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PSN downtime was due to ‘operational issue’ and Sony is giving 5 free days as compensation
PSN has just recovered from a 24-hour outage
Sony says the downtime was caused by an “operational issue” with network services
Compensation is 5 free days of service for PlayStation Plus members
Sonyhas informed us of the compensation that PlayStation owners – well,PlayStation Plusmembers – will receive due to themajor outage that struck PSN this weekend, which is thankfully now in the rearview mirror.
The PlayStation Network outage ran for 24 hours in the end, blotting out Saturday online gaming sessions across the globe (or Friday night in some places).
Finally, we were given a reason for the service dropping out, namely an “operational issue” with network services as explained by the PlayStation North American support account on X.
The post on the social media outlet also apologized and gave us details on the compensation that’s going to be provided: “All PlayStation Plus members will automatically receive an additional 5 days of service.”
Predictably, there’s quite a bit of unhappiness around the response here. Just a cursory glance through the replies to the announcement from Sony support gives you a good flavor of the disgruntled gamers out there. The main theme is ‘just five days, what about a month?’ – or ‘why aren’t you giving us a free game instead?’
Okay, the latter is pushing it, but I must agree that five days feels like, how can I put this tactfully… a minimal gesture?
I think Sony could have done better than that in mitigating what was clearly a lot of bad feeling from the broad PlayStation community around this weekend-spoiling (for some) outage.
Heck, even non-PlayStation gamers are chipping in on X and saying this feels stingy from Sony.
It’s worth noting that far from everyone has received the five-day bonus yet, and it’s likely in the pipeline for many.
The other frustrating element during this PSN outage was the lack of any communication as to what was going on from Sony.
Everything was down –all PlayStation services on the status dashboard, which was nothing but red lights – and yet not a peep was heard from official channels about the cause (or suspected fault), or an estimated delivery time for the fix to the PlayStation Network.
In some ways, that’ll doubtless have been about the fear of getting something else wrong – giving false hope of a ‘fix soon’ that then doesn’t appear, and which only makes PlayStation owners angrier – but still, it wasn’t a good situation.
The final verdict emerging as just an “operational issue” is not much of a reason, either, and that term feels very vague. Yes, apparently it was a large spanner in the works with the network infrastructure somewhere – but what kind of gremlin was crawling about in there? A little more of a clue wouldn’t hurt, in terms of: how did this happen, and how might Sony guard against this in the future?
In fairness, a fuller explanation could be coming shortly. And service downtime happens – it’s inevitable, of course. But I feel it’s clear enough that the response during the outage, and this final outcome and compensation, could – and should – have been better from Sony.
There’s an excellent line-up of PS5 games set to launch in 2025. It’s certainly shaping up to be a very good year to be a PlayStation fan, with big releases likeGTA6 sure to impress onSony’s newest consoles.
New PS5 games will start coming out in the next few weeks, withCivilization 7kicking things off in style. In the rest of 2025, many exciting new games are still set to be announced – with some even likely to land on our list ofbest PS5 games. It’s a great time to be a PS5 owner for sure, especially when you consider that there’s even more to follow in late 2025 and into 2026.
Read on to learn the release dates for the biggest new PS5 games. As new release dates are revealed, or if certain games are delayed, this page will be updated. For now, here’s what you’ll be playing in the next 6 months or so, and beyond!.
New PS5 games 2025: this year’s most anticipated releases
Here’s a short list of 2025’sbiggest and mostanticipated new PS5 games. These all have release dates, which will be updated if there are delays or cancellations. As it’s still early on in the year, expect even more games to be announced as we go.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 –February 4 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)
Doom: The Dark Ages tears its way onto PS5 in May. It’s a medieval prequel that sees the Doom Slayer armed with a new chainsaw-shield weapon. Oh, and you can ride a dragon.
Doom: The Dark Ages –May 15 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)
Sonic Wings Reunion –May 29 (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch)
Return of the Savage Planet –May TBC (PC, XSX|S, XBO, PS5, PS4)
2025 and TBC
(Image credit: Insomniac)
Now for the games that, while we know are coming, have yet to receive full release dates. Hopefully we’ll hear more about the following games sooner rather than later.
Arc Raiders –2025
Borderlands 4 –2025
Dune Awakening –Early 2025 (PC)
GTA 6 –Fall 2025
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle –Spring 2025 (PS5)
Verdict The PS5 Slim offers the same great performance as the original PS5 but offers a superbly redesigned, slick aesthetic and smaller chassis. Combining this smaller footprint with the same performance, as well as some quality-of-life improvements such as a change in one port to USB-C and a slightly larger capacity SSD inside, makes the PS5 Slim an excellent console to buy in 2025 – especially as discounts and deals are becoming more regular. Pros +Same great PS5 performance +Smaller, more compact design +Great customization options with console covers +Slightly more usable storage is welcome +DualSense controller remains brilliant +Expansive game library Cons -DualSense battery life is still just OK -Vertical stand is an extra cost
The PS5 Slim picks up where the original launch model of the PS5 left off and offers a brilliant current-generation gaming experience. Adding a couple of quality-of-life improvements to the original and shrinking the footprint right down, while maintaining the excellent performance and experiences you would expect from a PS5, means this is still one of the verybest gaming consolesto buy.
The PS5 Slim launched at the same price that the original launch model PS5 had. This differs from the last generation when thePS4 Slimarrived with a slightly lower price tag, which was very welcome at the time. While that’s disappointing, the PS5 Slim is now the dominant variant of the console – coming in both disc and digital editions too -and discounts and deals are now frequent. As such, while we heartily recommend it at its list price, it can offer exceptional value for money.
The biggest changes with the PS5 Slim are indeed as its name would imply: its small footprint and form factor mean the PS5 Slim is around 30% smaller, which is welcome given the original’s heft. It’s of the same design language, but not exactly the same either. While the form of the PS5 Slim still features the fanned, larger end, the console’s shell is now split by a gap (‘filled in’ by the black plastic of the console’s main body underneath), making for four separate plates.
One small difference is the front ports both being USB-C on the Slim too, trading the launch model’s USB-A port for the second USB-C one. And apart from a slightly larger hard drive – the PS5 Slim sports a 1TB SSD as opposed to the original’s 825GB – it has the identical PS5 specs within it that offer that wonderful performance we’re used to from Sony’s current console. You’ve also got a host of customization options with the PS5 Slim, thanks to Sony releasing a wide number of different console covers that can be easily slotted on.
It is that performance, combined with the new design, that makes the PS5 Slim so easy to recommend. PS5 games run like a dream and with a library that’s bigger than ever, now offers more adventures than before. Sony’s first-party titles in particular are dreamy from a performance standpoint – whether you prefer resolution and detail or frame rate speed and smoothness. PlayStation 4 games also still run like a dream which means your backlog can be taken onto PS5 Slim with ease. TheDualSense Wireless controlleris still the same original one which is great for the haptic features that help make the PS5 stand out, but its battery life is still underwhelming.
The PS5 Slim doesn’t reinvent the PS5 by any means – that evolution is handled by the newPS5 Pro- but its new design makes it an exceptionally sleek version of Sony’s current-gen machine. With the same great performance, quality hardware and specs, and a larger-than-ever library, it’s an easy console to recommend.
Same price as the original PS5; regular offers are often available
The PS5 Slim is now the default PlayStation 5 model and is widely available in every region, replacing the launch model almost entirely. It took over the same price point and is thus a straight swap.
However, since the PS5 launched, several regions have been hit by PS5 price rises (sometimes multiple price rises) and the PS5 Slim represents the newer, adjusted price points in those countries, not the original one. The US price has remained the same, however. Offsetting this somewhat, now we’re into the console’s fifth year, is that deals and discounts on the PS5 Slim are becoming more frequent, with genuinely good bundles and offers being put on by Sony itself, as well as various retailers.
In the market, it’s priced almost identically to theXbox Series Xconsole, which has also seen some regional price rises. The PS5 Slim Digital Edition also now has direct competition from anXbox Series X Digital Editionconsole but undercuts itsMicrosoftcounterpart in price considerably.
Within the PlayStation 5 ecosystem itself, we now have the PS5 Pro to factor into the equation. Coming in at a mighty $699.99 / £699.99 the Pro is considerably more expensive than the Slim, and its performance and benefits are a little more niche, and for an enthusiast audience. As a result, the PS5 Slim offers good value in relation to its more powerful brethren, given the experiences it offers are still excellent.
Slick and chic design, more compact than that of the original
Detachable disc drive, and excellent controller
Wide choice of replaceable console covers for personalization
The main selling point of the PS5 Slim is indeed in its design, aesthetic, and form factor. Sony has a history of making refined, smaller, and slimmer versions of all its home consoles. so the PS5 getting the trimming-the-fat treatment was expected – and it delivers too, coming in at around 30% smaller than the launch model PS5.
