A common question among gamers today: Should I buy a PlayStation 5 now to enjoy the current library and powerful performance, or wait for the release of the PlayStation 6 to get the latest technology and higher performance?
Buy a high-spec laptop at a low price
Buy a high-spec computer at a low price
PlayStation 5 basic specifications
Before deciding whether to buy a console or wait, it’s helpful to remember the official PS5 specifications, as they remain the benchmark for performance at the time of writing:
Processor (CPU): An eight-core AMD Zen 2 processor with a variable clock speed of up to approximately 3.5 GHz.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): A custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU that supports ray tracing and delivers up to TFLOPS of performance higher than the PS4 generation.
Memory: 16GB GDDR6.
Storage: A high-speed NVMe SSD with approximately user-defined capacity (the base model is around 825GB, expandable via a compatible NVMe SSD). The dedicated storage speed and I/O capabilities were key selling points for Sony, aiming to reduce loading times.
Media: A standard version with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive and a digital edition without a disc drive.
Key features: 3D audio support, DualSense controller with haptic feedback and touch zoom triggers, PSVR2 support (partially at the hardware and software levels).
These specifications make the PlayStation 5 a platform capable of running games in 4K resolution at excellent frame rates in many titles, facilitating faster loading times and a smoother gaming experience without long buffering periods.
What do we know (or expect) about the PlayStation 6? - Specifications and potential release date
As of the time of writing, Sony has not officially announced the PlayStation 6 ‘s hardware specifications or a specific release date. What is available are analyst and industry predictions based on Sony’s past release cycles and industry trends:
Historical Release Cycle: Sony has typically followed a 6-7 year cycle between generations (PS4 – 2013, PS5 – 2020). Based on this and some market analysis, analysts predict a possible PlayStation 6 release between 2027 and 2029, but this is uncertain and depends on Sony’s plans, pricing strategy, and available technologies.
Expected Specifications (Common/Plausible): With Sony’s continued partnership with AMD, analysts expect a significant increase in GPU capabilities (more computing units, deeper ray tracing support, hardware AI improvements), increased memory capacity and SSD speeds, improved power management and cooling, and potentially stronger support for 4K or 8K frame rates in some games. Backward compatibility and support for the PlayStation 4 /PlayStation 5 library are also crucial for Sony if it wants to retain its player base.
Important warning: Until Sony makes an official statement, everything we read about the PlayStation 6 remains a rumor or technical analysis—so don’t base your purchase decision on unconfirmed speculation.
Buy a high-spec laptop at a low price
Buy a high-spec computer at a low price
Is it worth the wait? (Who should buy now and who should wait)
Let’s analyze the decision based on different user scenarios:
Buy now if:
You want to play right away: The PlayStation 5 library and backward compatibility give you thousands of hours of gameplay. If you’re eager for current releases (like Sony exclusives such as Spider-Man 2 or major third-party titles), buying now makes sense.
You want to experience the DualSense and PS5 features: DualSense controllers, advanced audio technology, and a fast SSD are revolutionizing the gaming experience right now.
Your budget is right: With versions like the PlayStation 5 Digital and PlayStation 5 with a disc drive, you might find special offers, discounts, or attractive game bundles on the market.
Wait if:
Your budget is limited, and you want top performance without a short-term upgrade: The next generation is expected to deliver top performance, but the price will typically be higher at launch. If you don’t want to spend too much soon, you might wait for the PlayStation 5 price to drop closer to the next-gen release, or you might save up for a PlayStation 6 when it launches.
Want the latest visual technology (like 4K at 120Hz or true 8K): The next generation may offer better experiences in this area, but most serious gamers will find the PlayStation 5 perfectly adequate for most current games.
Practical advice:
If you have a game library, friends you play with on the PlayStation 5 , or the games you want are available now, buy a PlayStation 5 . If you already own a modern console (like a PlayStation 5 or a powerful PC) and need the latest visual performance, and you want to wait for the PS6’s initial releases or reviews, wait for the official announcement from Sony.
Buy a high-spec laptop at a low price
Buy a high-spec computer at a low price
PS5 models and their differences
PS5 Standard (Disc Edition)
It has a (4K Blu-ray) disc drive, enabling you to use game and movie discs.
PS5 Digital Edition
It does not contain a disc drive; all games are downloaded digitally from the store.
PS5 Slim
A smaller and lighter version of the original PS5; announced in 2023.
It is also available in two versions: disc or digital.
Some technical changes: The SSD capacity is now often 1TB in some Slim versions.
Ports: The Slim version has two USB-C ports on the front in some models.
PS5 Pro
A mid-generation upgrade focuses on performance: a more powerful graphics processor, ray tracing improvements, and possibly more storage.
The base Pro version often comes without an optical drive, but some models may include an external drive.