Since the debut of the original model back in the 90s, Sony’s PlayStation console series has remained as one of the more popular systems available today, and while the brand has gone through a lot of changes throughout the years it’s still one of the most influential brands within the gaming industry.
Which is why it’s no surprise that year after year, the demand for PlayStation consoles has pretty much remained consistent. One great example is the PlayStation 5 (or PS5 for short), and while it’s now been half a decade since its debut it’s still proven to be incredibly popular among gamers worldwide. That being said, folks looking to gift a loved one (or themselves) a PS5 console or accessory might wa…
Since the debut of the original model back in the 90s, Sony’s PlayStation console series has remained as one of the more popular systems available today, and while the brand has gone through a lot of changes throughout the years it’s still one of the most influential brands within the gaming industry.
Which is why it’s no surprise that year after year, the demand for PlayStation consoles has pretty much remained consistent. One great example is the PlayStation 5 (or PS5 for short), and while it’s now been half a decade since its debut it’s still proven to be incredibly popular among gamers worldwide. That being said, folks looking to gift a loved one (or themselves) a PS5 console or accessory might want to check out this nifty guide, which covers the basics and then some—let’s get started!
PS5 Consoles, Explained
Before we get started, it should be mentioned that Sony sells different variants of the PS5. The most high-end (and expensive) is the PS5 Pro, which comes with more powerful hardware that allows it to load games faster and display sharper visuals. There’s also the standard PS5 model, which is a bit more affordable but comes with slightly more modest processing power, and the PS5 Slim which is even less expensive and comes with—as you guessed it—a slimmer design.
There’s also the PlayStation Portal, although this itself is NOT a standalone console. Sony has designed the Portal to be an accessory that lets you stream and play PS5 games via an internet connection, which means that you will still need a console for it to properly function.
The PS5 Pro is Sony’s top-of-the-line flagship console, and folks looking for the ultimate gaming experience with all the bells and whistles will definitely want to go for this one.
The standard middle-child model of the bunch, the PS5 comes with access to Sony’s massive library of games, and offers a more balanced experience for a price that’s considerably less than that of the PS5 Pro.
If you’d rather go for the most affordable system in the lineup, then the PS5 Slim edition offers a no-frills experience and a more space-saving design as well.
While it’s not exactly a successor to the PSP and PS Vita handhelds, the PlayStation Portal lets users take their PS5 games on the go, all thanks to the magic of Remote Play.
PS5 Accessories
So if you’re set on getting a PS5 or if you already have one, then there a number of accessories which are designed to give you a richer gaming experience, and some that also give your gaming setup a bit of a boost. With that being said, here are some that you might want to add to your PS5 ecosystem.
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Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation Consoles
In case the built-in storage on your PS5 isn’t enough for you, Seagate’s Game Drive comes with different configurations starting from 1 to 5TB, making sure that you have all the storage you need for your games.
PlayStation DualSense Controller
It goes without saying that all PS5 models ship with a bundled controller, but players after some multiplayer action might want to get a second controller such as the DualSense, which comes with additional touch control support.
PlayStation DualSense Edge Controller
If the DualSense isn’t enough for you, then Sony also sells a variant called the DualSense Edge, which features a more versatile button setup in addition to touch controls.
PlayStation Pulse Elite Wireless Headset
A lot of games today come with support for multiplayer and built-in voice chat, so gamers who mostly play team-based games might want to check out the PlayStation Pulse Elite Wireless Headset, which comes with a built-in mic and up to 30 hours of battery life.
In addition to the PlayStation Pulse Elite, Sony’s INZONE H9 is also a terrific option, with support for 360-degree spatial sound, dual sensor noise cancelling, and up to 32 hours of battery on a single charge.
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PowerA Hard Shell Case for PlayStation Portal
In case you opted to get the PlayStation Portal, then you’ll definitely want to add some protection to it with PowerA’s Hard Shell case, which comes with a soft interior lining as well.
PS5 Games
The PS% comes with an impressive library of games, and from first-party titles to new releases by both major and indie studios, there’s definitely a lot for everyone.
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Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Relive one of the most groundbreaking entries in Konami’s spy-action Metal Gear series, now with enhanced visuals and new gameplay mechanics.
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Horizon Forbidden West expands on one of the best-selling franchises on the PlayStation with impressive graphics, an expansive story, and refined gameplay, all with the same action we’ve come to expect from Aloy’s adventures.
While it’s set within a different place and time period from earlier games in its franchise, Silent Hill F manages to retain what makes the series so great, and heavily leans towards the survival horror elements that the series is known for.
The latest instalment in the long-running Tekken fighting game series, Tekken 8 adds a new roster of fighters in addition to sleek-looking visuals and some of the best fighting mechanics in all of gaming.
God of War Ragnarök serves as a sequel to the highly-acclaimed God of War title that came out back in 2018, and continues the story of Kratos as he faces a new set of enemies, far, far away from the shores of Sparta.
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Another highly-praised Sony title, Spider-Man 2 pairs up Peter Parker with Miles Morales as they continue to rid the streets of New York from crime, retaining the slick gameplay and action that the first game was known for.
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Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Square Enix’s decision to release the much-hyped Final Fantasy VII Remake series to more consoles was a no-brainer, and the veteran studio has added a ton of new content including changes to gameplay and the overall storyline.
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IN what could be described as one of the more surprising PS5 game releases, Microsoft’s once-exclusive Gears of War franchise makes its way to PlayStation fans in this new remake which still captures the spirit of the original.
GRID Legends manages to strike a fine balance between racing sim and a more arcade-like experience, with sharp visuals and a rather entertaining story modem in addition to a lengthy career campaign.
Hopefully, this list will give you an idea of what to get for friends and family who are after a bit of gaming goodness for the holidays. If you’d prefer something from Nintendo or Xbox though, then be sure to check out our Nintendo Switch and Xbox gift guides here, and here.
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A writer and content creator with a love for tech and music, Mike is also an avid gamer as well. He and his wife are big fans of Mario Kart.