There’s a similar design language here, however, with a flare remaining at one end (for the fans) and the sweeping curves of the PS5 hardware family remain across the Slim, making for a slick-looking form. The console’s covers are now in four parts, not two, with a gap between the plates forming a striking ‘black’ line across both the console’s top and bottom.
These, like the original, can be removed and swapped for others that Sony has made (or other third-party ones, if you fancy), meaning there are plenty of customization options to personalize your PS5 Slim. The disc drive is detachable by default too, so if you buy a digital variant and later decide to add a disc drive then that’s some extra flexibility right there.
While the vertical stand for the PS5 Slim is a nicer-looking, slicker metal ring, compared to the original’s bulky black plastic model, it doesn’t come with the console by default which is a mark against the console’s value. If you do buy the stand, the result is a console that looks sharper when standing upright compared to its predecessor. If you stick with horizontal orientation, you can rely on the two small cheapish-lookin plastic feet that are provided.
In terms of features present on the Slim, it is exactly the same, spec-wise, as the original model apart from two minor quality-of-life amendments; one internal, one external. The internal change is that of a boost to storage, with the PS5 Slim being equipped with a 1TB SSD compared to the launch model’s custom 825GB drive.
PS5 Slim review: Performance
Excellent gaming experiences and performance
Haptics and triggers on the DualSense are superb
Fantastic interface and intuitive user experience
Much like how the original PS5 won us over with its excellent gaming performance, the PS5 Slim continues that and offers the same breathtaking experiences. Thebest PS5 gamesrun beautifully with adventures such asGod of War Ragnarok,Horizon Forbidden West,Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart,Astro Bot, andMarvel’s Spider-Man 2being particular first-party highlights that really take advantage of the PS5’s hardware.
PS4 gamesrun like a dream on the PS5 Slim too, and the same backward compatibility level with the previous gen’s discs and digital titles remains a simple part of the day-to-day PS5 experience. I’ve been revisitingDoom(2016)recently, for example, and the extra boost to loading times in particular makes it a joy to play. The PS5 Game Boost mode will also improve performance across the board (in principle) for PS5 games, and makes some games run smoother, with faster frame rates, or in higher resolution – or a combination of all of those.
You can even experience older games on your PS5 with the updated and modern arrangement of Sony’sPS Plussubscription. The top premium level can give you access to PS3 game streaming from the cloud, as well as some select PS1 and PS2 games to download. While perhaps not quite as generous or deep as Microsoft’sXbox Game Pass, aPS Plus subscriptiondoes make the experience of having a PS5 Slim even better and feels essential.
On that note of streaming and downloading games, it is worth noting that in all my testing, on Wi-Fi and Ethernet, I still never get close to my actual download speed on the PS5. This is something I have experienced on every PS5 I have owned sadly, and not a problem on Xbox Series X.
On a practical performance level, using the PS5 Slim is a joy too. It’s incredibly simple to set up, and transfer files from one to another if need be, and removing the console covers to access the M.2PS5 SSDslot or change them entirely is very easy, and quite satisfying. The extra USB-C port and slightly larger SSD means that day-to-day usage is improved too, and benefits the whole experience.
TheDualSense, while exactly the same as it was in 2020 – there’s no V2 like there was with thePS4’s DualShock 4 controller, sadly – remains absolutely excellent. While a generally top gamepad, the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers continue to feel brilliant. The PS5 Slim is compatible with all PS5 (and almost all PS4) accessories too, so if you own any from a previous machine from this or last generation then these will be able to be used on a PS5 Slim.
This is made extra simple because the UI andoperating systemlayout are identical to the launch PS5 – and PS5 Pro. Navigating the PS5 Slim, from games to screenshots, and from streaming apps to save files and deeper settings is simple and intuitive. There are also now more customization options on offer with the UI being honed and enhanced since the launch model’s initial release.
Thus, the PS5 Slim is an easy recommendation. It’d be an easy recommendation if the launch model of the PS5 existed still, but now that it has taken over the position of the ‘standard’ console from its predecessor – and improved on it slightly – it’s the easiest current-gen console recommendation I can make right now.
Should I buy the PS5 Slim?
Buy it if…
You want the best value PlayStation console available With the PS5 Pro now out in the wild, but the PS5 Slim offering an exceptional gaming experience still, this is the model to get if you want great bang for your buck and aren’t chasing the most powerful console going.
You’re looking for a customizable PS5 console With it being the standard model, there are now multiple options for console cover colors that also match with an expanded set of DualSense controllers giving you more control over your setup’s aesthetic than ever before.
You’re looking for a top console packed with great experiences The PS5 game library is larger than ever in 2025 and is filled with awesome, memorable, and expansive experiences and the PS5 Slim is easily the best way to enjoy these – and best value way when regular discounts and deals come around too.
You want the best current controller The PS5’s DualSense controller is one of the most interesting and best-ever pads made for a console, and you’ll get the absolute most and best out of it on PS5. The haptic feedback in particular is a dream, while the adaptive triggers also offer further immersion.
Don’t buy it if…
You need the most powerful PlayStation console going right now If you do want the most performant console from Sony right now, then you’re better off considering the PS5 Pro with its beefier specs and a more capable feature set, and quality of life improvements offering the best PlayStation experience money can buy right now.
You are happy with your launch model PS5 If you’re content with your launch model PlayStation 5 then there’s almost literally no reason to change to the Slim, with the two models being almost identical apart from a port, and a bit of internal storage.
Also consider…
If you’re still undecided about committing to the PS5 Slim, then here are two fine alternatives to consider for console gaming in 2025.
PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling)
Some FSR-compatible games
Ports
1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A
1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A
1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 3 x USB-A, 1 x storage expansion
PS5 Pro Sony’s mid-generation upgrade to the PS5 Slim is a great alternative to the Slim for those looking for more power and to be on the cutting edge of PlayStation tech. If you’re looking to get the absolute maximum out of your PlayStation games, and have the most performant console giving the most complete PlayStation experience then the Pro could be for you.
Xbox Series X Microsoft’s most powerful current-generation console is a great machine in 2025 and is perfect for anyone looking to combine a fine library of Xbox games with Xbox Game Pass. If you’re on the lookout for the best Xbox experience on the market right now, complete with its excellent asymmetrical controller, then this is the console to go for.
In the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X debate, it’s a battle of design, specs, games and price
The Sony PlayStation 5 brings a bevy of must-play exclusive titles, such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and God of War: Ragnarok. The system features quick load times, in addition to high-resolution visuals and fluid frame rates. The DualSense controller features innovative haptics, but the console itself can be unwieldy. And even the PS5 Slim model doesn’t entirely rectify its design issues. But it does sport a larger hard drive.
For
Incredibly fast SSD
Wildly inventive DualSense controller
Gorgeous 4K visuals
Against
Massive, unwieldy design
Controller may feel too big for some
The Xbox Series X is the most powerful game console currently available, featuring detailed graphics, fluid frame rates and rapid load times. The device also sports a fantastic game library, with backwards compatibility going back to the original Xbox. With the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service, the Series X could be the centerpiece of a robust gaming ecosystem, but first-party exclusives are a mixed bag.
For
The only Xbox you need
Lots of power
Games load very fast
Against
Few quality exclusives
Large and heavy
It’s now almost four years since the launch of the ninth console generation, and thePS5vsXbox Series Xbattle rages on with fanboys on both sides eager to declare their chosen machine the superior hardware. Each machine’s lifecycles is more than halfway done (we’ll be talkingPS6and the next Xbox soon), but the battle continues.
As our reviews explain, we were impressed with both consoles at launch, and over the last few years, things have only gotten better as both have been upgraded via system updates to iron out some of the initial kinks and add new features. Naturally, this has come alongside a slew of excellent games, with cross-platform games available on both, as well as those all-important exclusive titles that can’t be played on any other console.
If you have the luxury of buying both consoles, you’ll have everything you need for an epic gaming setup. But if you can only choose one, you’ll want to find out which one is best for you. That’s why we’re comparing the two consoles head-to-head, and without spoiling the results, even more than four years after release, it continues to be a very close contest between these two high-quality current-gen consoles.
Read on to discover how each system fares as we make our verdict on the PS5 vs. Xbox Series X debate.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Horizon: Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarök
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Halo Infinite, Starfield, Forza Horizon 5
Backwards Compatibility
Almost all PS4 games, including optimized PS4 Pro titles
All Xbox One games / Select Xbox 360 and original Xbox games
CPU
8-core 3.5 GHz AMD Zen 2
8-core, 3.8 GHz AMD Zen 2
GPU
10.3 teraflop AMD RDNA 2
12.0 teraflop AMD RDNA 2
RAM
16 GB GDDR6
16 GB GDDR6
Storage
825 GB custom SSD; 1TB (PS5 Slim)
1 TB custom NVMe SSD
Resolution
Up to 8K
Up to 8K
Frame Rate
Up to 120 fps
Up to 120 fps
Optical Disc Drive
4K UHD Blu-ray (Standard PS5 only)
4K UHD Blu-ray
While the specs are handy to know, they only tell part of the story when it comes to performance. As such, this section isn’t scored. However, we can say that the Xbox Series X has more powerful hardware, in terms of both GPU and SSD. Check out the performance section to see how this hardware performs in action.
