Should You Buy a PS4 or Upgrade to the PS5

PS4-or-PS5

The PS5 has officially hit the stores and is available for purchase all over the world. It is currently the most powerful PlayStation and the excitement around it is through the roof. If you are unsure whether you should buy the PS5 or stick to the PS4, this piece is for you.

It is fair to say that the PlayStation 4 has really come through for gamers in the past 6 years. In this article, we shall look at the major differences between the PS5 and the PS4 and why you would choose one over another. This should help you make the decision on which of the two to buy. Let’s dive straight into it.

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GPU

The PlayStation 5 is much more efficient and powerful than both the PS4 & PS4 Pro. It uses a custom version of the AMD Radeon Navi GPU, an upgrade on the AMD GCN Radeon GPU found in the PS4. This new graphics card enables real-time ray tracing where light is traced accurately in the environment. This changes the overall look of games via photorealism.

Storage

The fact that consoles are now getting SSDs is impressive already. The PS5 features a custom-made 825GB SSD whose read and write speeds are more than 100 times faster than any PS4 model. Therefore, you can expect very fast performance which allows for entirely new mechanics to be introduced within games. “Sackboy: A Big Adventure,” for example will be exclusive to PS5 as it isn’t compatible with earlier PlayStation models. If you want to be able to play new games, you will definitely need to upgrade.

CPU

Another really huge upgrade that the PS5 brings is the CPU. The PS5 uses an AMD Zen 2 processor, which enables features like 3D audio, 4K video at 120fps, and up to 8K video output. It’s a direct improvement to the AMD Jaguar chip that is found in the PS4. The processing power from the main central processing unit will bring new forms of realism to gaming especially in terms of artificial intelligence.

AMD Zen 2 processor
AMD Zen 2 processor (Image via Extreme Tech)

Related Article: PC vs Console Gaming: Pros and Cons For Each


Controllers

The DualShock line of controllers ended with the PS4 Pro. The PS5 introduces the DualSense controller. It comes with a new color scheme and a revised shape. It also offers improved features that allow for more control of the game you’re playing. The controllers also feature a built-in microphone for in-game chat features.

DualSense wireless controller
DualSense wireless controller (Image Source: Playstation)

Games

As mentioned earlier, there are a number of games that are exclusive to the Playstation 5. This is partly due to the fact that the PS5 features better speeds and performance that are vital for running these games. However, all your PS4 games will be playable on the PS5 and this is a major advantage considering that no PS3 games were able to play on the PS4.

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Price

The PS4 costs $290 while the 4K-capable PS4 Pro costs $349. The PS5 costs $500. Since the consoles are globally available, there is a huge chance you will find them available at local gaming and gadget stores.

Verdict

The PS5 is obviously a more powerful machine when looking at specs and design. However, if you wouldn’t mind slightly slower loading times and the new exclusive games, making the switch may not be a necessity—especially if you are a new gamer. On the other hand, if you need to upgrade your gaming experience, it would be great to make the switch. In the end, the deciding factor will come down to price. Can you afford it? Yes? Go for it.

What do you love most about the PS5? Have you already made the switch from PS4? What is your experience? Share with us in the comments section below.

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