Should you buy a PS5 if you already own a PS4? Let’s compare the differences between the two.
PS5 vs PS4 – which one should you choose? Generally, the latest release is the sensible option if you’re not already invested in PlayStation, but there are many reasons to consider a last-gen console instead. As with everything, this comes down to your personal preferences and budget, so this guide’s here to help you decide what works best. The PS5 is Sony’s latest console and it’s significantly more powerful than the PlayStation 4. It has a better CPU, GPU, and a blazing-fast internal NVMe SSD, which can load games in seconds. There’s also Sony’s DualSense controller, which boasts haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, adding an extra sense of immersion that we’d never experienced before. However, if you don’t already own a PlayStation console, there are a few reasons why you may consider a PS4 instead. It’s true that we’ve gradually seen more PS5 exclusives, including Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal, and the Demon’s Souls remake. But recent games like Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon Forbidden West were both cross-generation releases, and they run just fine on Sony’s older machine. Factor in an enormous back catalog of hits, and there’s a great case to be made for going with the cheaper PS4. Right now, finding where you can buy a PS5 has been difficult for many. We’re almost halfway through 2022 and stock levels still haven’t noticeably improved –supply often sells out within minutes of retailers obtaining them. However, Sony’s continuing production of its older console into 2022, meaning you should still be able to buy the PS4 with comparative ease. Both consoles have different strengths and weaknesses, which you can read more about in our in-depth PS5 review and PS4 (Slim) review. So, if you’re undecided on what Sony gaming system to buy, we’ll help you decide which choice is right for you. Sony’s PS5 costs $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$749.95, while the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (identical specs, there’s just no disc drive) comes in at $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$599.95. Both console versions are available worldwide, having launched in November 2020. As for PS4, you’ve got the 500GB slim model costing $299.99 / £259.99 / AU$610.90. There’s also a 1TB edition but that’s widely out of stock, though you can easily expand the PS4’s storage with an external hard drive, supporting a minimum of 250 GB and 8TB maximum. It’s worth noting that while the more powerful PS4 Pro model has been officially discontinued, Sony’s continuing PS4 production into 2022, so you should still find new stock at different retailers. However, if you do decide to opt for a PS5, then be warned. Thanks to the semiconductor crisis worldwide, PS5 stock has been notoriously difficult to get hold of since it launched, though it’s still hitting sales milestones. This situation could continue into 2024, according to Intel’s CEO.