The Xbox Series X slightly edges the PS5 in terms of raw power, but the PlayStation just got a major weapon to fight back in the form of thePS5 Pro…
During the PS4 and Xbox One generation both PlayStation and Xbox launched more powerful hardware in 2016 (PS4 Pro and Xbox One X) typically referred to as “mid-gen upgrades”. These functioned as interstitial machines to hold gamers and developers over until the PS5 and Xbox Series X generation began in 2020.
However, this time around, it looks like onlySonyhas opted to repeat strategy with its freshly launched PS5 Pro landing 2024. This suped-up PS5 packs a more powerful GPU (with 67% more Compute Units), additional RAM (an extra 2GB DDR5) and a jumbo-sized 2TB hard drive. Plus uses a new AI-upscaling tool, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It’s not just the most powerful PlayStation hardware around, but also the most powerful console, period.
It makes tangible improvements to a whole bunch of thebest PS5 gamesfrom blockbuster exclusives likeMarvel’s Spider-Man 2andDemon’s Souls, to cross-platform releases such asStar Wars Jedi: SurvivorandDragon’s Dogma 2. The PS5 Pro now offers the best visual fidelity and performance level across many of the biggest games of this console generation.
However, all this extra horsepower comes with a steep price. The PS5 Pro costs a whopping $699 at launch, $200 more than the base PS5 or Xbox Series X and more than double the cost of theXbox Series S(though the power disparity between the two is big). Furthermore, the PS5 Pro doesn’t include a disc drive so prepare to pay an extra $79 if you want to play physical PS5 game discs as you’ll need to purchase a separate attachable disc drive.
While the MSRP of a PS5 Pro is higher than I’d like, it’s still a fantastic machine for the most dedicated gamers, and that’s why I gave it an Editor’s Choice award in myPS5 Pro reviewand would recommend it to those who aren’t constrained by a budget. So, if raw power is your determining factor when picking between PS5 and Xbox Series X, I suggest forking out for a PS5 Pro.
(Editor’s note: I’m not going to count this section in the final scorecard as the Xbox Series X doesn’t have an equivalent to the PS5 Pro so it would be an unfair comparison.)
Both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X cost $499 apiece. Since the two systems are very similar, this category would seem to be a tie at first glance. However, the standard PS5 and Xbox Series X are not the only variants available. There’s also the $399 PS5 Digital Edition and the $299 Xbox Series S.
The PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition are identical, save for a 4K Blu-ray physical disc drive in the former. The latter has no disc drive, as the name suggests. On the other hand, theXbox Series Shas significantly different hardware from the Xbox Series X: a less powerful GPU, a smaller SSD, less RAM and so forth.
As such, both consoles have cheaper variants, and both the PS5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S have legitimate applications: the former for digital diehards, the latter for casual players or secondary setups. Still, since the Xbox Series S isn’t merely a variation on the Series X, but rather its own separate console, it’s a different proposition compared to the PS5 Digital Edition.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X game library are shaping up nicely. And four years post-launch, we have largely moved beyond cross-generation titles. The PS5 boasts a bevy of high-quality exclusives, some of which are available on the PS4, while the Xbox Series X is a little weaker in this area. However, the gap is closing thanks to Microsoft’s game-changing acquisitions of ZeniMax media and Activision-Blizzard this generation giving their exclusive library a huge boost. But there’s an added wrinkle thatsomeof these titles are also on PS5.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales(Image credit: Sony)
At present, it’s hard to deny that the PS5 has the more exciting game selection. In terms of first-party titles, the PS5 launched withSpider-Man: Miles Morales, Demon’s Souls, Sackboy: A Big Adventure and the surprisingly delightfulAstro’s Playroom, and things have only got stronger from there.
Over the past four years, we’ve seen the arrival ofRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart,Returnal,Gran Turismo 7,Horizon Forbidden Westand the mightyGod of War: Ragnarok. Plus, throw inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2andFinal Fantasy 16which launched only on PS5 in 2023, and 2024 started strong withThe Last of Us Part II Remasteredfollowed byHelldivers 2,Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,Stellar BladeandRise of the Ronin. Then we gotSilent Hill 2andAstro Bot, which both found their way into my personal GOTY rankings.
Compare and contrast with the Xbox Series X, which didn’t have any exclusive titles at launch. Instead, Microsoft released a list of 30 “optimized for Xbox Series X/S” titles, including fan favorites like Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Forza Horizon 4. While the Xbox Series X optimizations are indeed impressive, not all of these games are brand new, and they’re all available on Xbox One, PC or both.
(Image credit: Sega)
A handful of semi-exclusive Xbox Series X titles, such asMicrosoft Flight Simulator,Halo InfiniteandForza Horizon 5all showed off what the system is capable of, though. But things improved further in 2023 with the (underrated, in my opinion)Starfieldand Forza Motorsport 8 leading the charge.
There was alsoRedfallin the spring, but the less said about that one, the better.Senua’s Saga: Hellblade IIwas another disappointing release that felt more like a tech demo to showcase the power of the Series X than a fully fleshed game. But at least Xbox ended 2024 with a flourish in the form ofIndiana Jones and the Great Circle,one of the year’s stand-out releases. But its status as an exclusive won’t last long. It’s heading over to PS5 in Spring 2025.
Beyond that, both consoles are well-stocked with third-party titles, likeElden Ring,Assassin’s Creed Mirage,EA Sports FC 25,Star Wars Jedi Survivor,Dragon’s Dogma 2,Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty,Metaphor: ReFantzioand lots more. Strong third-party parity is likely to continue throughout the generation. Both systems also have excellent backwards compatibility features, although I’ll get to that below.
(Image credit: Xbox)
It’s also worth mentioningXbox Game Pass Ultimate, to which Sony doesn’t currently have a perfect answer. This $17-per-month subscription service lets you download more than 100 games across a variety of genres, and play them on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC and even Android.
Sony, meanwhile, has thePlayStation Plus Premiumtier, which offers hundreds of games to download and/or stream from the PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PSP platforms. The functionality is not nearly as refined asGame Pass, but the raw game library is bigger, so take it for what it’s worth.
Of course, both systems will also have some interesting games coming down the line. But restricting ourselves to what we can play and review right now, the PS5 has the stronger lineup, but the Xbox Series X is quickly making up ground on this front.
Winner:PS5
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Performance
Comparing PS5 and Xbox Series X performance is difficult at present, as We does not have the specialized equipment required to measure resolution and frame rate in great depth.
Bearing that in mind, I compared two games qualitatively across both systems: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition. The former is a huge open-world title, where it’s easy to measure load times as you fast travel from one distant point of the map to another. The latter is a fast, frenetic action game, where any drop in framerate is immediately noticeable.
First: Sony’s ambitious claims about the PS5’s load times aren’t exaggerated, as far as I can tell. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla went from the main menu into the game in less than a minute; fast travel took less than 10 seconds from point to point. However, while the Xbox Series X took longer to load the game initially (almost a minute), fast travel time was exactly the same.
Gameplay-wise, if you handed me an ambiguous controller and put either the PS5 or Xbox Series X version of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on a screen in front of me, I honestly wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Both systems ran the game at 4K at 60 frames per second (although I understand that the 4K isprobably upscaledin both cases), and neither one seemed to have any major difference in animation fluidity, lighting, etc. Texture pop-in seemed a little more noticeable on the Xbox Series X, although that may have just been the area I was in.
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition told a similar story, although this time, I was able to discern some slight differences in the lighting. While both the PS5 and Xbox Series X offer ray tracing, the Xbox Series X’s ray tracing in this game was a little richer, offering greater contrasts between light and shadow, particularly in the game’s early, eerie red-and-purple landscapes. (Digital Foundryfound the same thing, with some stats to back it up.) The Xbox Series X also seemed a little bit smoother when I turned on the 120 fps performance mode, although again, I’d be hard-pressed to tell the two titles apart if I didn’t know which one was in front of me.
Evaluating performance with these two games is difficult, however, because they were both designed with PS4 and Xbox One in mind rather than PS5 and Xbox Series X exclusively. While I can also talk about how impressive games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Gears 5 looked, they’re not possible to compare directly.
For now, I can say that the two consoles both perform extremely well, although the PS5 has slightly shorter loading times.
Winner:PS5
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Design
For the most part, whether you like a console’s design comes down to personal preference. But my personal preference is that I cannot stand how the PS5 looks.
Not only is the system comically large; but it’s also a pain to switch from vertical to horizontal configuration, and the standard version sports an ugly, asymmetrical design. Even after sitting under my TV for three years, the PS5 still looks awkward. Adding to my frustrations, the front panel is prone to fingerprints and the “power” and “disc eject” buttons are indistinguishable, which is a minor gripe but annoying.
