Why now is the right time to upgrade to a PS5

The PlayStation 5 gaming console celebrated its five year anniversary this past November, and there’s really no better time to purchase one. I’ve owned a PlayStation 4 now for just over a decade, and up until recently, I hadn’t really felt too compelled to upgrade. Why would I, when I could still play most of the latest games; access Playstation Network to play with my friends online; enjoy streaming services; and also use the in-built Blu-Ray player?

Yet 10+ years of use can also wear a gaming system down. Menus that used to load instantly now take what feels like forever, and no matter how many times I take my PS4 apart to clean the dust out of the fan area, it whines like a jet engine whenever I attempt to play anything. This, coupled with the fact a lot of new games are no longer being released on the PS4, seems to be the universe’s way of telling me it’s - finally - time to upgrade to a PS5. 

Graphically, the PS5 is exponentially stronger than what came before. While the PS4’s graphical ceiling sits at 1080p resolution and a max movement processing power of 60 frames per second, the PS5 doubles that [4K resolution with max movement processing of 120 frames per second] along with offering real-time ray tracing, which makes in-game reflections look almost life-like. This means faster loading times, sharper visuals with more detailed textures, accurate lighting and shadow work, and more fluid movements to help further immerse you in a game's narrative.

Speaking of games, the PS5 also has a stacked backlog of exclusives across all genres. Looking for an engrossing single-player experience? Take a swing with Spider-Man 2, or explore the Grecco-Norse mash-up world of God of War: Ragnarok. In the mood for a more traditional platformer? Astro Bot’s got you covered, with levels as adorable as they are challenging and offering one of the best platform experiences since the days of Super Mario 64. 

"Getting a PS5 will ensure you are on the ground floor for GTA 6, the can’t-miss gaming event of the 2020s"

Through backwards compatibility, you can also play all of your old PS4 games with enhanced graphics and even faster loading times due to the PS5's extra processing power. And, if you’re looking to play even older games, you also have access to the Classics Catalog of titles (which goes all the way back to the original PlayStation), available as a perk for Playstation Plus subscribers.

The biggest game currently on the horizon is Grand Theft Auto 6. The long-awaited sequel to Rockstar Games’s massive hit Grand Theft Auto 5 is currently eyeing a release date of November 12, 2026, and will be exclusively on next-gen consoles, including the PS5. Therefore, getting a PS5 will ensure your chances of being on the ground floor for what’s sure to be the can’t-miss gaming event of the 2020s, with many already booking the week off work (me included) to ensure they can play GTA 6 properly after its release.

It’s clear the PS5 is a worthy successor to the PS4, and on top of all the reasons we’ve already mentioned, it runs whisper-quiet. No more taking the faceplate off to clean out the fan; no more wondering whether or not your warhorse console will last another year; and, no more having to say no to the latest games because your console can’t keep up with everyone else’s and sounds like a dodgy jet engine. The future started yesterday, so upgrade to a PS5 now, with Back Market’s flash sale the perfect opportunity to pick up a refurbished console and finally send your PS4 into much-deserved retirement.