The True Cost of PS5
The PS5 has been out for over three years now and, like the Xbox Series X, it’s a great gaming machine. For $449 or $499 (depending on whether you get the Digital Edition or not), the PS5 will let you play the latest games in 4K; Meanwhile, an equivalent gaming PC could cost twice as much as the PS5. However, while the PS5 Digital costs $449 and the standard PS5 $499, that’s just the cost of the console itself—there are many other costs to consider, including additional controllers, storage upgrades, headsets, and, of course, actual games. play. Taking all this into account, I’ve calculated the true cost of owning a PS5.
SSD upgrade: from $100.
The PS5 comes standard with a built-in 1TB SSD, but you have around 848GB available. And as game file sizes get larger (the average PS5 game is around 50GB) due to better 4K graphics, the internal SSD can fill up quickly. However, Sony has included an additional M.2 SSD slot, which you can use to install an additional SSD of up to 8TB capacity.
According to Sony , there are several requirements for compatible SSDs. This should be a PICe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD ; have a memory capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB ; have a width of up to 25 mm, a length of up to 110 mm and a thickness of up to 11.25 mm; use a Socket 3 (Key M) connector; and there is a radiator. The M.2 SSD should have read speeds of up to 5500 MB/s or higher.
One of Sony’s recommendations is the WD_Black SN850X SSD, which works with the PS5, has read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s, is available in capacities up to 4 TB, and starts at $109.99. If you need even more storage (around 8TB), there’s the Corsair MP600 PRO LPX M.2 SSD , which has similar specs to the WD_Black and starts at $59.99 for the 500GB model and up to $849 for the variant for 8 TB.
Wireless headset: from $99.
A good headset is always a great addition to any gaming system for several reasons. First, if you plan to play multiplayer games, you’ll need a headset with a microphone for voice chat. Another reason is that you can easily stream game audio through your headset, which is ideal for late night gaming sessions.
There are plenty of headsets to choose from for the PS5, but if you want an affordable headset that also works with Sony Tempest 3D AudioTech, choose the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset . For $99, the headset features 3D audio, upgraded ear pads for greater comfort, noise-canceling microphones, and up to 12 hours of battery life.
Another DualSense controller: starting at $69.
PS5 comes with Sony’s latest DualSense controller. The $69 DualSense controller for PS5 improves on previous DualShock controllers with improved haptic feedback and dual actuators instead of the usual vibrating motors. There are also adaptive triggers that adjust the tension level when you press them. For example, you may feel as if you are pulling a bowstring or spinning a web like Spider-Man. The controller is available in multiple colors, offers decent battery life (12 hours), and has a built-in microphone for voice chat and “Hey PlayStation!” commands. voice commands
If you’re looking for a more “pro” controller, there’s the DualSense Edge controller. For $199, the DualSense Edge offers the same features as the standard one, but you also get interchangeable rear buttons, interchangeable joystick caps, adjustable trigger length, and remappable buttons.
PlayStation Plus: Starts at $79/year.
If you plan to play a lot of multiplayer games, you’ll need a PlayStation Plus subscription. With your membership, you get access to online multiplayer, monthly games, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for your saves, access to the Sony Picture Core store that lets you rent and buy Sony movies, and co-op play that lets you share your screen with a friend so they can take control of the game.
Sony offers several different levels of PlayStation Plus. The basic Essential tier includes all of the PlayStation Plus features listed above for $79 per year. By upgrading to an Extra membership for $134.99 per year, you get the same benefits as Essential, but you also get access to a game catalog that includes 400 games for PS4 and PS5, such as Horizon Zero Dawn and Uncharted 4 You also get access to Ubisoft+ Classics in the Extra tier, which includes a curated selection of Ubisoft games from the Far Cry, The Division and Assassin’s Creed series.
The latest PlayStation Plus subscription level is Premium. For $159.99 per year, you get the same benefits as the Extra tier, but you also get cloud streaming, which allows you to try out select games from the PlayStation Plus catalogs without having to wait for them to download. You also get game trials that allow you to try out new games for a limited time.
It’s worth noting that all PlayStation Plus membership plans are available as a monthly, three-month, or 12-month/yearly subscription.
DualSense Charger: Starts at $29.
It’s important to keep your controllers charged, especially during long gaming sessions. There are several chargers available that make it easy to keep your DualSense controllers’ battery charged, such as the PlayStation DualSense Charging Station . For $29, the charger has slots for two DualSense controllers and doesn’t require the use of a USB port on your PS5; instead, you plug the charger into a wall outlet.
If you only have one DualSense controller, an alternative charger is the Razer Quick Charge Cradle for PlayStation 5 . Razer’s $38 charging station features a curved stand design that holds your controller in place while charging. The charger also comes in multiple colors—black, blue, pink, purple, red, and standard white—to match your DualSense controller.
PS5 Exclusive Games: Starting at $70.
While this latest generation of consoles offers better graphics, it also comes with a higher standard price for games. Most new PS5 games, whether first-party like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 or third-party ones like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora , cost $70 at launch. Physical versions of most PS5 games are still out there, so if you’ve got your eye on a new game, just wait a few months and the price will drop below the $70 launch price.
If you have a digital PS5, you’ll have to wait until the game goes on sale on the PlayStation Store. However, if you have a new digital PS5 (i.e. the current slim model with the new design), Sony sells a Disc Drive add-on for your PS5 Digital Edition for $79.
True cost of PS5:
When you add it all up, it’s $904 for the PS5 Digital Edition with the 1TB SSD upgrade, headset, second DualSense controller, PlayStation Plus, charger and just one PS5 game – and $954 for the standard PS5 with those extras. That’s not even counting a 4K TV if you don’t already have one, which can add another $300-$400 to the cost.
Some retailers may offer bundles that include the console plus one or two games, a headset, and an additional controller for a slightly lower price than buying all the items separately.