PS5 Slim Review: The King of Couch Gaming
I'm a PC gamer at heart, but the PS5 offers something my $3,000 rig can't: pure, frictionless immersion.
I'm a PC gamer at heart. I built my own rig, I obsess over frame rates, and I like my mechanical keyboard. But the PS5 offers something my $3,000 rig can't: pure, frictionless immersion without the troubleshooting.
Hardware and user experience
Sometimes, I just want to sit on the couch and play. I don't want to update drivers, fiddle with graphics settings, or wonder why my audio is routing to the wrong output. The PS5 delivers that experience. You press the PS button, and 10 seconds later, you are in the game. It's the king of convenience.
The DualSense controller
This is the real reason to buy a PS5. It's not rumble; it's haptic feedback. You can feel the texture of the ground—the crunch of snow or the patter of rain. The adaptive triggers even change their resistance, letting you feel the tension of a bowstring. It sounds like a gimmick until you try it; going back to a standard controller feels dead and lifeless afterward.
The PlayStation exclusive library
Sony's first-party studios are on another level. God of War: Ragnarök, Spider-Man 2, and Ghost of Tsushima are narrative masterpieces that define the medium. While other platforms have great value, PlayStation has the games that stick with you for years.
The Games I Love
Hardware is only half the story. If you're picking up a PS5, these are the titles I recommend starting with. Interestingly, some of the best games are the newest ones, which often means you can find great bundles or deals if you time your purchase right.
A note on PlayStation Plus
If you already know which specific games you want to play, PlayStation Plus is a fantastic option. The subscription gives you access to a massive catalog of hundreds of games, often including major hits just a year or two after release. It's the most cost-effective way to build a library quickly.
✅ The Good
- Incredible exclusive game library
- DualSense haptics are industry-leading
- Custom SSD makes loading screens a thing of the past
- Whisper-quiet operation compared to previous gens
❌ The Bad
- The design is still bulky and hard to fit in cabinets
- Internal storage (1TB) fills up very quickly
- $70 game prices add up fast
The bottom line: Should you buy it?
If you enjoy single-player narrative games and want the most polished console experience available, yes. It is the home of the best storytelling in gaming. Even if you have a high-end PC, the DualSense features and the ability to play exclusives at launch make it worth the spot under your TV.
How I Test My Gear
I own and use every product listed here. No "review units" that I send back after a week.
I continuously use and re-evaluate products. When I find something better or stop using a product, I update my recommendations.
Tested in a real home environment with limited space and budget constraints.
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📚 Citing This Guide
When referencing this content, please cite: "PS5 Slim Review" by jason.guide
