Sony - PlayStation 5 Console

What's the most popular next-generation gaming console out there? It's no secret, the PS5 reigns supreme. Do you think that PlayStation 5 ($499) is the finest gaming console ever? Many do, but even after a year of availability, finding one to take home remains a challenge. It's not as "impossible" as it was in the beginning, but if you want to score one you need to be vigilant and follow the restocks.

The prize for patience and persistence is, of course, a gaming console that pushes graphics to new levels of resolution, clarity, and smoothness. This is thanks to its support for not just 8K video, but perhaps more crucially to gamers, 4K/120 FPS—which can be found on various HDMI 2.1-equipped 120 Hz 4K TVs, not just 120 Hz 8K TVs. Add support for HDR and soon, VRR as well (via update) and you've got a console that can give a gaming PC a run for its money. Want some help picking a new TV? Click here.

The quality and capabilities of the controller will easily make or break a console. The new DualSense wireless controller($69.99) sets the stage for next-generation console gaming. What's the big deal now? Consider the introduction of dynamically resistant adaptive triggers: Instead of only having spring tension, these triggers are able to emulate various sensations. Be it a gun trigger, or bow and arrow, modulating the trigger's feel brings a new level of realism to the gaming experience. It can even replicate the smooth movement of the gas pedal. The adaptive triggers work with the other aspects of haptic feedback offered by the DualSense in order to create next-level tactile sensations.

Oh, and adding a microphone to the controller? Thank you!  There's even a mute button. Nothing more fun than talking smack during online competitive games.

The console itself has a futuristic, sculptural design to it. The sleek tower's form follows function, and that function is to dissipate heat resulting from high-performance graphics and gameplay. And this standard Console Edition of the PlayStation 5 even has an Ultra HD Blu-ray player, so it can serve double-duty as the hub of your home cinema or living room system, it's perfect for streaming and discs, as well as games. But it's undeniable, the PlayStation 5 isn't something you buy to "Netflix and chill." Chances are your primary motivation to get a PS5 is its current status as arguably the best gaming console ever made, combining the visual quality and fluidity of PC gaming with the overwhelming popularity of the PlayStation platform.