PlayStation 5 buyers guide – which console should you buy for the holidays
THE holidays are inching closer, and thousands are planning to purchase a console for themselves or their loved ones.
However, with several different versions of each console it can be difficult to figure out which one is the right one for you.
If you are confused about the differences between each type of PS5, then this is the guide for you.
Here is everything you need to know about the different PlayStation consoles and accessories.
PlayStation Portal – £199 / $199
The PlayStation Portal is not technically a PS5, but with a PS Plus Premium subscription, you can play PS5 games without the need for the main console.
It should be noted that the PS Portal’s streaming feature is not available in all regions, so you should check the availability for your area before purchasing.
More in PlayStation
Some countries, such as Australia and India, are offered a stripped-down version of PS Plus Premium, which lacks cloud streaming and is called PS Plus Deluxe.
The PS Portal is usually a handheld accessory for the PS5 and allows you to play PlayStation games anywhere with a stable Wi-Fi connection.
If you want to use your PS Portal without a PS5, you will need to maintain a PS Plus Premium subscription which will end up more expensive than the PS5 in the long run.
PS Plus also doesn’t add games to the service on the day they are released, so this isn’t the right choice if you want to keep up with the latest games.
Most read in Gaming
The PS Portal also doesn’t store games on the hardware, so you won’t be able to play any games that you own on it.
Great for people who…
- don’t already own PlayStation games
- prefer subscriptions to owning
- have a strong and stable internet connection
- often have to fight for the TV
Not so good for those who…
- like to play games over a long period of time
- don’t live in a streaming-supported country
- enjoy playing games soon after they launch
PS5 Slim Digital – £324 / $449
This one is a real PS5, and depending on your region, there might be a steep price difference between this console and the Standard console with the disc drive.
It’s not that much smaller than the standard console, but if size really matters to you, then you’ll want to go with this version.
Most of the customisable face plates are also only compatible with this console, so if you care about aesthetics this is the one for you.
The biggest upgrade over the original version of the console is that it has 1TB of storage compared to 825GB, which is enough space for one or two larger games.
However, if you already have or want to buy physical games, you’ll want to opt for a console with a disc drive.
You can buy the disc drive separately, as well as a vertical stand, which is not included, but these come at an extra cost.
Great for people who…
- have a digital library of games
- want something more compact
- like to customise their console
Not so good for those who…
- want to stay at the cutting edge of performance
- already own physical games
- want to play games straight out of the box
Original PS5 Standard – £399 / $449
The original standard console with the disc drive is the choice for gamers who like to play physical games.
It comes with all the parts you need out of the box, and can play all of your PS4 and PS5 games.
Also as it’s a bit older than the Slim console, you’re more likely to be able to save some money on second-hand or refurbished consoles.
It does everything that the Slim does, though it does have that slightly smaller storage size, though that shouldn’t be an issue for physical gamers.
However, it is the only version of the PS5 with an integrated disc drive, meaning it is less likely to have issues, but when it does, it’s more annoying to fix.
Great for people who…
- already have a library of physical PS4 & PS5 games
- like to play games out of the box
Not so good for those who…
- don’t like it when their console takes over the living room
- care about storage size
- wants the best graphical and performance experience possible
PS5 Pro – £699 / $699
This is the most expensive PlayStation console by far, and doesn’t include the disc drive or vertical stand.
If you play or own physical games, then you need to add these extra expenses into the price.
However, the PS5 Pro is the only console that offers the framerate of Performance mode with the graphical fidelity of Graphics mode.
This will only matter to people who want to be at the cutting edge of technology, and most people won’t be able to notice the difference.
Great for people who…
- care deeply about your games’ graphics
- don’t want to choose between Graphics and Performance modes
Not so good for those who…
READ MORE SUN STORIES
- want something affordable
- already own physical games
If you’re considering an Xbox instead, check out our Xbox Series X|S buyers guide.
All the latest PS5 reviews from The Sun
Get the lowdown on more of the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.
- Stellar Blade
- Eiyuden Chronicle
- Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide
- Berserk Boy
- South Park: Snow Day
- Alone in the Dark
- Expeditions: A MudRunner Game
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Skull and Bones
- Helldivers 2
For Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch, check out our full game reviews section.