If you're considering next-level gaming, there might be no more enticing option than grabbing one of the best consoles of this generation: the PS5. With the holiday season upon us, right now could be your lucky day, as Sony's PlayStation 5 Slim Console is currently on sale at Amazon Canada for CAD 550, marking a 15% discount. This iconic gaming console has lit up the shopping charts, with over 6,000 shoppers making purchases just last month as Canada readies for its GST/HST holiday starting December 14, 2023. This tax break allows products—including the much-coveted PS5—to become instantly more affordable.
Quickly stepping back, the PS5 Slim Console presents itself as the updated iteration of Sony's impressive machine originally released at the end of 2020. The main draw of this slimmer model is its significantly reduced size; this newer version is roughly 30% smaller, addressing criticisms about the bulkiness of its predecessor. For those going for the PS5 Slim Digital Edition, the size reduction is even more dramatic. It also boasts enhanced storage capabilities, jumping from 825GB to 1TB, enabling gamers to store even more of their favorite titles on the console.
Performance-wise, this slimmed-down version retains the same technical specifications as the original PS5—delivering 4K video resolution at up to 120 frames per second and allowing users to play back all supported PlayStation 4 games seamlessly.
But what do the reviewers have to say? With over 1,800 reviews, the PS5 Slim has received an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars. Gamers rave about the "stunning" graphics, with remarks like, "it’s the best console there is" becoming commonplace. Speed is another highlight; buyers are quick to brag about the "super fast load times" when firing up their favorite titles. A few gamers also appreciate the near-silent operation, stating it can be challenging to notice if the console is even on. On the flip side, one noted downside is the absence of the vertical stand, which was part of the original console's design, limiting this latest edition to horizontal placement.
When it boils down to the current gaming scene, few systems can match the PlayStation 5 Slim Console. With top-tier graphical performance and the ability to showcase games at impressive video qualities, this console promises players immersive adventures. With the holiday sale and the tax exemption, it’s hard to ignore this opportunity of getting the console for CAD 550.
On the gameplay side, users are sharing varied experiences with older games on the PS5. Rami Tabari, editor for Laptop Mag, found himself frustrated with Middle-earth: Shadow of War, pointing out how the game's cumbersome walking animations significantly impacted the gaming experience when played on the PS5 Pro. Despite knowing the game was capped at 30 frames per second on consoles, Tabari attributes the problem primarily to gameplay mechanics—stressing how responsiveness is key, especially when playing on harder difficulties.
"I became hyper-aware from the start, realizing playing Shadow of War on the PS5 Pro was a mistake," Tabari explained, showcasing the moment-to-moment gameplay struggles. He noted how high frame rates allow for much greater fluidity and responsiveness, especially when dodging attacks from enemies, which can make or break your survival.
These issues often stem from older titles being developed under constraints of previous generations, where frame rates were often fixed. Although the PS5 Pro boasts immense power, many older AAA titles remain limited by previous specifications, leaving gamers yearning for optimal experiences.
Shifting over to the innovation side, PenBar has created something extraordinary: the BBook, which effectively transforms the PS5 Console to operate like a gaming laptop. The BBook showcases thoughtful design adjustments, including custom cooling and an IPS screen showcasing stunning 4K resolution. Yet it's important to note the absence of portable capability—this modified PS5 laptop cannot operate without being plugged directly to the wall.
Pricing for the BBook sits at around CNY 19,999 (about CAD 2,748)—a steep cost compared to the base console, but considering the unique integration of laptop-like features, manyfind it intriguing.
Gazing onto accessories, the Govee AI Sync Box 2 is creating waves among avid gamers. This device complements your gaming setup, allowing synchronization of your favorite games with smart lighting for heightened immersion. "The AI Sync Box 2...adding another dimension to my favorite games," shared one enthusiastic user. The convincing visual enhancement this technology brings to gameplay experiences makes it worth considering as part of any gaming setup.
Despite all of these advancements, one significant challenge lies within Sony's offering: the Sony Pictures Core service. Although initially launched as exclusive to premium Sony TVs, it now features on the PS5. Yet, it has faced criticism for not delivering on its quality promise and lacks support for its star feature—Pure Streams—effectively limiting its appeal.
"I regularly forget Sony Pictures Core even exists," lamented another user, stressing the need for improvements to truly offer competitive cinema streaming experiences. If only the promising quality and features were fully embraced on the PS5 app, more gamers might flock to this intriguing service.
It’s clear the holiday season holds tremendous potential for gaming enthusiasts, with significant savings around the PS5 Slim Console and exciting new accessories and products to explore. With each innovation, be it through new consoles or enhancements to existing offerings, this is truly one of the most exciting times for players around the globe.
