Is the PS5 worth buying in 2026? Yes, absolutely.

The PlayStation 5 is more available and better value than ever in its third year on the market. With supply constraints easing, exclusive games hitting their stride, and more discounts on offer, 2023 is a great time to invest in Sony‘s latest console.

Here‘s a comprehensive look at all the reasons why the PS5 is very much worth purchasing in 2024 and beyond.

Powerful Next-Gen Hardware

There‘s no doubt the PS5 pushes the boundaries of console gaming technology…

Key Specs

Spec	Details
CPU	8x Zen 2 Cores @ 3.5GHz
GPU	10.3 TFLOPs, 36 CUs @ 2.23 GHz, Custom RDNA 2
RAM	16GB GDDR6
Storage	Custom 825GB SSD, NVMe SSD slot
Optical Drive	4K UHD Blu-ray drive (Standard PS5 only)

With cutting edge specs like Zen 2 CPU cores, custom RDNA 2 graphics, 16GB of GDDR6 memory and a speedy custom SSD, the PS5 delivers bleeding edge performance.

Gaming in 4K resolution at 60 fps or higher is now the standard. In my experience, flagship PS5 titles like Horizon Forbidden West look and run incredibly smooth. The PS5‘s Tempest 3D audio engine also immerses you in soundscapes like never before.

Sony has set a new high bar for console gaming technology this generation. The PS5‘s hardware will continue to impress as developers learn to tap its full potential in coming years.

Stunning First-Party Exclusives

For me, PlayStation‘s exclusive games are the biggest draw of its consoles. And the PS5 already has a stellar line-up of must-play exclusives…

Top PS5 Exclusives

Game	Metacritic Score
God of War Ragnarök	94
Horizon Forbidden West	88
Spider-Man: Miles Morales	84
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart	88
Demon‘s Souls	92

Sony‘s first-party studios like Santa Monica Studio, Guerrilla Games and Insomniac Games have crafted system-selling masterpieces. Upcoming titles like Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2 and sequels to hits like God of War Ragnarök will expand the library further.

Owning a PS5 gives access to PlayStation exclusives you simply can‘t play anywhere else. For devotees of Sony‘s exclusive games, the PS5 is a must-buy.

Digital or Disc Model – Best for You?

One of the first decisions is whether to get the standard PS5 or lower cost digital edition. Here‘s how they compare:

PS5 vs PS5 Digital

PS5	PS5 Digital Edition
4K Blu-ray drive	No disc drive
$499 MSRP	$399 MSRP
Plays discs & digital	Digital-only
Larger chassis	Sleeker design

Who should buy standard PS5?

• You buy lots of games on disc
• Want access to rentals and buying used games
• Enjoy watching 4K Blu-ray movies
• Don‘t need to save $100

Who should buy PS5 Digital?

• You prefer buying games digitally
• Happy to be all-digital next-gen
• Like the sleeker design
• Want to save $100 off the price

For most gamers, I think the standard PS5 model offers better long-term value and flexibility. But the digital edition may be preferred if you game mainly digitally or want the lowest entry price.

Vastly Improved Availability

The PS5‘s biggest downside at launch was the chronic lack of available stock. But Sony seems to have finally turned a corner with supply in 2022.

Sony‘s own data shows PS5 sales have now exceeded 30 million units worldwide as of November 2022. Recent sales velocity has been over 1 million units monthly.

The following chart shows how PS5 sales have accelerated in the past year:

PS5 Global Hardware Sell-Through

This ramp up in production has made buying a PS5 far easier today. Shortages and instant sell outs are less common. With Sony forecasting strong PS5 sales ahead, availability should continue improving into 2023.

My advice is don‘t overpay inflated prices to resellers. With some luck and timing, you should be able to secure a PS5 at retail directly for $399 or $499 now.

I recommend regularly checking major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target and GameStop. Follow restock Twitter feeds that provide timely alerts. Persistence and patience are key!

Massive Generational Leap from PS4

For PlayStation fans still on a PS4 or PS4 Pro, the upgrade to PS5 is massive. You‘ll immediately notice the performance uplift.