Last year, Sony released a redesigned version of the PS5 console that was dubbed thePS5 Slimby online commentators — although Sony has never officially given it that branding.
It shrinks the size of the console by some 30%, which at the very least makes it a slightly less cumbersome console to fit into your entertainment center. However, the overall design aesthetic is the same, so it’s just a smaller version of an already unattractive console.
(Image credit: Sony)
It also packs a few additional upgrades including a larger SSD (now 1TB instead of 825GB), and an external disc drive that is detachable. That means you can buy a Digital Edition and add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive at a later date, so long as you’re willing to pay $99 for one.
Unfortunately, the PS5 Slim also comes with afew downgrades, most noticeable is that a vertical stand is no longer included as standard. While you get a basic horizontal stand in the box, if you want to securely place your PS5 console upright you’ll need to spend an additional $25, or buy a cheaper third-party alternative, if you’re willing to risk compatibility issues.
The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, is still pretty bulky but manages its space much better. Rather than looking like an oversized router, the Xbox Series X is a sleek black box that looks, at least in its vertical form, kind of like a small tower PC. It has a clearly defined power button, as well as a pairing button to make wireless connections painless.
Microsoft has also launchedthree new models of Xboxin 2024. While one is merely a recolor of the Xbox Series S 1TB, the others are full-featured Xbox Series X consoles. The first packs a new Robot White look but lacks a disc drive, and the other is the Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition.
As the name suggests it’s the Xbox Series X console we know but with a nifty new cosmetic-themed design (Microsoft describes it as featuring a “silver, grey, and green celestial effect”) and the largest stock hard drive on Xbox console to date. With 2TB of storage, you can store literally dozens of new AAA games.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
The only big advantage the PS5 has over the Xbox Series X is the presence of a USB-C port — which is a big deal, especially as more accessories get USB-C adapters. But even if the Xbox Series X design is much more conservative, it’s also much more sensible overall. And even the PS5 Slim cannot tip the needle in Sony’s favor here.
Winner:Xbox Series X
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Controller
Another area in which theXbox Series X plays it safe, to its credit, is in its controller. The Xbox Series X controller is nearly identical to the Xbox One model, save for textured grips and shoulder buttons, an improved D-pad and a new “share” button in the center.
It’s a smart upgrade for one of the best controllers ever made. Still, the fact that it runs on AA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable unit feels positively archaic, and also pasts a lot of cost onto the end-user, whether they choose to buy AAs or rechargeable packs.
The PS5 DualSense, on the other hand, is a big departure from the DualShock 4, with a two-tone color scheme and much bigger grips. It also adds a variety of new features: extremely sensitive haptics and a built-in mic among them.
The haptic feedback is impressive, mimicking the feel of objects rolling around in a box, or putting up realistic resistance when you push a trigger. However, the DualSense still has a ton of wasted space (particularly in the touchpad), and the enjoyment you’ll get from the haptics is a matter of personal preference.
PS5 owners looking to level up their gaming might also want to consider investing in theDualSense Edge. It’s a highly customizable version of the standard DualSense sporting metallic back buttons, swappable sticks and a sturdier design. All these new upgrades come at the hefty price of $120, and the controller’s already weak battery life takes a hit. You can expect around five hours from a full charge of the Edge.
Winner:Tie
PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Backwards compatibility
Both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X have excellent backwards compatibility features, but there’s no denying that the Xbox reaches further back into Microsoft’s library. Not only is the Xbox Series X compatible with just about every Xbox One game; it’s also compatible with many Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. While it doesn’t include every stab Microsoft’s ever taken at backwards-compatible games (the Xbox 360 still plays many original Xbox games that the Series X can’t), it’s an impressive effort with zero friction.
The PS5 can play just about every PS4 game on the market, but compatibility doesn’t go back any further than that unless you count the ability to stream a very small selection of PS3 games via PlayStation Plus Premium. Still, it’s not quite the same as playing games you already own directly on a console (and depending on the strength of your internet connection may not be viable).
Winner:Xbox Series X
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Cloud gaming
Cloud gaming isn’t a huge issue for either the PS5 or the Xbox Series X, since you can simply download games and play them natively on either platform. But as cloud gaming grows over the next few years, it’s good to know where each company stands at the outset of this console generation.
The PS5 has the PlayStation Plus revamp, which lets you stream a variety of PS3 titles, as well as some PS4 titles, to PlayStation consoles and PCs. It costs $10 per month for a tier that includes streaming capabilities.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate(Image credit: Microsoft)
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as discussed above, costs $15 per month, and lets you stream games to Android, iOS, non-gaming PCs and even Xbox consoles.
While the PlayStation Plus revamp has some potential, Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently a much more refined and functional service.
Winner:Xbox Series X
PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Verdict
PS5
Xbox Series X
Price (10)
8
8
Games (20)
19
15
Performance (15)
13
12
Design (10)
6
8
Controller (10)
7
7
Backwards compatibility (10)
7
9
Cloud gaming (5)
3
4
Total (80)
63
63
At this point in their lifecycle, both PS5 and Xbox Series X represent an excellent investment. The Xbox Series X has a slight edge when it comes to raw power, design and backward compatibility, but the PS5 is the leader in arguably the most important category of all as it boasts a game library that Xbox simply cannot match at present.
Perhaps the key determining factor between the two comes down to whether you want access to a more comprehensive game subscription service. Xbox Game Pass simply cannot be matched for its value and the fact that flagship exclusive land on the service day one. Meanwhile, if you don’t mind buying new games ala carte, then PS5 is the clear winner as its library of exclusives is of the highest quality.
Plus, the PS5 also offers access to next-gen virtual reality tech via thePS VR2headset accessory. Currently, Microsoft does not have an equivalent VR product of its own for Xbox users.
From having used both consoles extensively over the last few years, my gut feeling is that they have more similarities than differences, and whichever one you get should be more than sufficient to power your gaming for the next few years. Of course, you could always justbuild a gaming PC— but that’s a different story.
Now that thePS5 Prois in the hands of gamers everywhere, the list of PS5 Pro enhanced games continues to grow. Around launch,Sonydetailed 50+ titles that have dedicated modes that make use of everything the upgraded console has to offer.
As Sony revealed the PS5 Pro, it was made clear that plenty of currently available PS5 games will receive updates to coincide with the launch of the PS5 Pro, and now that it’s out, we’re happy to confirm that this is indeed true. Thanks to thePS5 Pro specs, it’s no surprise that games such asMarvel’s Spider-Man 2look and feel better than ever, leveraging AI-driven upscaling and improved raytracing. Now that the dust has settled on the PS5 Pro launch, we’ve even been able to spend time with many of the upgraded games, and feel confident offering some recommendations on thePS5 Pro games to play first.
Before you seek outwhere to buy a PS5 Pro, however, you’ll want to know what games have received upgrades, which is where we come in. In this article, we’ll cover every PS5 Pro game confirmed so far, including a look at what’s set to change in each title. As more games are unveiled in the future, we’ll be sure to update this list.
PS5 Pro games list – confirmed PS5 Pro-enhanced titles
(Image credit: Sony / Guerrilla)
Given that there are now over 50 PS5 Pro enhanced games, and with each developer handling things slightly differently, the list below represents just a small slice of the headline games that have received beefy PS5 Pro updates since launch:
Alan Wake 2 –Performance Mode now offers 4K at the same fidelity as the base PS5’s Quality Mode. The PS5 Pro Quality Mode however, will target raytracing.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows –will exhibit an enhanced ray-traced global illumination technology. Improved fidelity thanks to expanded GPU capabilities, and leveraging of PSSR. As perthe PS Blog.
Demon’s Souls –4K image-like quality at 60 frames per second.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 –benefits from the power of the PS5 Pro, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) and new ray tracing technology, allowing improved framerates.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard –The game’s Fidelity and Performance modes both see improvements on the hardware, including improved resolution in 30FPS Fidelity and 60FPS Performance modes.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth –The new Enhanced Mode* developed especially for PS5 Pro combines the characteristics of the existing Performance Mode and Graphics Mode to offer players a new visual experience.
F1 24 –F1 24 is upgrading its Quality mode to add new ray tracing effects that shined particularly on rain-soaked courses and made the tracks feel more realistic and immersive. As per thePS Blog.
Gran Turismo 7 –now able to support ray tracing during races, which was previously impossible. This allows not only for car surfaces to show full reflections of other cars, but also for a car to reflect its own parts, greatly enhancing realism and immersion throughout the whole game.
Hogwarts Legacy –Players are able to experience crisper, richer, higher resolution graphics, leveraging PSSR on all visual modes.
