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I love the PS5. It packs powerful hardware that allows incredibly fast loading speeds and 4K gaming, as well as the innovative and immersive features of the DualSense controller. With all these impressive features, it’s no wonder my expectations for the console were sky-high. However, after using it for a few years, I must admit that I’m disappointed with the overall gaming experience. Here are some reasons why.
1The Limited Number of Exclusive PS5 Games
What would you say is the biggest reason to upgrade from one console generation to the next? Although there are severalreasons to upgrade from a PS4 to a PS5, for me, it’s undoubtedly the promise of new and exclusive games that will only be available on that particular console. Sadly, this hasn’t been the case with the PS5 so far.
Excluding a few PS5 exclusive games like Astro’s Playroom and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, many of the titles expected to showcase the current-gen’s capabilities are also available on the PS4. The number of PlayStation 5-only games is simply embarrassingly small to justify parting with several hundreds of dollars to upgrade, and it’s definitely been a big disappointment for me.
What makes owning a PS5 more underwhelming and less necessary is the steady increase in the number of Sony titles now available on Windows PCs, like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. According to apost on IGN, Sony admits the PS5 is entering the latter stages of its lifecycle, so it’s unclear if we’ll see a significant enough increase in exclusive titles before the next console generation is released.
2The Obsession With Ultra-Realistic Graphics
One of thereasons I love modern video gameconsoles like the PS5 is that its powerful hardware gives game developers the tools to create visually stunning and immersive gaming experiences. However, the obsession with ultra-realistic graphics has led to a lack of creativity in game design and gameplay mechanics, making melose faith in AAA games.
Don’t get me wrong. The massive leap in video games from boxy pixels to breathtakingly realistic graphics and cut scenes that look more like a movie is impressive. However, game developers overemphasise great visuals at the expense of creative and engaging gameplay.The success of the Nintendo Switchis a testament to the fact that innovative and fun gameplay can triumph over high-fidelity graphics—these are games after all, not movies.
3Diminishing Returns on AAA Games
Although many PS5 owners rightfully expect every AAA game to look better compared to the previous console generation, the difference is not significant enough. Yes, the loading speeds are noticeably faster on the PS5, but the visual differences are not groundbreaking.
Unless you upgraded from the PS3, play the same game side-by-side on the PS4 and PS5, or know what to look for, the visual improvements are not easily noticeable. This is not to say there is no actual improvement, but high expectations coupled with massive graphical leaps from the previous generations have made the upgrades feel underwhelming.
For example, AAA titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 on the PS4 pushed the boundaries of realism and probably contributed to the graphical realism fatigue or diminishing returns on current-gen visuals. So, despite the PS5 being considerably more capable, I probably need to accept that I won’t experience the massive leaps in graphical fidelity I enjoyed in earlier console generations. This trend makes the PS5 feel less like a revolutionary upgrade.
4Lack of Innovation and Variety
Current-gen, AAA titles are extremely expensive to make, with games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 costing around $300 million to produce, according toa post on Forbes. These high-budget costs often lead to a lack of innovation, variety, and subpar art direction and styles, as game publishers play it safe with popular franchises. This results in a gaming landscape where many titles feel similar, with the same gameplay mechanics and design choices being recycled.
Additionally, due to the high costs involved, AAA publishers are less willing to take risks on new or untested game ideas, resulting in a lack of creativity and diversity in the industry. The fear of not doing well in sales outweighs the desire to create something different. This results in a disappointing PS5 game library dominated by remakes, remasters, and sequels.
Looking back at the success of earlier console generations like the PS2 (and more modern and less capable consoles like the Nintendo Switch), it’s fair to think the console’s graphical limitations pushed developers to be more creative with gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
5Frustrating Longer Game Development Times
One may think it would take less time for developers to create AAA titles for the more capable PS5. However, the opposite is true, as game development has become significantly more complex and time-consuming than ever before with much higher standards and expectations for realistic graphics. Although the technology is definitely better, creating characters, animations, and detailed environments requires more manpower and time to complete.
For example, Naughty Dog’s output for the PS3 included Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, and The Last of Us. For the PS4 (excludingvideo game remakes and remasters), they released Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and The Last of Us Part II. At this rate, we would be lucky to get one title per console generation from the studio.
Although I can understand that it takes longer to create more complex and detailed games with bigger maps, it becomes more frustrating when more games are released unfinished and later patched with updates. Unfortunately, this longer game development time often contributes to more hype and expectations, leading to more potential disappointment when the final product is released.
6Higher Gaming Costs
Gaming on the PS5 is very costly. Beyond the expensive price tag of the console itself and the best TVs for gaming, there are also additional costs to consider for accessories and games. These include the cost of a DualSense controller, DualSense Charging Station, and the PULSE 3D™ Wireless Headset. You may also need tobuy a second SSD for your PS5, as the games have larger file sizes that can quickly take up the console’s limited storage space.
In addition, you need to be willing to part ways with about $69.99 for each AAA PS5 game—and that’s just for the standard edition. Special editions can cost up to $99.99. Furthermore, with the increasing trend of microtransactions and downloadable content (DLC) in games, players may end up spending even more money on top of the initial game purchase. Last but not least, if you enjoy playing online, you may also have to pay for a PlayStation Plus subscription, adding to the overall cost of gaming on the PS5.
7The PS4 Is Still Going Strong
The supply chain issues prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for many to get their hands on the PS5 at launch. However, with the PS5 shortages now behind us, many gamers stilluse their PS4s in 2024and are reluctant to switch to the PS5.
There are several reasons for this, chief among them being the PS4’s impressive library of games. It’s much easier and cheaper to get your hands on used PS4 games than the newer PS5 titles. Additionally, almost every new game is still being released for the PS4 as well, undermining the necessity of upgrading to the PS5.
In conclusion, although it has impressive hardware, the PS5 has not yet fully lived up to its potential. Despite having better visuals and faster loading speeds, among other improvements, the PS5 still has a disappointing library of exclusive games. Considering the console is already in the latter stages of its lifecycle, one can only hope that things will improve in the near future.