• SSD Load Times – Games load in seconds rather than minutes thanks to the PS5‘s custom SSD. No more long loading screens.

• 4K Graphics – Native 4K gaming at 60fps brings PS5 games to life. A huge jump from PS4‘s 1080p output.

• 120Hz Support – PS5‘s HDMI 2.1 output enables silky smooth 120fps gameplay in select titles.

• Ray Tracing – Stunning real-time lighting effects take graphics to the next level.

• 3D Audio – PS5‘s Tempest engine makes sound more immersive than ever.

The PS5 enhances both visuals and performance exponentially compared to PS4. Yet it can still play 99% of PS4 games via backwards compatibility. So you don‘t have to leave your library behind when upgrading.

For PS4 owners ready for a true next-gen experience, the PS5 delivers.

Strong Competition from Xbox

It‘s impossible to discuss the PS5 without mentioning Xbox. Microsoft‘s Series X|S consoles are impressive alternatives. The Xbox Series X in particular matches or even exceeds the PS5‘s hardware in some areas.

But while Xbox offers great value for money, PlayStation still rules when it comes to must-have exclusives and the strongest third-party support. Historically, multiplatform games sell better on PlayStation consoles too.

Here‘s a quick specs comparison between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X:

PS5 vs Xbox Series X

Spec	PS5	Xbox Series X
CPU	8x Zen 2 Cores @ 3.5GHz	8x Zen 2 Cores @ 3.8GHz
GPU	10.3 TFLOPs, 36 CUs @ 2.23 GHz Custom RDNA 2	12 TFLOPs, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2
Memory	16GB GDDR6	16GB GDDR6
Storage	825GB Custom SSD	1TB Custom NVMe SSD
Optical Drive	4K Blu-ray	4K Blu-ray

In terms of raw performance, the Xbox Series X edges out the PS5. But PlayStation‘s long history of stellar exclusives keeps it highly competitive in the battle of the consoles.

Ultimately both are excellent home console choices. It depends which platform‘s games, features and ecosystem appeal more to you personally.

Will a PS5 Pro Arrive Soon?

As the PS5 reaches its third year on sale, speculation about a future PS5 Pro model has surfaced. This would upgrade components like the CPU and GPU for enhanced performance.

However, Sony has not officially confirmed plans for a PS5 Pro yet. The original PS4 received a mid-gen Pro refresh 3 years after launch. Following that timeline suggests we may not see a PS5 Pro until 2023 at the earliest.

Buying a launch PS5 today still means you‘ll have Sony‘s latest console for at least the next 3-4 years. So I don‘t think waiting indefinitely for a rumored PS5 Pro makes sense. A launch PS5 will serve you well for years regardless.

Strong Support and Future Games

Sony has reiterated the PS5 is just at the start of its lifecycle and will be supported for at least 5-6 more years. The future looks bright with upcoming PlayStation exclusives like:

• Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2 (2024)
• God of War Ragnarök DLC (2024)
• Horizon Call of the Mountain VR (2024)
• Final Fantasy XVI (2024)
• Forspoken (2024)
• Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)

There‘s a stacked line-up of games set to leverage the PS5‘s full power. The PS5 gives you the assurance you‘ll be able to play PlayStation‘s most anticipated titles both this year and for years to come.

Conclusion – An Obvious Yes in 2024

In summary, the PS5 is hands down worth purchasing in 2024. We‘re now past the launch window headaches. Availability is improving, system-selling games are hitting their stride, and the PS5‘s technical prowess is undeniable.

If you‘ve yet to jump to next-gen, the PS5 makes for an extremely compelling upgrade. Once you experience its blazing fast load times, jaw-dropping 4K graphics, and captivating exclusives, there‘s no going back.

For both diehard PlayStation fans and general gamers alike, the PS5 is easy to recommend in its third year. The future is bright for Sony‘s latest console. So if you have the opportunity to buy a PS5 in 2024, I say go for it. Happy next-gen gaming!

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