The first reviews of the PlayStation 5 have been published – the console has been compared to a “bloated suitcase that does not zip up”

Journalists note that the physical dimensions of the console are really impressive: in the vertical position its height reaches almost 40 cm, and in the horizontal position – 11 cm, which is more than the original PS3. According to an IGN spokesman, this is the most “colorful” console in history: PS5 “with its expanding black stripe on the front panel and protruding white plastic looks like a suitcase full of things so that it does not close properly.” He added that white seems to be a controversial decision: most modern audio and video equipment is made in black, so the device will stand out not only because of its size.

Most reviewers agree that the physical size of the console is a big issue. In some cases, it may come to the need to redesign the playing space. At the same time, the dark part of the PS5 is very easily soiled: fingerprints and settling dust are clearly visible on it. The stand seems cheaper in quality than the console itself, but it does its job well: it does not require additional effort for horizontal placement, and vertical installation requires the use of a special screw that comes with the kit. This is done simply: you can tighten the screw not only with a flat screwdriver, but also with a knife or even a nail.

As for the work of the console, the journalists were pleased: the download speed of games has increased significantly in comparison with the PlayStation 4, in some cases – up to three times. At the same time, the PS5 works quietly and almost does not get warm. A GameSpot spokesman noted that users may have difficulty launching games from the disc correctly: unlike the PS4, the optical drive is positioned differently, and in the upright position of the console, you can easily insert the disc upside down.

The interface of the console itself still leaves much to be desired: many familiar functions like sorting games are not currently available, but the menu of the titles themselves has become more informative due to the addition of guides and other information. Sony has finally introduced a feature that gamers have been waiting for: in the console menu, you can find out the exact time spent in a particular game. This applies to both PS5 titles and backward compatibility games.

Among the major shortcomings at the moment, journalists note the available amount of internal memory: only 667.2 GB is allocated for installing games, while the volume can be expanded only for games of the previous generation by installing an external hard drive.

Reviewers were impressed by the DualSense gamepad. Most agree that the new generation is not so much about graphical advances as about new gaming experiences. At the same time, the gamepad usually works from charging for 6-7 hours, like the DualShock 4, but the time can be reduced by a couple of hours with the active use of new functions – for example, when playing Astro’s Playroom.

The impressions of the gamepad, even without new functions, are positive: it is somewhat larger than the previous model and is made differently ergonomically, but it lies much more pleasantly in the hands. The D-pad is quite responsive even for fighting game players, and the sticks are more comfortable while maintaining the same size as the previous gamepad. The DualShock 4 can only be used with PS4 games: Sony notes that new titles will require a new gamepad. According to journalists, after a couple of weeks of using new technologies, the understanding comes that the requirement is not just empty words.

At the same time, the full DualSense is currently revealed only in Astro’s Playroom: despite the fact that the game itself was not just a demonstration of functionality, it really squeezes the maximum out of the device in terms of sensations. At the same time, although Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales uses an improved vibration response, it does not feel as great as in the case of Astro’s Playroom, although it gives an additional sense of presence when, for example, Morales is on a moving train. The game transmits the vibration of the cars. Functions are not only used in Sony titles: some of the third-party developers also add them to their products.

Games that have already received patches for nextgen work flawlessly. Ghost of Tsushima and Days Gone deliver 4K at 60 FPS. Some titles that have experienced drawdowns on PS4 are more stable on PS5, such as Rise of Tomb Raider, Until Dawn and The Evil Within. Bloodborne became a disappointment: the game did not have a patch, and therefore it runs at 30 FPS on the new generation console with periodic drawdowns associated with engine problems.

Some of the backwards compatibility titles perform better than the Xbox Series X, including Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which runs at a steady 60 FPS, while competing consoles have occasional drops of up to 55 FPS. Reporters noted that some of the games, for example Doom Eternal, display an incomplete compatibility message when launched, but at the same time they work without any problems. At the same time, PS5 improvements are more basic than in the case of PS4: games run at a more stable frame rate and, in some cases, with increased resolution. Features like Microsoft’s Auto HDR are out of the question.

New titles available to journalists include Astro’s Playroom, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Devil May Cry 5 SE, Bugsnax and The Pathless. Miles Morales received the greatest praise in terms of graphics: the game works flawlessly and produces high-quality reflections at a stable 30 FPS or runs without RTX at 60 FPS. At the same time, there is no favorite in the modes: the IGN representative emphasizes the “Quality” mode due to improved lighting and high-quality reflections of even distant objects, while the GameSpot journalist opted for stable 60 FPS, which are more suitable for action-oriented gameplay. At the same time, both emphasize that the modes are equivalent replacements and do not look like a compromise, unlike similar ones on PS4. Some third-party games allow up to 120 FPS.

In Russia, the PlayStation 5 will go on sale on November 19, but it will only be available in online stores. According to company representatives, these restrictions are related to precautionary measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sony said it didn’t want to risk the health of gamers and merchants.