Horizon Forbidden West –you can now enjoy a visual quality that matches or surpasses the Quality mode on the regular PlayStation 5, but now at 60 FPS – double the framerate.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 –Spider-Man 2 finds a new default Performance Pro mode, which marries the crisp 4K resolution and ray tracing features of Fidelity mode with the speedy 60 frames per second of Performance mode.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 –PSSR technology allows for the trees and the lush vegetation of the game’s iconic jungle terrain to become more vivid, and enhances the sense of realism of infiltrating through a natural environment
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart –new default Performance Pro mode, which marries the crisp 4K resolution and ray tracing features of Fidelity mode with the speedy 60 frames per second of Performance mode.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered –new default Performance Pro mode, which marries the crisp 4K resolution and ray tracing features of Fidelity mode with the speedy 60 frames per second of Performance mode.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales –new default Performance Pro mode, which marries the crisp 4K resolution and ray tracing features of Fidelity mode with the speedy 60 frames per second of Performance mode.
Resident Evil 4 Remake –the game runs at a higher framerate, making the dynamic action even more intense. Resident Evil 4 also uses the power of PS5 Pro for ultra-high-resolution technology, painting vividly realistic imagery brimming with detailed environments and more natural and beautiful visual effects than ever before.
Resident Evil Village –added 120fps gameplay to provide the best possible user experience on PS5 Pro.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor –In Quality Mode, the game offers its highest-ever console resolution at 2160p. At the same time, Performance Mode continues to deliver a solid 60 fps—but now with higher resolutions and the added visual depth of ray tracing for reflections and ambient occlusion.
Stellar Blade –4K resolution at 50fps or more, with smoother gameplay, and you’ll notice an improvement in grain and detail in the game in PSSR upscale mode. Plus, the HFR (high framerate) option is supported, allowing you to enjoy a fluid gaming experience at 80 fps (120hz display support required).
The Crew Motorfest –more objects on-screen – decals, vegetation, crowds – all running at 60fps.
The First Descendant –expanding the ray tracing feature by leveraging PS5 Pro’s superior GPU performance and enhanced ray tracing architecture.
The Last of Us Part I –new PS5 Pro-specific enhanced rendering mode that takes advantage of improved graphics processing, rendering 1440p, then upscaling to 4K via PSSR super resolution. This mode maintains the 60 fps target, offering an ideal balance of framerate and resolution.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered –new PS5 Pro-specific enhanced rendering mode that takes advantage of improved graphics processing, rendering 1440p, then upscaling to 4K via PSSR super resolution. This mode maintains the 60 fps target, offering an ideal balance of framerate and resolution.
Lies of P –“Quality Mode benefits from more than a 30 percent increase in FPS, delivering smoother, more fluid gameplay. Additionally, Performance Mode now supports full native 4K resolution, allowing players to enjoy stunning visuals without sacrificing responsiveness,” – Lies of P director Jiwon Choi inan interview with Eurogamer.
Lords of the Fallen– the PS5 Pro enhanced version of the action role-playing game (RPG) allows players to experience a “40% increase in pixel density over the base PlayStation 5 console, resulting in a sharper image and finer details.
Zenless Zone Zero –native 4K resolution and 60 FPS simultaneously with the average frame rate increasing by nearly ten frames. Update arrives December 18, 2024.
And now, the full list, as previously confirmed on thePS Blogahead of the PS5 Pro launch.
Alan Wake 2
Albatroz
Apex Legends
Arma Reforger
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Baldur’s Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
EA Sports College Football 25
Dead Island 2
Demon’s Souls
Diablo IV
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dying Light 2 Reloaded Edition
EA Sports FC 25
Enlisted
F1 24
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Fortnite
God of War Ragnarök
Hogwarts Legacy
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Kayak VR: Mirage
Lies of P
Lords of the Fallen
Madden NFL 25
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Naraka: Bladepoint
NBA2K 25
No Man’s Sky
Palworld
Paladin’s Passage
Planet Coaster 2
Professional Spirits Baseball 2024-2025
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil Village
Rise of the Ronin
Rogue Flight
Star Wars: Jedi Survivor
Star Wars: Outlaws
Stellar Blade
Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown
The Callisto Protocol
The Crew Motorfest
The Finals
The First Descendant
The Last of Us Part I
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Until Dawn
War Thunder
Warframe
World of Warships: Legend
Zenless Zone Zero
The games above have received dedicated PS5 Pro versions, andare even be labeled separately to indicate as such. There’s also a whole host of PS4 and PS5 games that’ll benefit from what Sony is calling PS5 Pro Game Boost (as per thePS Blog):
“With the PS5 Pro version of the Game Boost feature, you can enjoy faster and smoother frame rates in some of the PS4 and PS5 console’s greatest games.”
This is said to apply to at least 8,500 PS4 and PS5 titles, so there are plenty of changes and upgrades on the way to the games you already own if you do choose to pick up a PS5 Pro. In addition, PS5 Pro will significantly enhance PSVR 2 games according to Mark Cerny.
As part of the initial PS5 Pro technical presentation, we saw a few games running on the new hardware, highlighting the differences relative to the base PS5 console. Each enhanced game benefits from the new specs in different ways, but they all pull from the improvements below:
Upgraded GPU with 67% more compute units and 28% faster memory; resulting in 45% faster rendering
Advanced ray-tracing
AI-driven upscaling known as PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)
2TB SSD
PS5 Pro Game Boost
Optional disc-drive
VRR and 8K gaming support
(Image credit: PlayStation)
In ourPS5 Pro review, we came to the conclusion that the main attraction is really “the convergence of graphical fidelity and performance with games now able to tap into the PS5 Pro’s hardware and features to shine in both ways – at the same time”. This boosted graphical fidelity is, more often than not, on par with the Quality Modes of the base PS5, but with a much smoother experience thanks to 60FPS or higher. This best of both worlds approach is really going to be the key difference moving forward, though it’s likely that we’ll see developers experiment further with higher end graphical settings that focus on ray tracing, or make use of the hardware’s new AI-boosted upscaling.
Speaking on ray tracing, there have been significant advancements for many of the games now enhanced by the PS5 Pro. In our PS5 Pro review, we were impressed by the ray tracing across the board, noting that “you can now enjoy some of the best ray-tracing PS5 has to offer in a performance mode, targeting 60 frames per second, which is truly special in games likeMarvel’s Spider-Man 2.” So far, we’re looking at games that have already come out as well, so moving forward we’re excited to see what the PS5 Pro’s ray tracing capabilities can achieve as games get bigger and better looking across the board.
One thing that is immediately surprising when taking the PS5 Pro out of the box is its size and weight relative to the base model, especially the one that launched with a disc drive back in 2020. The PS5 Pro is much lighter than you’d expect, and its sleek design and black vented sides really stand out alongside the all white of the PS5’s faceplates. Under the hood, you now get 2TB of storage as standard, meaning that you can hold more games on your hard drive without having to swap things out for new releases.
While the technical upgrades and visual changes are indeed exciting, it’s also vital to point out the price jump between the base PS5 and the PS5 Pro. For $699.99, you do not get a disc drive, or even a vertical stand, something that really represents a sting in the tail for an otherwise enticing mid-generation upgrade. Our review concludes that “If you’ve a keen eye for detail, are a PlayStation fanatic who wants to be at the bleeding edge of the brand’s console and wants the most performant PlayStation console going, or you’re a graphics obsessive who wants the best experience going, or are a PS5 user with a new 120Hz-capable gaming TV or PS5 monitor, then the gaming experiences provided by the PS5 Pro are going to be very tempting indeed. For everyone else, it’s just going to be too expensive.”
PS5 Pro games: FAQs
Will new games be PS5 Pro-enhanced?
While we’ll have to wait and see what upcomingPS5 gameslikeDeath Stranding 2do with the new PS5 Pro technology, it’s highly likely that first-party games will offer some form of PS5 Pro version. This was how things worked with the PS4 Pro, so expect there to be boosts to upcoming games likeMarvel’s Wolverine, andGhost of Tsushima 2. In terms of third-party, PS5 Pro enhancements will come on a case by case basis. Some games will lean into the PS5 Pro’s features, even offering separate PS5 Pro-labelled versions, while others may focus on a more general PS5 offering.
How much does the PS5 Pro cost?
The PS5 Pro launched on November 7, 2024, and currently retails for $699.99. This is a significant step up from the base console, especially when you consider that you won’t get a disc drive or a vertical stand with it.
What games can we look forward to on PS5 Pro?
Now that the PS5 Pro is out, we’ve spent some time with the currently available list of enhanced games. Looking ahead, Monster Hunter Wilds is sure to offer a smoother experience on PS5 Pro when it launches in January. Beyond that, it’sDeath Stranding 2andGhost of Yoteithat’ll most likely show off the next level of PS5 Pro enhancements, especially the latter, which is being developed by Sony first party studio Sucker Punch.
What are the best PS5 Pro games to play on the new console?
In my opinion, the best PS5 Pro games are currently Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, andAlan Wake 2. The former introduces the new Performance Pro Mode, increasing the fidelity available while running the game at variable refresh rates. The results are extremely impressive, and immediately felt during the game’s opening fight with Sandman. Alan Wake 2 is significantly enhanced by the PS5 Pro as well, with the Performance Mode now able to match the Quality Mode on the base PS5, all while maintaining a smooth framerate.
