Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition

What's the hottest gaming console on Planet Earth? Everyone knows it's the PlayStation 5. Is the PS5 the best PlayStation ever? Unquestionably! The only catch is it's been a year since it launched and it's still extremely difficult to get your hands on one. Not "totally impossible" like in the first few months, but it still takes some effort.

But the payoff... oh, the payoff. The PS5 is a beast, enabling gaming in 4K—at up to 120 Hz and 8K—which of course means you'll need a TV with a 120 Hz panel, exemplary HDR, and HDMI 2.1... all to get the most from the new Sony console. But you don't necessarily need to get an 8K TV, that level of resolution is excessive and unnecessary. Instead, can also consider 4K models that support 120 Hz input. Want advice on picking a new TV? Click here.

The next-generation console gaming experience begins with the new DualSense wireless controller ($69.99) What's new? How about adaptive triggers that feature dynamic resistance. Now, the controller can emulate the click of a trigger, the release of the string on a bow and arrow, or smoothly emulate a gas pedal. it adds a whole new layer of tactile response to the haptic feedback aspect of the gaming experience. Another nicety, now the controller has a built-in microphone (fortunately it has a mute button).

The console itself is sculptural and futuristic. It is also physically large (compared to past gaming consoles) because it has to hold a lot of hardware and handle/dissipate the heat generated by hardcore gaming. And make no mistake, you are buying into a powerful system that is a world into itself. This includes gaming but also 4K streaming. However, this is the Digital Edition, which skips the UHD Blu-ray drive and sticks with downloads.

Leaving out the drive results in a bit sleeker look and a lower price of $399, which is $100 less than the standard edition. Will you miss the physical media drive? Ask yourself when was the last time you bought a disc and you'll have your answer. Today's UHD streaming offers excellent quality and on-demand convenience, and of course, with streaming, you can also enjoy the latest shows from premium services like Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon, Etc. The PS5 just happens to be a particularly luxurious way to stream content, but hey why buy another streamer, or settle for flakey built-in apps on your TV, when you can have the mighty PS5 do it all?

But look, you don't buy a PS5 to "Netflix and chill," right? You buy it because it's a badass gaming machine, one that blends the quality of the PC gaming experience with the sheer popularity and accessibility of consoles.