When the PS5 launched, expectations were high among gamers thanks to promises of amazing performance and unique gaming experiences. However, after years of use, some may feel that the console has not lived up to those expectations. Whether it is the lack of exclusive titles or the technical issues that have arisen, there are several factors that have left some gamers feeling disappointed.
For me, I love the PS5. It has powerful internals that allow for incredibly fast loading speeds and 4K gaming, plus the innovative and immersive features of the DualSense controller. With all these great features, it’s no wonder my expectations for the console were so high. However, after using it for a few years, I have to admit that I’ve been disappointed with the overall gaming experience. Here are a few reasons why. Check out how to improve the security settings on your PS5 to protect your kids.
1. Limited number of exclusive PS5 games
What do you think is the biggest reason to upgrade from one console generation to the next? While there are many reasons to upgrade from PS4 to PS5, for me, it is undoubtedly the promise of new and exclusive games that will only be available on the new console. Unfortunately, that has not been the case with the PS5 so far.
With the exception of a few PS5 exclusives like Astro's Playroom and Marvel's Spider-Man 2, many of the games expected to showcase current-gen capabilities are also available on PS4. The number of PlayStation 5-only games is simply embarrassingly small to justify dropping several hundred dollars on an upgrade, and that was definitely a huge disappointment for me.
What makes owning a PS5 even more frustrating and less necessary is the steady increase in the number of Sony titles now available on Windows PC, such as Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. According to a post on IGNSony admits that the PS5 is entering the final stages of its life cycle, so it's unclear whether we'll see a significant enough increase in exclusive titles before the next-gen console launches.
2. Obsession with hyper-realistic graphics
One of the reasons I love modern, dedicated video game consoles like the PS5 is that their powerful internals give game developers the tools to create amazing, immersive gaming experiences. However, the obsession with hyper-realistic graphics has led to a lack of creativity in game design and gameplay mechanics, which has made me lose faith in AAA games.
Don’t get me wrong. The leap from boxy pixels to stunningly realistic graphics and movie-like cutscenes in video games is impressive. However, game developers often overemphasize the visuals at the expense of creative and engaging gameplay. The success of the Nintendo Switch is a testament to the fact that innovative and fun gameplay can triumph over high-definition graphics — these are games, not movies, after all. Check out the top reasons why the Nintendo Switch has become such a success.
3. Declining revenues of AAA games
While many PS5 owners rightfully expect every AAA game to look better than on the previous generation console, the difference isn’t nearly as dramatic. Yes, loading speeds are noticeably faster on the PS5, but the visual differences aren’t groundbreaking.
Unless you’re upgrading from PS3, playing the same game side-by-side on PS4 and PS5, or know what to look for, the visual improvements won’t be easily noticeable. That’s not to say there’s no real improvement, but the high expectations coupled with the massive graphical jumps from previous generations have made the upgrades feel underwhelming.
For example, AAA titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4 pushed the boundaries of realism and may have contributed to graphical fatigue or reduced returns on current-gen visuals. So, while the PS5 is vastly more capable, I may have to accept that I won’t experience the massive leaps in graphical fidelity that I’ve enjoyed on previous console generations. This trend makes the PS5 feel like a revolutionary upgrade.
4. Lack of innovation and diversity
Current-gen AAA titles are extremely expensive, with games like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 costing around $300 million to produce, according to a post on the magazine. ForbesThese high budget costs often lead to a lack of innovation, variety, art direction, and substandard approaches, as game publishers take no chances with popular franchises. This results in a gaming landscape where many titles look the same, recycling the same gameplay mechanics and design choices.
Additionally, due to the high costs, AAA publishers are less willing to take risks on new or untested game ideas, leading to a lack of creativity and diversity in the industry. The fear of not performing well in sales outweighs the desire to create something different. This leads to a disappointing PS5 game library dominated by remakes, remasters, and sequels.
Looking back at the success of previous console generations like the PS2 (and more recent, less capable consoles like the Nintendo Switch), it's fair to believe that the graphical limitations of the console have pushed developers to be more creative with gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
5. Frustratingly long game development times
One would think that developers would take less time to create AAA titles for the more capable PS5. However, the opposite is true, as game development has become significantly more complex and time-consuming than before with much higher standards and expectations for realistic graphics.
For example, Naughty Dog's PS3 output included Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, and The Last of Us. For PS4 (excluding video game remakes and remasters), they released Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and The Last of Us Part II. At this rate, we'd be lucky to have one title per console generation from this studio.
While I can understand that creating more complex and detailed games with larger maps takes longer, it becomes even more frustrating when more games are released incomplete and later patched with updates. Unfortunately, this long development time often contributes to increased hype and expectations, which leads to more potential disappointment when the final product is released. Check out why unfinished tech releases are becoming more common than ever.
6. High cost of games
Gaming on the PS5 is expensive. In addition to the already high price of the console itself and the best gaming TVs, there are also additional costs to consider for accessories and games. This includes the cost of the DualSense controller, DualSense Charging Station, and the PULSE 3D™ wireless headset. You may also need to purchase a second SSD for your PS5, as games have larger file sizes that can quickly fill up your console’s limited storage space.
Additionally, you’ll need to be willing to part with around $69.99 per AAA game for the PS5 — and that’s just for the standard edition. Special editions can cost up to $99.99. Furthermore, with the growing trend of microtransactions and downloadable content (DLC) in gaming, players may end up spending more money on top of the initial purchase of the game. Finally, if you enjoy playing online, you may also have to pay for a PlayStation Plus subscription, which increases the overall cost of gaming on the PS5.
7. The PS4 is still going strong.
Supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult for many to get their hands on a PS5 at launch. However, as we move past the PS5 shortage, many gamers are still using their PS4s in 2024 and are hesitant to switch to the PS5.
There are several reasons for this, the most important of which is the PS4’s impressive library of games. Used PS4 games are much easier and cheaper to get than newer PS5 games. Additionally, almost every new game is still being released for the PS4 as well, making it even less of a necessity to upgrade to the PS5.
In conclusion, despite its impressive internal components, the PS5 has yet to live up to its full potential. Despite better visuals and faster loading speeds, among other improvements, the PS5 still has a disappointing library of exclusive games. Given that the console is already in the final stages of its life cycle, one can only hope that things will improve in the near future. You can now check out Is it worth upgrading from PS4 to PS5?
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