Thinking about buying a PlayStation 5? Or maybe you already have one and still have some unanswered questions? This guide covers the most common concerns to help you get the most out of your PS5 experience.
Note: This guide provides general answers. For specific instructions, check Sony’s official guides.
What’s the Difference Between the Slim and the Original PS5?
Sony released the PS5 Slim models (both with and without a disc drive) in November 2023. These new versions are 30% smaller than the original PS5 models. The internal SSD has also been upgraded from 875GB to 1TB, but performance wise, there’s no difference.
If you plan to buy physical game discs (some games could be unlisted from the PSN shop), it’s better to get the version with a built-in disc drive rather than purchasing an external one later.
One downside: Unlike the original models, the Slim versions don’t come with a vertical stand. Instead, they include a small stand for horizontal placement, and you’ll need to buy a separate stand if you prefer a vertical setup.
What’s the Deal with PlayStation 5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro was officially announced in September 2024 and launched on November 7. It comes with a hefty price tag: $700 in the US and €800 in Europe!
The Pro model introduces Sony’s new PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) technology to enhance graphics without compromising performance. Sony claims a 45% performance boost over the standard PS5, but this varies by game.
While some games benefit from improved stability (e.g., better frame rates and dynamic resolution), others, like Silent Hill 2, have had visual glitches, such as odd looking water effects. Some PS4 games also receive graphical enhancements on the Pro model.
As of March 2025, sales of the PS5 Pro have been slowing down. Is it due to a lack of interest from casual players, or are gamers waiting for more significant improvements? Time will tell!
How Can I Expand My Storage?
To add more storage to your PS5, you’ll need an internal NVMe SSD. Fortunately, SSD prices have dropped, and you can easily find them on sites like Amazon or Newegg, just make sure shipping costs aren’t too high in your region.
Also, you should google for the best offers because the prices and deals change all the time.
For PS4 games, you can use an external USB hard drive, which is cheaper but won’t offer the same fast load times.
Another option is to store PS5 games on a regular external hard drive (not an SSD) for later use. This way, you won’t need to redownload them when you want to play.
How Do I Back Up and Transfer Save Files?
For PS4 games, you can back up save files to a USB drive or the cloud (if you have a PS Plus subscription).
For PS5 games, cloud storage is the only option, and you’ll need at least the basic PlayStation Plus Essential plan. There’s no way to manually back up PS5 saves.
To transfer saves from a PS4 to a PS5, use a LAN cable or cloud storage. Many games also allow you to import PS4 save files directly from their main menu.
Why Does My PS5 Show PS4 Game Versions for Download?
If a game has both PS4 and PS5 versions, you’ll often see both available in the PlayStation Store. In some cases, the PS4 version may run better due to lower system requirements.
If you’re unsure which version to download, check Videos from Digital Foundry YouTube Channel or Reddit before making a choice.
How Can I Get Cheaper Games in Europe?
Many players create a US PlayStation account and buy PSN gift cards from websites like PC Game Supply or OffGamers.com. However, be cautious with sites like Eneba, as reliability varies. Some Sites might also sell you a PSN account with a game, but won’t let you install the game more than once…
Also, some players set up accounts in countries like Turkey or India for even cheaper prices, but this carries risks. Sony has been cracking down on region switching.
Do I Need a Separate Email for Multiple PSN Accounts?
Yes, but there’s a workaround: Gmail allows you to add a period (.) anywhere in your email address before the @ symbol. For example, [email protected] and [email protected] are treated as the two different emails by PSN, letting you use them for different accounts.
Share Play vs. Game Share: What’s the Difference?
- Share Play lets you play a game remotely with a friend who doesn’t own it.
- Game Share allows you to share your purchased games with another PSN account. It’s legal and won’t get you banned, but you can only link one additional console.
Can I Play PS5 Games on a PS4?
Yes, but only via Remote Play, which streams PS5 games to a PS4. However, it has limitations such as no support for VR Games.
Does the PS5 Support Cross-Play with PC and Xbox?
It depends on the game. Most titles allow cross play between PS5 and PS4, while cross play with PC or Xbox varies by developer.
Do I Need PlayStation Plus to Play Online?
For paid games, yes. You need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access online multiplayer.
However, free to play games like Fortnite or Apex Legends don’t require a PS Plus membership. Occasionally, Sony also offers free online multiplayer weekends for all players.
PlayStation Plus Tiers – Which One is Right for You?
- Essential – The classic PS Plus plan. Includes a few free games each month and cloud saves for PS5 games. Also offers video hints for difficult game sections.
- Extra – Includes a large library of games, though it doesn’t feature brandnew Sony titles on launch day.
- Deluxe/Premium – Offers PS1, PS2, and PS Vita games via enhanced emulation. In regions with PS3 streaming, it’s called Premium instead of Deluxe.
- Pricing varies by country, and some players use region swapping tricks to get a cheaper subscription.
What About DLC and In-Game Purchases Like V-Bucks?
Unlike full games, DLC and ,in game purchases are region locked to the account that bought them. For example, if you have a US PlayStation account, you won’t be able to buy V-Bucks in Fortnite using a European credit card.
To avoid issues, buy prepaid PSN cards for the correct region. You can also set up parental controls to require a password before purchases on your own region.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a new PS5 owner or a longtime PlayStation fan, this guide should help you make the most of your console. If you have any more questions, feel free to explore Sony’s official resources, comment here or ask in gaming communities.
And most importantly, have fun!
