PlayStation 5 Two Years Later: Is it Everything We Hoped For?

The PlayStation 5 is two (2) years old, and the Podcast Beyond crew is back, this time going through each of the PS5’s biggest features and how well they’ve held up over the years. Does the PlayStation get a passing grade for what it promised us back during its release in 2020, or have certain things simply fizzled out over the years? Join Max Scoville, Brian Altano, Jada Griffin, and Josh Du as they talk about everything PS5 including the DualSense controller, Pulse 3D headset, and its high-speed SSD. We also look forward to 2023 and the amount of games releasing as a result of 2022’s delays. Next year is already looking out of control and we’re here for it! And finally, Brian tells us why he thinks now is the perfect time for Sony to announce a new PlayStation handheld. Could it compete with the likes of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck? Join us and find out! BEYOND!

[masterfox]

I'm happy with my PS5, the only gaming device is capable of delivering stunning and awesome moments , visually and gameplay wise with their exclusives no effing doubt, well at least for me, heck I even have a gaming PC but is nowhere near close the stunning moments the PS5 has delivered so far imo.

[darthv72]

I'm pretty happy with it too. I may not have every PS5 game for it but what i do have is choice. I love that it gives new life to older games as well. Being able to play key PS4 titles the way they were meant to be played at 60fps is a game changer.

[Crows90]

I wouldn't go so far as to say backwards compatibility is a game changer. Its a nice feature for sure...and expected since consoles have become more standard.

[darthv72]

I didnt say backwards compatibility is a game changer. I said playing at 60fps is a game changer because it literally is a game changer. Where games on the 4 would be 30-45+... the 5 transforms them into rock solid 60 which makes them feel more fluid and fresh. Because of being spoiled by 60fps, i tend not to use quality mode on ps5 games and only stick to performance mode.

I'd rather have better performance than better visuals with all the bells and whistles. Plus my 50y old eyes arent what they used to be so I cant really see a difference anyways but i can sure tell the difference between 30 and 60fps.

[Outlawzz]

how much did sony pay you fox ?

The only device ? Lol Good trolling attempt. Gave me a nice chuckle

[FIELDMARSHALL_P]

When he said heck that did it for me lol.

[GhostTurtle]

"Well shucks, i even got a darn gamin PC....derp"
These PS shills in every article are ridiculous

[Gamingsince1981]

Besides PC which they mentioned what device have they missed, I cant think of one, its Def not the xbox or switch, how many other consoles are out ?

[VariantAEC]

@Iceman100x
I've had a gaming PC since 2017.
PS5 is impressive and a much more capable gaming machine compared to my 2017 laptop. I mean don't get me wrong I'm still running FH5 maxed out at 1080p30 and if I'm feeling dangerous 1440p~30 (including RT which was added to in-game racing earlier in November), but Spider-Man Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and GT7 aren't games with visuals that I've seen on PC. What's sad is PC fanboys treat 8k960 as if that's what really matters resolution and framerate don't make games look good. Unfortunately what they forget is that PCs are limited in the same way all consoles are once you buy the latest you need to wait for the next big leap to see tangible improvements and that is already making the assumption that PC devs are up to the task and so far they don't seem to be because I've not seen the same utter chaos on screen that is on display in Ratchet and Clank or Spider-Man or even Returnal and ultimately you have to remember that some of the above listed PlayStation games are playable on PS4 and still blow away anything that isn't a recent PS game release for PC. I mean name an exclusive racing game for PC that looks better than Driveclub or GT7.
Name a platformer for PC with the functional chaos of R&C (not just Rift Apart either). Name a arcade title as coherently sharp and impressive as Returnal for PC and where is that PC port of Returnal it feels like it was announced a year ago now?

Games load faster on PS5 compared to PCs and I have to assume that means new top end rigs with Gen 4 NVMe drives and PCI 4. My laptop is stuck in PCI Gen 3 territory meaning my laptop can only load content as fast or possibly about as fast as Xbox Series consoles.

[CorndogBurglar]

I'm happy with the PS5. I'm not happy with the industry sticking to cross-gen for so long that it hinders the PS5 (and Series X) from getting truly next gen games.

[MadLad]

Do you get paid for every post, or?
What's the situation with you?

[Terry_B]

Its out since 2 years and there is no new Ridge Racer for it, not even a Tekken (yet)

That SUCKS!

[Kurt Russell]

Drool in my sleep dreaming of a current gen Ridge Racer and Wipeout games.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

I wish we could have a new Ridge Racer, I want it so bad, but that franchise is dead, same with some other beloved franchise like Senran Kagura.