PlayStation Plus users unite overThe Simpsons Hit & Runcoming to Sony’s subscription service and we totally agree.
Released onPC,PlayStation2,NintendoGameCube andXbox, 2003’sThe Simpsons Hit & Runis a cult classic game, perhaps even for those who don’t care much for the popular and long-running animated sitcom that is the source of its inspiration.
The Simpsons Hit & Runisn’t a perfect game, not by a long stretch, as indicated by itsscoreof 76 on Metacritic. However, there was something special about this game, which was considered to be a family-friendly version ofGrand Theft Autoat the time of its release.
This cult classic not only captured the essence of the animated sitcom but most importantly, it was good old, silly fun and is still a fantastic game to play today. As such, while there seems to be no sign of an official remake or remaster, fans would love to seeThe Simpsons Hit & RunonPlayStation Plus.
Asreported byPush Square, a list compiled by gamers on the Implicit Conversions Discord channel putsThe Simpsons Hit & Runat the top of a list of games that users would love to see on PS Plus.
The Simpsons Hit & Runtopped the likes ofGTA: Vice City Stories,God of War: Ghost of Sparta,Silent Hill 2(the original game), and more.
I don’t know all the ins and outs of why Activision, who ownsThe Simpsons Hit & Runlicense, hasn’t revived this fan-favourite game. Perhaps it could be due to licensing issues with Disney, the company that now owns the rights to the TV series.
All I know for sure, whether it’s on PlayStation Plus, a remaster or a remake, ifThe Simpsons Hit & Runwas revived today in any shape or form, it would no doubt prove to be a massive hit with fans.
PS Plus Premiumsubscribers get the pleasure of playing some greatPS2 classicson modern consoles. Games like Dino Crisis, and Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoon are offered on the service for no additional cost. Sony partnerImplicit Conversionshas worked with a company to bring these classics back to new platforms, and have compiled a list of the most requested games to bring back to life.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run and GTA: Vice City Stories most requested PS Plus Premium Classics
Implicit Conversions’ list of most requested games were compiled using 1,400 requests from its Discord community. Here are the top 10 PS2 and PSP games players would like to see come to PS Plus Premium:
The Simpsons: Hit & Run may not be the most critically acclaimed game, but it is most certainly one of the most beloved. Since its release in 2003 for PS2, it has garnered a significant cult following. A fan even fully remade the game using Unreal Engine 5. When it released, it received a 78 on the review aggregate site Metacritic.
GTA: Vice City Stories, and God of War: Ghost of Sparta took the second and third spot respectively. Both were released for the PSP, and are arguably two of the best games for PlayStation’s first portable. Both were also critically lauded, each receiving an 86 on Metacritic.
One of the games on this list are currently already available for PS Plus Premium subscribers. Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoon was added to the service inJune 2024. The other PS2 classic added to the service the same month was Tomb Raider Legend.
PlayStation just announced its latest PS Plus Premium Game Catalog entries for January 2025. It includes Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings, and Medievil 2.
CES 2025 officially kicks off in Las Vegas on the morning of Tuesday, January 7 and runs through the end of the day on January 10. The “official” dates are specific to when the floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center is open to attendees, and ultimately belie the show’s true duration. A pair of press days kick off Sunday with a few smaller events leading up to a scrum of press conferences on January 6.
Press conferences
AMD(Monday at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET): AMD has its work cut out for it at CES 2025. Competitor Nvidia has been sucking the oxygen out of every room it graces, as the chipmaker remains at the forefront of the AI boom. So, how will AMD compete with Nvidia’s reported RTX 5000 announcement? The company should show off its own next-gen GPU. As part of an ongoing rebrand, the RDNA 4 cards could arrive as either the RX 8000 or RX 9000 series.
Toyota(Monday at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m ET): We expect Chairman Akio Toyoda to go all in on Woven City, the carmarker’s “living laboratory.” Our automotive editor Kirsten Korosec adds: “Details are slim about exactly what will be revealed. TechCrunch, which was at the initial announcement in 2020, will be watching to see how startups will be incorporated into Woven City and whether Toyota followed through on its plans to build a fully connected ecosystem powered by hydrogen fuel cells.”
Samsung(Monday at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET): Samsung’s CES presser is always an odd duck. The Korean electronics giant generally keeps its powder dry when it comes to consumer electronics. After all, it’s expected to announce its latest flagship handset — the Galaxy S25 — toward the end of January. CES 2025 is going to continue the company’s tradition of TVs and appliances. There are also odds and ends like consumer robots that will most likely never see the light of day. Samsung has adopted the tagline “AI for All: Everyday, Everywhere” for the presentation.
Nvidia(Monday at 6:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. ET): Nvidia will no doubt have the biggest CES 2025. After all, the company has pretty much the biggest everything nowadays. The chip giant is sporting a $3.4+ trillion market cap, due largely to its foundational position in the ongoing AI boom. Companies like OpenAI and Meta have purchased Nvidia processors by the boatload, and that’s unlikely to change in the new year. Founder and CEO Jensen Huang will help kick off CES 2025 “with his trademark leather jacket and an unwavering vision,” per Nvidia.
Notable keynotes from the following day include Twitter/X CEO Linda Yaccarino at 1:30 p.m. PT and Delta CEO Ed Bastian at 5 p.m. PT. The latter, notably, will take place at jam band hot spot the Sphere. Both will be available to stream at the officialCES YouTube page.
Trends
The show’shot topicwill almost certainly be the only thing anyone in tech seems to talk about these days: AI. That’s nothing new for CES, of course. The category has been at the forefront for years now, with 2024’s show delivering some of the earliest generative-AI-powered consumer devices.
TheRabbit R1was, perhaps, the most notable from last year’s show. The handheld generated a lot of buzz at the event, though as with other AI devices likeHumane’s AI Pin, the product failed to live up to any expectations.
The subject won’t be limited to this manner of product, however. This year, any product thatdoesn’tmention AI in some form will be in a small minority. As mentioned above, Nvidia and AMD will be going head-to-head on the chip front. Nvidia will be a particular focus, as the chipmaker sets the stage pace for AI in 2025, including the release of the much anticipated GeForce RTX 50 GPU. The company will also touch on other key categories, including robotics and transportation.
AI will grace everything from cars to refrigerators this year. Some applications will prove genuinely useful, but many — if not most — will be a solution in search of a problem. This is always an important thing to keep in mind at an event like CES. It’s a huge show — last year’s eventhosted4,300 companies and nearly 140,000 attendees. There’s a lot of noise, and plenty of AI “applications” exist in attempt to rise above it.
Over the past decade, CES has transformed into one of the year’s top automotive shows. This has primarily been driven by automotive manufacturers’ bids to become bleeding-edge pioneers: Where better to showcase that than the year’s biggest consumer tech show? The 2021 addition of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall has facilitated that expansion.
Questions remain about whether CES can maintain its status as a major car show. Anecdotally, fewer large names appear to be participating in a meaningful way, including U.S. manufacturers like Ford. This is likely due, in part, to Detroit’s North American International Auto Show returning after a year off. That event is set to kick off January 10, overlapping with CES.
That’s not to say that there won’t be big headlines out of Vegas next week. In addition to Toyota’s participation, Sony’s press conference should once again feature Afeela, the company’s collaboration with Honda. Firms like Hyundai —which now owns Boston Dynamics— will likely showcase its focus on humanoid and other robotics.
Robotics have increasingly become a focus point for CES in recent years. I anticipate most transportation companies discussing the topic, from manufacturing to eVTOLs. The car industry has been the tip of the automated manufacturing spear for years, a fact accelerated by various employment and supply chain crises since the pandemic. Meanwhile, eVTOLs scored a majorFAA winlate last year.
CES continues to be a major launching pad for computer monitors. In fact, Samsung, ASUS, and MSI all announced the addition of“the world’s first” 27-inch 4K OLED monitorswith 240Hz refresh rates. Smart appliances always get a lot of love at the show as well.LG has already revealeda bunch of news on that front. Samsung should follow suit at its press conferences on Monday.
After an extended lull, I anticipate a new wave of smart home devices. Between interoperability through theMatter standard, the explosion of generative AI platforms, and a second wind for smart assistants from Google, Amazon, and Apple, companies will be showcasing how these devices might excel where their predecessors failed.
After its latest hype cycle, extended reality still has a lot to prove. The Vision Pro hasn’t taken off as Apple had hoped, and competitors are struggling to compete with Meta’s ability to subsidize the cost of the Quest. Big names in the space like HTC and Magic Leap have largely pivoted to enterprise applications. Chipmakers like Qualcomm, however, are still very much focused on making a splash.
You can increase your internal storage on these Android phones.
Whether you carry your media library with you, shoot a lot of 4K videos, or are looking to download a few movies ahead of a long commute, having a phone with expandable storage is essential for lots of users.
