PlayStation 5: which one to buy?

Oh, the question that haunts every serious gamer: “Which PS5 should I buy?”‍

Don't worry, you're in the right place.

Today, let's clarify the world of Sony consoles, with advice that comes straight to you like a stroke of L1+R1.

Ready? Let's go deeper.

PS5 Standard: The Queen

If you want the PlayStation in all its glory, with a 4K Blu-ray player for those beautiful physical discs that smell of 'old days', the PS5 Standard It's the right one.

• By: perfect for those who love to collect physical games, supports 4K and offers compatibility with PS4 games. You can also use it as a high-end 4K Blu-ray player, ideal if you love physical movies. It is also the best choice for those who share family games thanks to the possibility of using discs.
• Cons: It's a beast. Really, if you don't have space in the living room, you'd better think about it. And the price of €499.99 isn't really given away. Add that physical games can take up a lot of space.

👉 Buy it here: PS5 Standard on Amazon.
I don't recommend the Digital Edition, because for €100 more you have the disc drive included. Trust me, it's worth it!

PS5 Slim: the light version

Do you want a PS5 but without the 'mini-fridge' look? La PS5 Slim it's the perfect choice.

Same performance, but more compact.

• By: 30% smaller and lighter than the original. It also has 1 TB of space, which never hurts. Ideal for those who have little space available or prefer a more discreet design. The new modular design allows you to add the disc drive only if necessary.
• Cons: you can take it with or without an optical reader (external), but it will cost you a nice €429.99 (Digital Edition) or €549.99 (with reader). For many it could be a compromise between design and price, but don't expect technical changes compared to the Standard.

👉 Buy it here: PS5 Slim on Amazon.
Don't forget the essential accessories: disc player and vertical base, essential for a top setup!

PS5 Pro: Is it really worth it?

Here we are at PS5 Pro, the sacred monster of the range.

On paper, it looks like the ultimate console: 16.7 TFLOPs of power (huh?) , advanced ray tracing, 2 TB SSD and 8K support.

• By: offers high-level performance for those who want to squeeze every pixel. The larger storage capacity allows you to keep more games installed without sacrificing anything. Ideal if you have a 4K or 8K TV and expect absolute perfection. Ray tracing has improved, and streaming with PlayStation Plus Premium should benefit in terms of visual quality.
• Cons: €799. Yes, you read that right. And here comes the uncomfortable question: is it really worth it? Well, if you only want to play 'FIFA' or 'Call of Duty', the answer is no. You pay a premium price for improvements that, for many games, don't make a huge difference. In addition, the real potential will be seen with future games optimized exclusively for this version.

👉 Buy it here: PS5 Pro on Amazon.
Oh, and if you take it, consider the dedicated vertical base, which is mandatory to keep it standing.

PlayStation Portal and Cloud Gaming: for the nomadic gamer

If you want to take PS5 games to every room (or to the bathroom, I'm not judging), the PlayStation Portal it's the perfect gadget.

With PS Plus Premium, you can also play in the cloud, completely eliminating the need for a physical console.

• By: access to games anywhere, direct streaming and a quality that reaches up to 1080p/60 fps. Perfect for casual sessions without monopolizing the TV. Thanks to Sony's updates, it now makes more sense than ever, with improved support for cloud streaming.
• Cons: You must have a great connection, otherwise you are in a state of lag. And it costs €219.99 (less than offers). It's also not a standalone device: it's completely dependent on the PS5 or PS Plus Premium to work.

👉 Buy it here: PlayStation Portal on Amazon.
I refer you to mine review, where I was initially skeptical, but with Sony's updates the device makes MUCH more sense now. Don't let it get away.

Comparison table

Official accessories: why improve the experience?

Sony offers a range of official accessories that can make your PS5 experience even more immersive:

• Pulse 3D Wireless Headphones: designed to take advantage of the PS5's 3D audio, they offer truly immersive sound and a comfortable design.
• Pulse Elite Wireless Headphones: extraordinary audio quality with planar magnetic drivers and microphone with AI-enhanced noise reduction.
• Pulse Explore earbuds: compact but powerful, ideal for those looking for mobility without sacrificing high-quality audio.
• HD camera: perfect for streaming on Twitch with sharp images that are easy to set up.
• Media Remote: useful for those who use the PS5 as an entertainment center.

PS Plus: which tier to choose?

The PlayStation Plus service is the key to getting the most out of your PS5, but choosing between Essential, Extra and Premium it can be complicated.

Here's a quick comparison:

• PS Plus Essential: The basic plan (€59.99 per year), which includes online multiplayer, 2-3 free monthly games, and exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store. Ideal for those who only play online or want to spend the bare minimum.
• PS Plus Extra: (€99.99 per year) Adds a vast catalog of PS4 and PS5 games to download, including great titles like 'Ghost of Tsushima'. Perfect if you want a large library without buying every single game.
• PS Plus Premium: (€119.99 per year) It includes all of the above, plus cloud gaming to play on compatible devices and a selection of PS1, PS2, PS3 classics. With the recent update, cloud gaming is now optimized for PS5 and PlayStation Portal, making it a top choice for hardcore gamers.

👉 Advice? Essential for those who play online only, Extra for those who want a rich library and Premium for those who use the cloud and want the most.

FAQ

1. Which PS5 is best suited for kids?
La PS5 Slim, thanks to its small size and the more manageable design.

2. Is it worth buying a PS5 now or waiting?
Yes, the time is right, thanks to the new Pro and Slim options.

3. How much space does it take to install a PS5?
The Slim is 30% cheaper than the Standard and the Pro.

4. Is the PlayStation Portal for everyone?
Not really. It's ideal for those who have a PS5 and want to take advantage of remote streaming. If you don't have a console, you can only play the limited PS Plus Premium library.

So, which one to choose?

• Classic and reliable: PS5 Standard, if you love records.
• Compact yet powerful: PS5 Slim, for those who want to save space.
• Exaggerated performance but at a high cost: PS5 Pro... but only if you have money to waste and you want the top.
• Gaming everywhere: PlayStation Portal, for real nomads.

Conclusion? The choice depends on how much you want to spend, how you play and your priorities.

Oh, and if you take the Pro... let me know if you've really noticed all this difference, because I'm still here thinking about it.