Massive game library, mature hardware, and GTA VI on the horizon: Is the PS5 in its prime? And which model is right for you? Our guide helps you decide.
Anyone considering a PlayStation 5 purchase toward the end of 2025 finds themselves in an interesting position. The console has long since worked through its early growing pains, the game library is enormous, and since November 2024, there’s even a premium option for enthusiasts in the form of the PS5 Pro. At the same time, buyers are rightly asking how long Sony will continue to support the current generation and whether jumping in now still makes sense. This guide breaks down which model is right for which type of player and what you can realistically expect from the platform going forward.
PlayStation 5 in 2025: Which Models Are Available?
Sony currently offers three different PS5 variants that clearly differ in price, features, and target audience.
The PS5 Slim with disc drive carries an MSRP of $499.99 / €549.99 / £479.99 and is the well-balanced standard choice for most buyers. If you’re willing to go fully digital, the Digital Edition costs $449.99 / €499.99 / £389.99 — but be careful here. In Europe, a revision has been circulating since 2025 with only 825 GB of storage* instead of the usual 1 TB. At the same price, that’s a frustrating downgrade.
The PS5 Pro has been the top of Sony’s lineup since November 7, 2024. It’s positioned squarely as a high-end option for players who want 4K resolution, ray tracing, and high frame rates without compromise. At around $699.99 / €799.99 / £699.99, it’s a steep premium, but one that makes sense if you own a high-quality TV or monitor.
Which PS5 Model Is Right for You in 2025?
The PS5 Slim with disc drive* is the sensible choice for most players in 2025. It grants access to the full library, supports physical media, and sits at a reasonable price point. If you want to play PlayStation blockbusters and have instant access to a wide range of titles, you really can’t go wrong here.
The PS5 Pro is aimed at enthusiasts with high-end displays who want maximum visual fidelity and the best possible preparation for upcoming titles. The price hike is significant, but it can be justified over the remaining years of the console generation, especially if you care about PSSR upscaling and improved ray tracing.
Proceed with caution when it comes to the PS5 Digital Edition*: if you tend to keep several large games installed at once — think Call of Duty, FIFA, plus three or four additional AAA titles — you’ll hit storage limits quickly with the 825 GB revision. In that case, the disc version or additional storage is the better call.
The PS5 is less appealing for players who already own a powerful gaming PC and are comfortable waiting for Sony titles to arrive there later. In that scenario, the console offers convenience more than true exclusivity.
Technical Strengths of the PlayStation 5
Even toward the end of 2025, the PS5 still impresses with hardware that remains competitive. The ultra-fast SSD delivers lightning-quick load times and seamless world streaming—a difference you notice immediately compared to older consoles. Support for 4K output, up to 120 Hz, and VRR keeps the system ready for modern displays.
The DualSense controller remains one of the strongest arguments for the PlayStation platform. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers create a tactile experience no other console quite matches — provided developers fully take advantage of those features. Add full backward compatibility with PS4 games, many of which now run better thanks to 60 FPS patches, and your existing library instantly gains value.
Drawbacks and Criticism
For all its strengths, there are downsides that matter more in late 2025 than they did at launch. Sony’s pricing strategy is aggressive: the PS5 Pro has pushed the premium console price ceiling significantly higher, while base models have barely dropped in price. On top of that comes an accessory strategy that could politely be described as confident.
Another factor is exclusivity. Many Sony titles now arrive on PC after a delay. If you already own a capable gaming rig and have some patience, there are fewer must-have reasons to buy a PS5 than there were a few years ago. In that case, the console becomes more of a comfort-focused living-room machine than an essential source of exclusive content.
How Future-Proof Is the PS5?
The good news for anyone jumping in now: the PlayStation 6 is still a long way off. Current industry estimates and regulatory filings point to a release no earlier than 2028, more likely 2029. Sony has also made it clear that it intends to extend the PS5 era rather than end it prematurely.
That means anyone buying at the end of 2025 or early 2026 can expect at least three full years during which the PS5 remains the primary platform for new releases—a far more comfortable window than purchasing right before a generational shift.
Upcoming PS5 Games in 2025 and 2026
While 2025 was relatively quiet for Sony exclusives, it still delivered major releases like Death Stranding 2: On The Beach and Ghost of Yōtei. Looking ahead to 2026, the lineup includes Saros (April 30) from the Returnal developers at Housemarque, Marvel’s Wolverine (fall) from Insomniac Games, and Naughty Dog’s newly announced sci-fi blockbuster Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
The real elephant in the room, though, is GTA VI. Rockstar’s open-world epic has been delayed to fall 2026 and, as usual, will launch on consoles first. PC players will likely have to wait until 2027 or even 2028. For many, that title alone is reason enough to buy a console.
Final Verdict: Buy a PS5 Now or Wait?
Late 2025 is a solid time to buy a PS5. The hardware is mature, the game library is extensive and easy to expand through sales or the used market, and the next console generation is still years away. Anyone holding out for the PS6 should be prepared for a long stretch without current PlayStation releases.
Choosing between models comes down to priorities: budget and versatility favor the Slim with disc drive, while maximum visual fidelity points to the Pro. The only real caveat is the Digital Edition — make sure you know which revision you’re getting, as reduced storage in some European models is an unnecessary compromise.
Opinion: The PS5 Has Hit Its Sweet Spot in 2025
I’ll admit it: at launch, I was skeptical about whether the PS5 was really worth buying given the limited lineup at the time. Today, I see things differently. The console has reached its best phase — battle-tested hardware, a massive library, and still plenty of big titles ahead. Anyone jumping in now gets a refined product without early adopter headaches.
That said, Sony’s pricing still frustrates me. An $800 PS5 Pro, expensive accessories, and a Digital Edition with less storage at the same price don’t exactly scream consumer-friendly. Even so, the PS5 remains my console of choice for relaxed couch gaming. The DualSense alone makes it worth the investment.
What do you think about the PS5 at the end of 2025? Are you planning to buy one, or are you waiting for the next generation? Let us know in the comments.
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