[GoodGuy09]

Just needs more actual exclusive games that can only be made on the ps5. Other than that, I love performance options and games running at a stable 60.

[FIELDMARSHALL_P]

I may be part of the problem idk but I feel the same way. That's why I haven't bought the 5 yet still rocking my 4. Once they make some games I have to have on the 5 I'll go ahead.

[andy85]

I'm happy. It cost me 150 to upgrade after selling my PS4 Pro. More than worth it for the frame rate and loading time improvements. Games have been a little lacking but I've enjoyed several of the 'next gen' only games. Hopefully 2023 will see a lot more of them

[Crows90]

Yes. Loading times are much better now and more stable performances across games is another reason to upgrade.

[Elda]

I'm happy with my PS5,I play it at least 6 days a week. I'll usually play for an hour or 2 after work & always play on the weekends. I'm hoping Sony's upcoming first-party exclusives are PS5 only so PS5 owners can really see what the console can do.

[MrChow666]

Few must play games for both ps5 and xbox, I blame this on the gaas mentality, why make New games whem 1 gaas makes millones upon millions

[darkrider]

Yeah. Great games from day one. I just want more games. Great job from Sony studios. The dualsense was a huge evolution. The speed of the ps5 is great and being sooooo quiet. My old launch ps4 was so laud!!!! Even after cleaning. On some games I thought it would melt or take off!

Now we need a show to see what's coming!!!!

[andron]

I'll tell you when I can get ahold of one...

[Ninver]

As will I

[MIDGETonSTILTS17]

Yah

[LucidIllusion]

Yah

[Gardenia]

When I got the PS5 almost 2 years ago my plan was the use it for PS5 games and my PS4 Pro for the PS4 games. But I haven't touched my PS4 Pro since that day. The best thing for me with the PS5 is how fast and smooth everything is.

The downside is that because of the chip shortage it never really felt like a huge release of the PS5 or the next gen for that matter. Developers still use the PS4 for sales, multiplatform is still big after 2 years. There are just not many games that take the full potential of the new systems.

[shinoff2183]

It's like this every generation change. I swear ps4 and Xbox one were some people's first consoles

[Sonic1881]

Something tells me Playstation will have a much better 2023. Xbox has just not been able to land the punches. Sony at this point is on a combo streak of great games from 1st and 3rd party. They have been way more organized and consistent with great exclusives. One thing I will say about the Xbox is that I feel Xbox has to make up for lost time. 23 studios some of whom hadn’t released anything in 5+ years. 2023 should be a lot better for them. Q3/Q4 of 2023 should be as packed for them if Starfield can deliver but that's a big if

[PapaBop]

I think it's delivered. The graphics are comparable to my high end gaming PC at less than a quarter of the cost. Dual Sense is a game changer for me and it's the only console with VR capabilities. Exclusives have delivered and so far, seems like Sony is set to retain the crown this gen as the best console.

[z2g]

i've had my ps5 since launch. i'd score it around an 8 at present

Pros:
dualSense w/ adaptive triggers is hands down the best controller upgrade in years. period.
fast loads
great graphical presentation when pushed
Playstation 1st party games are top quality
VRR is great
whisper quiet.
3D audio is well implemented (as long as you have good gear to take advantage of it)
Finally raytracing on consoles

Cons:
Physical design. not only is it huge, the design is a bit over the top imo.
stock ssd is too small
dualSense battery life isn't great
too much reliance on games being ps4 compatible nerfs its true potential
the dashboard looks "next gen" to a degree but is severely limited in functionality/customization
game releases have been somewhat thin - especially true "next gen" games.
image quality is often times a bit softer than my series x.
raytracing while finally supported is bargain basement in quality and compromises too many other things in many cases.

[shinoff2183]

Your cons are a little nit picky. Atleast the ps5 has had some next gen only games. I don't think the x has had 1

[Demetrius]

Haven’t been in a rush to get one cause they still not pushing the hardware yet hopefully most devs won’t pull that sh** this gen with the half a** copy n paste bs I miss when a lot of dedication was put into gaming, GOW ragnarok made me have hope in gaming again same with horizon forbidden west and dying light

[SPEAKxTHExTRUTH]

I have yet to see a single game that makes it mandatory to upgrade to next gen. All the real bangers are available for PS4 also. So far the best reason to upgrade is 60 fps and SSD.