Thankfully, plenty of options are still available, although most of them are budget phones or mid-rangers with a few compromises here and there. Still, you might be surprised by the quality of the phones I’ve gathered for this guide. Some of these devices may even come with features you didn’t expect, such as 3.5mm headphone jacks and 120Hz displays.
For thebest Android phoneswith expandable storage, all you need is a stellar microSD card and you’ll be all set to store as much data on your device as needed. With theright memory card, you can even store your apps on the external storage.
Main camera:50MP, ƒ/1.8, EIS, 79-degree FoV, Ultra XDR
Front camera:16MP
Battery & charging:5,000mAh, 33W wired charging
Water and dust resistance:Dust and splash resistant
Reasons to buy
+Bright and beautiful AMOLED display +Hardware can be customized +Quick processor +Three years of software updates +Excellent cameras
Reasons to avoid
-No NFC -5G support isn’t great in the U.S. -No headphone jack
Expandable storage has been relegated mainly to budget-tier phones in the past few years which normally means boring designs with disappointing performance, but withNothing CMF Phone 1, you can get microSD expansion in a phone with a flashy and unique design, great cameras, solid performance, and a nice AMOLED display. With a MediaTek Dimensity 730 SoC you’d be forgiven for thinking performance will struggle, but performance is solid with little lag, and even solid gaming performance. It’s not the fastest chip you can get, but it’s more than powerful enough for average day-to-day usage.
The main 50MP camera on the back and the 16MP front camera both punch above their weight with a responsive app and overall good quality. The battery is also good at 5,000mAh with quick 33W charging. The phone is also set to receive two Android updates with three years of security updates, which is solid for this price.
One thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re in the U.S., is that this phone isn’t really designed for the Big Three carriers, but will work on T-Mobile if you don’t mind a few connection drops here and there. The problem is, that the phone just doesn’t support all of the bands common in North America and is more suited to the European market. Still, if you’re looking for something unique and have a carrier using T-Mobile, the CMF Phone 1 is an impressive device.
+6.5-inch 90Hz AMOLED screen +Samsung’s usual five-year promise regarding updates +5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging +Decent main camera
Reasons to avoid
-So-so performance -Lacks any IP rating
Craving that signature Samsung look and feel but can’t afford much? Don’t worry, the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is a fine choice when hunting for phones with expandable storage. The Galaxy A25 gives you a FHD+ Super AMOLED panel that measures 6.5 inches wide and has an impressive 120Hz screen refresh rate.
Now this is nearly an entry-level device, but it has just enough going for it that it sits a notch above that banner. For instance, theSamsung phoneis kept alive by a gigantic 5,000mAh cell. You also get a headphone jack and a 50MP main camera, even though it doesn’t hold a candle against the photographic capabilities of the Galaxy S series of Samsung phones.
You get the Exynos 1280 chipset from the oldGalaxy A53 5G, which is okay for everyday usage and light multitasking but stutters during intensive gaming sessions. Still, if you must have acheap Samsungwithin a very tight budget, the A25 5G is a decent option.
+Nice 120Hz OLED screen +Solid camera performance for the price +Outstanding battery and fast charging +Comfortable feel with vegan leather
Reasons to avoid
-Only water-repellent, no IP rating -One platform update -Fingerprint sensor can be slow
TheMoto G Stylus 5G (2024)is a popular budget phone thanks to its solid performance with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC paired with 8GB of RAM. This phone has a nice AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits of peak brightness so you can see it outdoors. This phone comes with a 5,000mAh battery pack that can charge at up to 30W wired and 15W wireless.
The camera system is also solid with a 50MP main shooter and a 13MP ultrawide camera. You can take some nice pictures in good lighting, but keep an eye on storage. You can get it with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, so expanding this phone with a microSD card will be a must for some. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack so you may also want the storage to hold your favorite music so you can save some data.
This phone ships with Android 14, and its performance is solid, however, Motorola is only planning to give this phone a single Android version update. With phones from Samsung and Google offering much longer support, it’s a bit disappointing that Motorola is sticking to just one. Still, if you don’t mind the older operating system, strong 5G band support makes this a great phone to bring to other carriers.
Memory & storage:12GB RAM, 256GB or 512GB, expandable
Main camera:48MP wide,12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto
Front camera:12MP
Battery & charging:5,000mAh, 30W wired charging
Water and dust resistance:IP65/IP68
Reasons to buy
+The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still fast +Strong sub-6 5G support +Water and dust resistant IP65/IP68 +Large 5,000mAh battery with 30W charging
Reasons to avoid
-Expensive -Software support could be better
Memory card expansion and 3.5mm headphone jacks have become all but extinct in high-end Androids. Good thing Sony doesn’t seem to be bothered by what the rest of the industry is doing and has release the Xperia 1 V with both. This phone comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that was common in flagships from 2023, but it’s still plenty powerful for any app you’ll find on the app store. It’s got 12GB of RAM and ships with 256GB of built-in storage.
Available in either green or black, this is a sleek phone with three cameras on the back. It has a 48MP main cameras with a 12MP telephoto and 12MP ultrawide camera playing backup. Another rarity this phone ships with is a 3.5mm headphone jack. Headphone jacks aren’t necessarily a budget feature and many of the best Sony headphones ever made use a wire, so it’s nice that Sony has kept it around.
Software support could be better on this phone, though it has been updated to Android 14 already. Sony’s phones are often targeted at creators, and if you want to get high-quality video off of your memory card in a hurry, you’ve also got a USB-C 3.2 port with 5Gbps speeds supported.
+Three years of security updates +Superb 50W wired fast charging +120Hz LCD screen feels good +Great build quality
Reasons to avoid
-108MP camera is gimmicky -Only one major platform update
Like so many of the best budget Android phones, theOnePlus Nord N30 5Gsports the 6nm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. You can insert a microSD card in the slot and add more storage in a jiffy. It’s an oldie, but a goldie.
The Nord N30 5G has a lot of neat features, but the coolest one of them all is the 50W SUPERVOOC charging. Now that’s an incredibly fast charging speed that you certainly won’t find on any other phone with expandable storage.
The 108MP camera sounds amazing, but it’s actually more of a buzzword. As per our testing, the picture quality could be better. You will appreciate the snappy 6.27-inch 120Hz IPS LCD display though.
OnePlus only promises one OS update for this model, but you get three years of guaranteed security updates. Since Android 15 is on the horizon, you won’t get anything beyond Android 14 on the Nord N30. But the phone is still a worthwhile purchase in 2024.
+Low cost or free with a plan +Large 5000mAh battery with 30W charging +Support for 5G on T-Mobile +Repairable with parts at iFixit
Reasons to avoid
-Fairly slow SoC -Not Android 14
HMD, the company that makes Nokia phones, has stayed focused on budget-friendly Androids and it continues to make some of the cheapest new phones available. The G310 is exclusive to T-Mobile carriers in the United States and comes in at well under $200. The Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset not only gives the phone enough power for social media and messaging apps but also full 5G connectivity on T-Mobile’s sub-6 5G network.
It has a 50MP main camera on the back for decent pictures in well-lit environments. and a 5,000mAh battery that can easily make it to the end of the day. The screen is also a plus with a 6.56-inch IPS LCD running at up to 90Hz. If you like music, you’ve got a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as Bluetooth. You can even repair this phone withparts available at iFixit.
Keep in mind that this phone is only designed to work with T-Mobile, so bringing it to a Verizon or AT&T-based carrier likely won’t work out. Still, for the low price, this phone is a good fit for T-Mobile.
How to choose
With most of thebest Android phonesmoving away from expandable storage, you might think the format is becoming a dying breed, but don’t panic just yet. There are still plenty of great phones with microSD support, though the vast majority of them are budget offerings. Grab some of the best microSD cards, and you’ll be able to expand your storage with ease.
While its limited availability and carrier support mean its not the right pick for everyone, the CMF Phone 1 is a surprisingly great phone, especially when your remember it’s $200. The phone has a quick MediaTek SoC, a strong camera, and solid battery life. With three years of updates planned with two Android updates, this phone punches above its weight in several categories.
In terms of full-blown flagships that offer expandable storage, you’re out of luck with the latest releases. You won’t find a microSD slot in the Galaxy S24 lineup or the Pixel 9 series. You’re better off with mid-range value phones such as the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) or the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. You’ll find the internals to be solid in both phones, pushing out smooth performance consistently. Both devices are great hits in the camera and battery departments, too.
Not everyone that wants expandable storage is shopping for acheap Android phone. The Sony Xperia 1 V is an expensive phone that’s hard to recommend over the like of Samsung Galaxy and OnePlus, but it’s one of the few high-end phones to keep the memory card expansion around. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack making it a strong pick for content creators, or headphone enthusiasts.
