If you‘re a PS4 owner wondering whether it‘s time to upgrade, the answer is a definitive yes. The PS5 provides massive leaps over the PS4 in graphics power, speed, immersion, and game design flexibility that make the new generation extremely compelling.
Significantly More Powerful Hardware
The PS5‘s new custom processor and graphics chip are transformational upgrades over the PS4‘s now outdated Jaguar CPU and GPU. Here are some of the key hardware advantages:
- 8-core Zen 2 CPU at 3.5GHz – a dramatic jump from the 8 low-power Jaguar cores in the PS4. Around 3x faster.
- 10.28 TFLOP RDNA 2 GPU vs. PS4‘s 1.84 TFLOPs – more than 5x increase in graphics power.
- 16GB high-speed GDDR6 RAM vs. PS4‘s 8GB – double the memory.
- Custom 825GB SSD capable of raw throughput of 5.5GB/s versus PS4‘s mechanical hard drive maxing out around 100MB/s – an immense 50x increase in storage speed.
This huge power boost allows the PS5 to output 4K visuals at a smooth 60-120 fps, use ray tracing for realistic lighting, deliver near-instant load times, and render expansive game worlds not possible on PS4 hardware.
Stunning Next-Gen Graphics
The PS5‘s RDNA 2 graphics processor enables far more detailed, immersive visuals with ray tracing support. Scenes have much more realistic reflections, lighting, shadows, and textures. Hair and water effects are also vastly improved. Games display at 4K resolution (up to 8K) and buttery smooth 60-120fps.
According to Digital Foundry‘s analysis, "PS5 offers around twice the graphics power of PS4." The difference is like night and day.
| Graphics Capability | PS4 | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | Up to 8K |
| Frame Rate | 30fps | Up to 120fps |
| Ray Tracing | No | Yes |
Lightning Fast Load Times
The PS5‘s custom SSD is an absolute game-changer. Games load incredibly fast–in under 10 seconds in many cases versus 30-60 seconds on PS4. Fast travel and getting into matches in online games happen instantly.
Digital Foundry measured games loading 10-20x faster on PS5 compared to PS4 thanks to the SSD. No more sluggish load screens or interminable hallway sequences used to mask loads. Games become more seamless and immersive on PS5.
Game-Changing Immersion with DualSense
The PS5‘s DualSense controller uses advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to let you physically feel gameplay in your hands like never before. In a game like Returnal, you can feel every raindrop and recoil of different weapons distinctly. For racing games, you feel subtle road textures in the triggers. It takes immersion to new heights.
According to Wired, the DualSense allows you to "feel subtle details like the slow grittiness of driving a car through mud" in a way that feels revolutionary compared to normal PS4 rumble.
Must-Have Exclusives You Can Only Play on PS5
The PS4 still has some life left, but PS5 is clearly the future. Exciting upcoming exclusives like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West, Final Fantasy XVI, Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2, Gran Turismo 7 and more will only be playable on PS5.
Sony‘s development resources are focused squarely on leveraging the PS5‘s power, so don‘t expect any more big PS4 exclusives. If you want to experience Sony‘s best new games going forward, PS5 is a must.
Here‘s a taste of some of the biggest PlayStation Studios games coming out only for PS5:
- God of War: Ragnarok (2022)
- Horizon Forbidden West (2022)
- Marvel‘s Spider-Man 2 (2023)
- Gran Turismo 7 (2022)
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Final Fantasy XVI (TBA)
And many more!
PlayStation VR 2 – Next-Gen Virtual Reality
An all new PSVR 2 headset is in development exclusively for PS5. It will use PS5‘s power for 4K HDR visuals, inside-out tracking, eye-tracking, 3D audio support, and DualSense integration complete with haptic feedback. This has the potential to be a game-changing leap over the original PSVR on PS4.
PS4 Support Winding Down as PS5 Takes Over
Make no mistake, Sony is shifting focus fully to PS5 now. The PS4 generation is entering its final phase while support for PS5 is ramping up. New games, updates, services, and accessories will revolve around PS5.
The PS4 sold 13.4 million units in its 3rd year after launch while PS5 has already surpassed 20 million – a clear sign of strong adoption of the new generation.
If you want to stay current, upgrading sooner than later is recommended.
Enjoy Your PS4 Library with Enhancements
Thanks to stellar backwards compatibility, all your existing PS4 games come with you to PS5. Save data transfers seamlessly between consoles. You immediately have access to your PS4 library on PS5.
Even better, many PS4 games get significant upgrades when played on PS5 hardware. Higher, more stable framerates, increased resolution, faster loading, and improved visuals are common enhancements.
God of War on PS4 ran at 30fps but enjoys "rock solid 60 FPS on PS5" according to Digital Foundry, transforming the gameplay feel.
The PS4 library you already own plays better than ever on PS5.
More Availability and PS5 Deals
The PS5 launch saw shortages and sparce availability of the new console. However, supply has improved markedly in 2022. PS5 restocks are readily available from major retailers. It‘s now easy to purchase a PS5 at retail price.
Bundle deals are also becoming more common, adding games or accessories at a discount. For PS4 owners still on the fence, purchasing a PS5 is far less difficult now.
PS5 is a Massive Leap for PS4 Owners
For PlayStation gamers, PS5 delivers transformative upgrades across the board over PS4 – incredible graphics, near instant load times, must-have new exclusives, and advanced immersion with DualSense. You‘ll experience your game library fresh and enhanced. With plenty of stock available, now is an ideal time for PS4 owners to step into next generation gaming and unlock PS5‘s full potential. The difference is a true night and day upgrade.
