Is the PS5 Still Worth It in 2025?

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The PlayStation 5 has been a welcome addition to the ever-changing world of gaming, solidifying its place as a strong console despite some challenges over the last five years. It’s known for its impressive features and performance.

With a strong lineup of games you can’t find anywhere else, it’s clear why this console is known for delivering fantastic gaming experiences – and why many consider it to be worth the cost, even more so than the upgraded version released mid-generation.

So, I’ve had a PS5 for almost five years now, and everyone always asks if it’s still worth getting. It’s not a simple yes or no answer, honestly. We really need to break it down and look at everything.

A Current-Gen Powerhouse

The PS5 still lives up to its promise of incredible graphics and smooth gameplay. Many of the best games in 2025 look fantastic in Quality mode, or run exceptionally well in Performance mode.

While it’s disappointing that the standard PS5 has some limitations, it understandably encourages players to consider upgrading to the PS5 Pro. However, if you’re okay with adjusting visual settings, the PS5 remains a very capable console that can still deliver amazing gaming experiences with excellent performance.

Okay, so even though Sony used to really keep its best games locked to PlayStation, the PS5 still has some amazing exclusives that made it worth buying, even after five years. I especially loved Horizon Forbidden West. It really showed off what the PS5 could do, and using the DualSense controller made exploring Aloy’s new world super immersive and just a ton of fun.

We were stunned to see a much more aggressive and frightening Thunderjaw roaming the plains. The game’s new machines were visually impressive, though we often found ourselves stopping to admire them rather than continuing the story, which tied up some loose ends but also introduced new mysteries.

The Decima Engine truly shined in this game, and Guerrilla’s close partnership with Sony greatly benefited both the sequel and the eventual remaster of the original. However, Aloy wasn’t the only star on the PlayStation 5. Kratos and Atreus made a triumphant return in Ragnarok, battling numerous foes and ultimately concluding Kratos’s story while launching Atreus on his own journey. It was a fantastic continuation of their individual stories, with exploration and combat that remained top-tier.

Both Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Ghost of Tsushima: Legends demonstrate the impressive capabilities of the PS5. Spider-Man 2 featured stunning visuals and action sequences, while Ghost of Tsushima: Legends immerses players in its world through the innovative use of the Dualsense controller, making you truly feel like a mercenary seeking revenge.

Then there’s Death Stranding 2. Hideo Kojima’s newest game is a stunning visual showcase that really tests the power of the PS5. It builds on the unique gameplay of the first Death Stranding, making the world bigger and more ambitious, and the overall experience is truly impressive.

Many of these games were improved for the more powerful PS5 Pro, but its high cost makes the standard PS5 a great choice for players who want to save money. We personally prefer playing in Performance mode for smoother gameplay at 60 frames per second, but Quality mode also looks fantastic in most games. The ability to switch between these modes is a great feature, especially combined with the console’s incredibly fast loading speeds.

The PS5 has a solid library of exclusive games. Beyond its own titles, PlayStation has successfully attracted games from other platforms, including popular choices like Hi-Fi Rush, Forza Horizon 5, Gears of War, and Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga. It also offers a strong multiplayer experience with games such as Elden Ring Nightreign and Where Winds Meet, and continues to receive consistent support from third-party developers. Notably, PlayStation has secured some timed exclusives like Silent Hill 2 and the hugely popular Helldivers 2.

The PlayStation 5 hasn’t been without its challenges over the last five years, with Sony dealing with issues both expected and unexpected. The big question is: has Sony successfully overcome these hurdles and continued to make the PS5 a worthwhile investment? Let’s take a closer look.

Challenges Both Within and Without

The biggest initial challenge for the PS5 was the pandemic, which created a huge barrier between Sony and people wanting to buy the console. Disruptions to manufacturing and shipping meant the PS5 wasn’t readily available, and unfortunately, this allowed resellers to profit by buying and quickly flipping the console at inflated prices.

Sony recovered well after a rocky start, and the PS5 quickly became successful. While the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was a mess and some players were disappointed that Assassin’s Creed Valhalla came out on both old and new consoles, these issues weren’t directly Sony’s fault.

While Sony’s acquisition of Bluepoint Games initially looked promising after their fantastic remake of Demon’s Souls – a key launch title for the PS5 – things haven’t worked out. Sony’s focus on multiplayer games has seemingly stalled the studio for five years, and their long-awaited multiplayer project now appears to be canceled.

Bluepoint Games isn’t the only example. The story of Concord and what happened to Firewalk Studios also reflects poorly on Sony’s performance over the past five years. Even after buying Bungie in 2022, the PS5 still depends on other companies to deliver strong multiplayer experiences. Recent reports show Destiny 2 isn’t performing as expected, and the Marathon reboot has been pushed back to March 2026. These changes at Bungie suggest potential difficulties ahead.

Honestly, Sony’s big push for the PS5 to be a multiplayer and live service machine hasn’t really worked out. The cancellation of Concord, plus the layoffs and studio closures, have really hurt their image. It feels like they’ve slowed down the release of the single-player games we really want, and it’s definitely impacted the studios making them. It’s like they’re trying to do too much at once, and it’s putting their reputation for amazing single-player experiences at risk. And it’s frustrating because they haven’t done anything with awesome franchises like Days Gone or Bloodborne – it feels like they’ve been forgotten!

Let’s quickly look at PlayStation Network, PSVR2, and the PlayStation Portal. PlayStation Network and PS Plus continue to keep players engaged with enough content to stay loyal to the PlayStation brand, and recent changes to Xbox Game Pass pricing could even be benefiting Sony.

The PlayStation 5 keeps getting fantastic games, and it works seamlessly with the PS VR2, with a growing number of compatible titles. Combined with the PlayStation Portal – now letting PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers stream games they already own – the PS5 is a great hub for gaming and offers a lot of entertainment for your money. The DualSense Edge controller and Pulse headsets add even more to the experience.

Despite the challenges, Sony has done well overall, and it appears to be applying those experiences to its plans for the PS5 and future consoles.

But what will the next year look like for the PS5?

The PS5’s Next Chapter

The PlayStation 5 is now about halfway through its lifespan. With talk of the PS6 starting to surface, it’s natural to be curious about what Sony has planned for the PS5 in the next year.

Okay, so here’s the good news as a PS5 fan: a lot of the awesome games coming out next year are already available on the console, and there are some really promising exclusives on the way too! I’m especially excited about Saros from Housemarque – it looks like it’s taking the cool gameplay of Returnal and adding its own unique spin. Then there’s Marathon, but honestly, Sony seems a little hesitant about that one, so it’s hard to say if it will actually happen. Fingers crossed, though!

Naughty Dog is developing a new game called Intergalactic, which could become a major franchise launching first on the PS5 and continuing on the platform for years to come. While it’s unclear if this game will be released next year, fans are also eagerly anticipating a Wolverine adventure developed by Insomniac. This game is expected to be a big hit with Marvel enthusiasts and drive many players to the PlayStation platform.

The PlayStation 5 is performing strongly, handling new games releasing in 2025 with ease. It’s been one of Sony’s most successful products in the last five years, and has likely helped the company navigate some challenges. As of today, over 84 million PS5 consoles have been sold.

It’s exciting to think about what’s next, but for now, the PS5 remains a top choice among today’s gaming consoles.

Just so you know, the opinions in this article are the author’s own and don’t reflect the official stance of GamingBolt.

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2025-11-18 20:44