Sony stakes its claim in the ultra-competitive Bluetooth speaker arena Tested at NZ$349.95
Verdict The Sony LinkBuds Speaker is well made, simple to use and nice to listen to, even if it lacks the sonic punch to keep up with the class leaders
Pros
+Cohesive, balanced sound
+Plenty of textural insight
+Solid feature set and outstanding battery life
Cons
-Could sound more punchy and exciting
-Small size means compromises in bass delivery
-Faces extremely tough competition at this level
Sony’s LinkBuds line is made up of, as the name suggests, various pairs of wireless earbuds. Open ring designs, in-ear models, sporty types, there isn’t a set definition for what a LinkBud is exactly, but the single unifying constant has always been that they go into, or sometimes sit just outside of, the human ear.
There is, however, an exception. There’s one member of the LinkBuds family which, despite having the word ‘buds’ in its name, looks like it may have been adopted into the clan, as it isn’t a pair of wireless earbuds but a portable Bluetooth speaker. The Sony LinkBuds Speaker is the apparent anomaly in this expanding family, yet while it distinguishes itself by taking on a completely different form from the rest of its siblings, this is a product that’s clearly aimed at the same crowd that Sony was targeting with its Olivia Rodrigo-backed LinkBuds Fit: hip, trendy youngsters who want great sound on the go.
Sony has already attempted to break the JBL stranglehold at this level with its four-star ULT Field 1, a similarly-priced performer that couldn’t quite topple the might of the JBL Flip 6 or Charge 5. It’s a tough nut to crack, so maybe the Japanese audio titan has found the winning formula – or dare we say ‘missing Link’ – with this latest attempt.
Currently priced at NZ$349.95/ AU$199, the Sony LinkBuds Speaker (SRS-LS1) has jumped straight into the lion’s den. This is the realm occupied by some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market, speakers that are only getting more affordable as their respective prices drop with time.
Build & design
Sony LinkBuds Speaker tech specs
Power 18 Watts
Bluetooth? Yes, 5.2 (SBC and AAC)
Mains-powered or battery-powered Battery-powered
Battery life 25 hours
Features Sony Auto Switch, hands-free calling, IPX4 rating, stereo pairing
Connections USB-C (charging cradle)
Dimensions (hwd) 11 x 8.4 x 9cm
Weight 520g
Finishes x 2 (black, white)
Around the same height as a standard deodorant can, albeit a little fatter, Sony’s compact speaker is built to sit conveniently on your desk, perch on a nearby shelf or be thrown inside an accommodating rucksack as you take it on your travels.
If you’re planning on bringing the LinkBuds Speaker out with you, we have little doubt that its chunky, robust build will keep it intact. AnIPX4 waterproof ratingis a little disappointing when compared with the IP67 ratings of its rugged JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 rivals, but it’ll do the job of keeping your speaker protected against drizzle and the occasional splash of water, but it won’t necessarily protect against dust ingress or full liquid immersion. Maybe not one for pool parties, then.
IP rating aside, we’re otherwise confident that, given our time with the LinkBuds Speaker, its solid, robust build will be enough to handle the bumps and scrapes that inevitably come with being a portable Bluetooth companion. The built-in carry loop, meanwhile, also feels as though it can handle the speaker’s 520g weight without losing integrity where the loop meets the main body.
Not that you’llnecessarilywant to have the LinkBuds Speaker out and about with you all the time. The unit’s tightly woven exterior mesh does seem to harbour dirt if exposed to mud and grime, and we’d certainly recommend getting the Sony in black if you’re planning on using it as a frequent portable – we find that handsome off-white finish is fairly susceptible to stains and marks.
The LinkBuds Speaker keeps things relatively minimalist design-wise, opting for an all-over speaker mesh design with few embellishments or adornments. That said, you’ll find four main control buttons at the top: two plus and minus signs for volume adjustment alongside a play/pause control and a preset button for quickly accessing streaming services such asSpotifyorAmazon Music. At the bottom of the speaker’s rear side sits a small power control and a covered USB-C port, although the LinkBuds Speaker also comes with a supplied wireless charging pad for faster juicing.
Features
A key benefit of Sony’s latest Bluetooth portable is that it’s designed to work with the extended LinkBuds family of products. One of the speaker’s party pieces is its seamless interconnectivity with the extended LinkBuds earbuds line, letting you flit between buds and speaker automatically as your tunes play. Put your compatible LinkBuds into their charging case and the speaker takes over musical playback automatically, but once the buds are out of their shelter and in your ears, the audio switches to the buds and the speaker takes a well-earned break. It’s a neat trick that works smoothly every time we try it with our LinkBuds Fit test pair via Bluetooth.
There’s more to the LinkBuds Speaker than its eagerness to cooperate with its Sony stablemates. A healthy battery life is vital for portable units of this kind, and the small Bluetooth speaker duly furnishes us with 25 hours of playback time, a monster figure that overshadows the 12 hours granted by the JBL Flip 6 and 20 hours provided by the more substantial JBL Charge 5.
You can use the LinkBuds Speaker to handle incoming voice calls, a feature that’s noticeably absent from the rival Flip 6. Sony’s champion does an admirable job, with voices coming through clearly on the part of the recipient while being reproduced ably on the other end thanks to the speaker’s built-in microphone.
(Image credit: Sony)
Sony has clearly made efforts elsewhere to make sure that the LinkBuds Speaker is easy to use and capable of keeping up with its competitors. Stereo pairing allows for two speakers to be hooked up together simultaneously, whereas quick access is genuinely handy for getting music playing from your favourite app at the touch of a button. Wireless connectivity is handled byBluetooth 5.2, though the LinkBuds Speaker only supportsSBC and AAC codecs– there’s none of theLDACcompatibility you’ll find with most of Sony’s wireless earbuds.
Setting which music service you’d like to delve into is done via the newly revamped Sony SoundConnect app, the same platform you’ll use for handling most of the brand’s new wireless speakers and headphones. It’s still not the most intuitive service you’ll find, but access to a customisable five-band equaliser, plus control of features such as quick access (to help you jump straight into your streaming service of choice) and stereo pairing, help the SoundConnect app earn its stripes.
Sony’s wireless wonder uses a two-way speaker system consisting of a 16mm tweeter and a 48x56mm balanced mid/bass driver to produce what its maker describes as “impressive bass and clear vocals with less distortion”. Passive radiators work in unison with the mid/bass for more powerful bass reproduction, whereas Sony’s ‘Sound Diffusion Processor’ aims to ensure that the sound produced is spread out evenly rather than simply fired in a single direction.
While it’s not the most expansive listen, Sony makes good on its promise of omnidirectionality, and you’ll receive a consistent quality and timbre of sound no matter where you stand in relation to the speaker itself. Textural quality abounds, with perhaps the LinkBuds Speaker’s strongest card to play being its impressive levels of midrange detail. When going up against the JBL Flip 6, we discern a noticeably more authentic reproduction of the sombre guitar on The Killers’Christmas In LAthrough the Sony than we do with the JBL.
The LinkBuds Speaker also evidences a talent for vocal reproduction. It’s easy for a speaker of this size to make voices – be they Corey Taylor or Camilla Cabello – sound generic or drab, a trap the Sony does well to avoid. Michael Stipe’s charmingly reedy singing on REM’sNightswimmingis a heartfelt performance through the Sony, while Stephen Fry’s narration of PG Wodehouse’sRight Ho, Jeevesis packed with playful élan.
The Sony’s knack for detail is tempered nicely by a restrained, well-organised character that gives tracks a mature, even-handed flavour. There’s no flabby bass to be found at the bottom or screeching trebles ready to loosen a couple of your fillings, and while a tad more punch and rhythmic drive wouldn’t go amiss, the LinkBuds Speaker treads lightly to avoid spilling sounds into areas they don’t belong. Play Muse’sMadnessthrough the Sony and you’ll notice just how clean and fuss-free the composition is, an impressive feat for a relatively small speaker.
That love of order and refinement does leave the Sony feeling just a tad restrained, however, with most of the sonic sacrifices coming at the lower end. There’s not a great deal of punch from a speaker that prefers to keep things relatively clean and lightweight, and bassheads especially may become frustrated by a lack of lower-end oomph from heavier hip-hop and rock tracks. This is where the five-star Flip 6 and Charge 5 rivals pull ahead, offering the punch and power that the slightly lean Sony lacks. The JBLs certainly go further dynamically – the crashes and bashes amid the pandemonium ofHans Zimmer’sThe Battlearrive with more weight and gusto than they do via the Sony. If you like punch and verve to your tracks, the LinkBuds Speaker may not be to your taste.
Verdict
The Sony LinkBuds Speaker has its charms. It’s a portable, feature-rich and nicely-made Bluetooth speaker which digs out plenty of detail, even if the class leaders grant you a good deal more sonic punch and lower-end clout. Those rivals are perhaps better suited to getting the party started, but the Sony’s refinement and knack for organisation means that it shouldn’t be dismissed as a mere stick in the mud.
>>>SP65M Battery for Sony PlayStation PS Vita 1000 PCH-1001 PCH-1101
It’s a smart upgrade for one of the best controllers ever made. Still, the fact that it runs on AA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable unit feels positively archaic, and also pasts a lot of cost onto the end-user, whether they choose to buy AAs or rechargeable packs.
