As we approach the end of 2024, Sony's PlayStation 5 has demonstrated its resilience in the gaming market, despite facing challenges with its hardware revisions and exclusive game lineup. This comprehensive review examines the console's performance throughout the year and provides essential guidance for new PS5 owners during the holiday season.
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| An overview of the PlayStation 5 console and its DualSense controller, illustrating the heart of Sony's gaming strategy for 2024 |
Hardware Evolution and Performance
The PS5 Pro introduction marked a significant milestone in 2024, though its necessity remains debatable. While not as compelling as the PS4 Pro's leap to 4K, the new hardware offers enhanced graphical modes and improved performance options. The console maintains its position as a capable gaming platform, even if it doesn't match the Xbox Series X's raw specifications.
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| The PlayStation Portal Remote Player, showcasing the innovations and enhancements in the PS5 gaming experience for 2024 |
Software Landscape
2024 saw fewer exclusive titles but delivered meaningful additions to PlayStation's portfolio. Astro Bot emerged as an unexpected highlight, earning Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. The platform's game-as-a-service strategy showed mixed results, with Helldivers 2's success contrasting sharply with Concord's rapid closure.
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| PlayStation Plus gift cards offering various subscription options, highlighting the evolving software landscape of the PS5 platform in 2024 |
Essential Setup for New Users
For those who received a PS5 during the holiday season, proper initialization is crucial. The setup process includes physical installation, network configuration, and optimal settings adjustment. Key steps involve configuring power-saving options, managing storage allocation, and customizing game presets for the best gaming experience.
Storage Management
The PS5's internal SSD provides approximately 667GB of usable storage, making storage management essential. Users can now expand storage through the activated internal SSD expansion slot, and PS4 games can be stored on external drives to optimize space utilization.
Advanced Features
The DualSense controller's Create button functionality can be customized for different capture preferences. Remote Play capabilities allow streaming to various devices, and new spoiler prevention settings help maintain surprise elements in games. The PlayStation Plus service offers three distinct tiers, providing various levels of access to games and features.
Looking Forward
With new hardware established and a strong market position, PlayStation appears poised for an exciting 2025. The platform continues to evolve with upcoming titles like Ghost of Yotei and Marvel's Wolverine on the horizon, suggesting a promising future for PS5 owners.