[CBaoth]

I agree Speak. 3 good PS5 games and that's it. Jim sprinkled in a few games while announcing Sony believes in generations and then proceeds to release everything else as cross-gen while letting his crony Herman reveal it's now a case by case basis. "We can't leave behind all those PS4 players." GOW R sells 18% on PS4. The irony. It's the same data for every major release too. Let's stagnate advancement for corporate greed. Yeah! Hey Sony, your fly is down, and your nintendo is showing!

[ZeekQuattro]

I'll find out once Spider-Man 2 drops hopefully in 2023. Until then I haven't felt the need to buy a PS5. There's even rumors that a slimmer model is in the works so even better imo.

[Crows90]

The console is fantastic...a bit bulky but I don't mind too much. Takes me back to when you didn't know what to expect from the next consoles.

The games they've delivered thus far that are playable the PS5 are incredible and the dual sense helps push that immersion in ways you can't experience anywhere else.

They're also releasing the next psvr headset which shows their commitment to the VR gaming space and they actually want to contribute there.

PlayStation 5 is a gaming first console. However, if i may nitpick, i don't particularly care much for the price increase that they, in part, are spearheading. Lots of other devs are doing the same now but I feel that Sony could've been a good hindrance if they kept their prices at $60. Price decreases are now going to take longer.

[Lightning77]

Consistent release of top notch exclusives. They did well to me imo.

[GamingSinceForever]

The PS5 itself is fine however the true AAA game releases has been slow to start.

[Babadook7]

I thought the start was pretty quick, namely with the excellent Demons Souls Remake.

[anast]

Yes, it has better exclusives than their competition.

[ufo8mycat]

I wonder how many will actually answer this question honestly and look at it objectively.

How many games can I play on PS5 that I can't play on other systems, including the PS4 Pro?
Hopefully the system actually gets some more actual exclusives compared to what we have seen so far, in the next year or so.

[YourMommySpoils]

Best in the business. Currently the only console worth getting.

[lio_convoy]

Two years in, it lives up to the hype for me and I'm as happy with it as I was on release day when I got it. The only annoyance would be earlier this year Sony released a firmware update that slowed down the boot time dramatically. I'm still not used to that after having it boot up in a flash for a year and a half. Other than that, I love the controller, the performance, the games and the backwards compatibility. It's nice to load up either a PS4 or PS5 game and not worry about it. It's what I was hoping for when I got it.

[Lexreborn2]

Experiences I’m glad I had so far on it are :
astros playroom
Ratchet and clank
Returnal
God of war ragnarok
Horizon forbidden west
Ghost wire Tokyo
Miles morales
Kena bridge of spirits
Demon souls
Godfall

3rd party enhanced games I’ve enjoyed:
Strangers of paradise
Elden rings
Valkyrie Elysium
Tales of arise
Fist
Outriders
Resident evil 8

Overall I have nothing to complain about as each exclusive was a clean and unique experience. And playing the 3rd parties at best performance at the time made it worth playing on my pro.

500 investment that’s kept me entertained

[Elda]

I've played & enjoyed all the games you mentioned except Ragnorak which I'll open my copy & start this weekend.

[boing1]

Of course.

[shaenoide]

Can't tell still looking for one. I am not a big fan on where Sony is heading customer wise though.

[Thundercat77]

Totally happy with my PS5. Now I want to start seeing games totally made for the PS5 and from Sony studios.

[Starman69]

Bags of potential. Hfw is absolutely lush! Even though I preferred the first game lol 😂

[Nacho_Z]

I think most people probably expected more PS5 only games and for it to have been pushed to its limits a bit more after two years. Still plenty of time though and some cracking games under its belt already.

[S2Killinit]

Enjoying the heck out of it so far and it only gets better

[ChasterMies]

Yes. 100%. Faster load times. Great controller. Fantastic games. The best console launch in my decades of gaming. And only getting better.

[chicken_in_the_corn]

No. I had hoped for a proper step forward. Instead it's being held back by cross gen games.

[JSusie5]

Only problem I had with it, and it was even Sony's fault is the scumbag resellers gouging people who just want to play games. The sleazy things people will do for $$$.

[DefenderOfDoom2]

I am waiting for a new KILLZONE game .

[WelkinCole]

Been a PS fan since the PS1.

PS5 for me has been a let down to be honest. Not anywhere near as good as the PS2, PS3 gen for me.

Every new PS gen I always get a slew of new amazing AAA 1st party games that pushes the PS console to its limit.

