

No 1440p support: Lack of 1440p output is an unfortunate oversight, as high refresh rate 1440p monitors are popular for gaming. Xbox Series X/S supports 1440p.

Missing features: While Sony has added VRR, key features like 1440p and support for 8K displays are still oddly missing. A PS5 Pro model expected within 2-3 years will likely address these gaps.

For many gamers, the limited availability alone is enough reason to wait. Why scramble to pay a scalper when supply shortages should hopefully improve within the next year? Plus, by the time you do acquire a PS5, the library of must-play games will be more robust.

PS5 vs. Xbox Series X/S vs. Gaming PC

How does the PS5 compare against the competition from Xbox and gaming PCs?

The Xbox Series X is closest in raw power, but has a lesser exclusive lineup. The cheaper Series S struggles more running latest games at over 60fps. Xbox‘s big appeal is Game Pass subscription service.

PCs offer unmatched performance and flexibility, but require significantly higher cost. You‘ll spend $1500+ to match the PS5, and even more for better specs and high frame rates. However, PCs give you access to mods, keyboard/mouse controls, and a much broader game library.

Overall, the PS5 stands tall against the competition. The price-to-performance ratio is hard to beat, and you simply can‘t get PlayStation exclusives anywhere else. But Xbox or PC may be preferable depending on your budget, preferred game genres, and tolerance for tinkering.

Which PS5 Edition Should You Buy?

Currently, you have two choices when purchasing a PS5:

• PS5 Standard Edition ($499): Includes 4K Blu-ray disc drive for playing physical media.

• PS5 Digital Edition ($399): No disc drive and cheaper, but restricted to downloading games from the PlayStation Store.

The extra $100 for the Standard Edition may be worthwhile if you buy lots of games on disc, rent games, or enjoy 4K Blu-ray movies. But going all digital does provide a nice cost savings.

Here‘s a breakdown of the best PS5 bundles currently available for each edition:

Carefully evaluate whether you‘ll make use of everything in a bundle to get the best value. Buying items separately may end up cheaper in some cases.

The Verdict – PS5 Worth Buying in 2024?

Given the PS5‘s continued supply constraints, is it worth trying to buy one in 2024? Or should you wait?

For hardcore PlayStation fans eager to dive into the new exclusives, I think acquiring a PS5 even at a markup may be justifiable. This is the only way to properly experience must-play system sellers like God of War Ragnarok. If you‘ve got the disposable income, go for it.

But more budget-focused gamers will likely want to wait 6-12 months for supply to (hopefully) rebound. Plus, titles like Spider-Man 2 don‘t hit until later in 2024 anyway. The library will also expand by then.

Continuing to game on PS4, Xbox, or PC and then purchasing a PS5 once it‘s readily available for MSRP is perfectly reasonable. Shortages won‘t last forever.

The PS5 is without a doubt an impressive console representing the cutting-edge of immersive, high fidelity gaming. For myself and many gamers, the incredible Sony exclusives are well worth upgrading for. But the persistent supply issues understandably frustrate. Keep a close eye on PS5 stock updates, and secure the console once it makes financial sense for your situation.