PS3 for example by the second year I got Folklore, Resistance, Mostorstorm, HS, Warhawk, Infmous and Uncharted. It never let up after that with MSG4 and LBP and U2 etc. Just non stop crazy games/m Finished off with TLOU

PS5? I can only think of Returnal as a new game.

Just feels like its just another Multi platform, online gaming console.

Can't imagine what the new GOW would be like if it was for the PS5 only and not held back by the PS4.

First time I am disapointed with a PS console gen.

[BrettAwesome]

Had mine for a year now. I love it. A lot. The faster loading, 60fps, the controller, ease of maintenance. Cleaning this thing is super easy. I installed a 1TB Samsung SSD. Also super easy. Hell...I even like the menu-theme 😆 if I have to be completely honest, I'd have preferred it in black...but hey...who wouldn't? 🤷‍♀️

[gamerz]

Love the controller, my favorite of all controllers. However $70 games relegates the PS5 to rare exceptional exclusives and upscaled PS4 titles.

[HeliosHex]

Ps5 is great. Pandemic slowed its momentum but it's really starting to shine. Going into next year it's hard not to be excited for what's to come.

[Tzuno]

I'm ok with it, the only downside is the hardware quality, Sony cut corners with it, controller haptic feedback is great but after a while, the vibrations are making weird sounds, buttons are noisy. The console cooler fan is noisy too, the blue ray drive is loud. i had a few errors with it, one while i was playing returnal, a complete shut down without a warning in less than a month after purchase of the console, despite that... i enjoy it.

[goldwyncq]

Still waiting for the PS5 to have it's own generation-defining IP. PS3 had Uncharted. PS4 had Horizon. Where is PS5s?

[DaniMacYo]

Downvote us all you want but it's still leaving your precious shit box in the shad.

[SoulWarrior]

Pretty happy with mine, 60fps, higher performance on some BC games, blistering load times, better visuals, going back to PS4 is painful now, the difference is night and day.

Ok yeah for sure being held back by last gen to a degree, but we have a handful of great looking current gen games, well on PS5 specifically at least.

[zarbor]

As a hardcoregamer who has been console gaming for many years, the PS5 and XBOX Series X has been a major, major, major, disappointment. There are gamers who are satisfied with the games we have gotten so far for these consoles, so good for them. When I put my hard working dollars on a new next-gen console, I expect to have games I can't play on my last gen console. That's not the case here at all, since I still have my last gen consoles and there are little differences in the games. I would tell anyone right now wanting to get any of these new consoles, wait it out. Folks blame it on the pandemic or whatever but you can rest assured technology does not stop. I fully expect the PS5 Pro and Serie X Pro will be coming shortly. Wait for that, since us early adopters got hosed waiting for next-gen games that never came. Look no further than the new God of War Ragnarok. Do yourself a favor and save 10 bucks and buy that game for the PS4. There is very minimal difference and it plays exactly the same. You ain't missing anything. There is no game right now that is on the PS5 that couldn't be done on the PS4 with minimal differences. That may change in the future but for the last few years next-gen has been a complete dud!

[kayoss]

Been enjoying the PS5 since i got it at launch. Loved the exclusive games. Beaten Horizon Forbidden west but continue to play it because it is such a beautiful game to play and to explore.

[saint_seya]

Well i really like my PS5, i didnt have a PS4 so i can enjoy double than most, but if it wasnt beacuse i didnt own a PS4 i may felt bad for not having as many games to play, i think Sony NEEDS more games like Ratchet and Clank/Returnal, exclusives to PS5, to make it shine.

I understand that there is a lot of PS4 users out there, but well, when PS4 came, as a PS3 user i knew that my console was going to be left behind since tecnology moves forward, so idk why is different this gen.

Games like Ragnarok are amazing, but also makes you wonder if it could be even better or look better/have a bigger map size or whatever if it was PS5 only.

Another thing i dont like much of this gen (having a PS5 for a half a year and a Series X for like 2 weeks, is the amount of remasters and remakes, there is a lot of games i loved in the past, but i want to experience new games, not the same games i played before with new graphics, i mean if the remakes are like RE games, it doesnt feel that bad but others feel like just same game with more shining graphics, or a bit higher fps's.

[MadLad]

I'm happy with my PS5, but it's not living up to my expectations after the PS4 (yet).

Pretty much every console finds its stride mid gen. Not usually in the beginning.

This generation is funny.
Sony has more games, but is far from nailing their services.
Microsoft has the services nailed, but really need to step their game up on 1st party content.