The PlayStation 5 has cemented its place in the gaming world, boasting readily available stock and an impressive library of exclusives like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West, and God of War: Ragnarök. Add to that its backward compatibility with PS4 titles, and you have a console offering thousands of hours of entertainment.
PC gaming, however, presents a compelling alternative, offering a vast library of titles and the flexibility of hardware upgrades. So, the question remains: PS5 or PC in 2024? This article breaks down the key factors—price, performance, game library, backward compatibility, controllers, and online services—to help you decide which platform best suits your gaming needs. We’ll focus on the base PS5 model, excluding the PS5 Pro, for this comparison.
Price: Console Affordability vs. PC Customization
An illustration of two versions of the PS5 side by side.Alt: Two PS5 consoles, the standard and digital editions, displayed side-by-side.
Sony offers two PS5 versions: one with a disc drive for $500 and a digital-only version for $450. While $50 might seem steep for a disc drive, the standard PS5 includes a 4K Blu-Ray player, a standalone device costing around $100. The newer PS5 Slim model maintains the same price and features as the original while offering slightly more storage in a smaller form factor.
Building a comparable PC, however, requires a significantly higher investment. A current-gen graphics card alone can cost around $500, excluding other essential components.
HP Omen 45L sitting on a table.Alt: HP Omen 45L prebuilt gaming PC displayed on a table.
Prebuilt PCs offering similar performance to the PS5 start around $1,000. For a PC that truly outperforms the PS5, expect to spend between $1,200 and $1,300. While options like the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i offer decent performance for around $1,100, they’re still considerably more expensive than a PS5. However, the ability to upgrade PC components gradually over time could offer better long-term value, especially for users who also utilize their PC for work or school.
Performance: Optimized Console vs. Upgradable PC Power
The logo on the RTX 3090.Alt: Close-up of an RTX 3090 graphics card logo.
Comparing PS5 and PC performance is complex due to PC customization. While PCs can be configured to outperform or underperform a PS5, the PS5’s architecture is based on off-the-shelf PC components, enabling some comparison. The PS5 features an eight-core Zen 2 CPU, an RDNA 2-based GPU with 36 compute units, and 16GB of shared memory. While not an exact match, this roughly equates to a PC with an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X and RX 5700, representing a respectable midrange PC from the previous generation.
The mainboard of the PS5.Alt: Internal view of the PS5 motherboard and components.
Developers optimize games for the PS5’s closed system, resulting in impressive performance in first-party titles like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and Horizon: Forbidden West. However, third-party titles may not always achieve the same level of optimization. PCs, on the other hand, offer the advantage of upgradability and upscaling solutions like AMD FSR, allowing for performance boosts not available on PS5. PC games also offer more granular graphics options, allowing for fine-tuning not possible on the console.
Game Library: Exclusive Adventures vs. Extensive Catalog
A pile of physical PS5 games.Alt: Stack of PS5 game cases, showcasing physical copies of various titles.
The PS5 boasts a growing library of exclusives like Returnal, Demon’s Souls, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. While PC receives most AAA releases, Sony’s first-party titles remain a significant draw for the PS5. Some Sony exclusives eventually make their way to PC, but the PS5 guarantees day-one access. PC, however, avoids console exclusivity wars and offers a broader range of genres, including grand strategy and MMOs, not readily available on consoles.
Games available on the Epic Games Store.Alt: Screenshot of the Epic Games Store storefront, displaying available games.
Backward Compatibility: Limited Console vs. Extensive PC Legacy
The GOG Galaxy client on PC.Alt: GOG Galaxy client interface showcasing a library of PC games.
PC triumphs in backward compatibility, allowing access to games spanning decades. The PS5 offers backward compatibility with PS4 titles and select older PlayStation classics via PlayStation Plus Premium, but PC’s access to older titles through platforms like Steam and GOG is unmatched. PC gaming also allows for legal emulation of retro games and sidesteps potential future compatibility issues that consoles may face.
Controllers: Tailored Console Experience vs. PC Versatility
The DualSense Controller on a table.Alt: PS5 DualSense controller placed on a table.
The PS5 utilizes the DualSense controller, offering features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback not fully supported by the DualShock 4 in PS5 games. While the DualSense enhances immersion, this limitation can be frustrating for those accustomed to the DualShock 4. PC offers broad controller support, including Xbox controllers, and allows for remapping and customization using tools like reWASD, even supporting DualSense features.
The DualShock 4 PlayStation controller.Alt: PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller.
Fingers on WASD on a gaming keyboard.Alt: Close-up of fingers positioned on the WASD keys of a gaming keyboard.
While PS5 supports keyboard and mouse in select titles, PC’s native support offers a significant advantage for those who prefer this input method.
Online Services: Subscription-Based Console vs. Free PC Multiplayer
PS Plus titles for February 2022.Alt: Promotional image showcasing free games available through PlayStation Plus for February 2022.
PS5 requires a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer in most games, costing between $80 and $160 annually. While free-to-play titles and MMOs with their own subscriptions are exempt, this mandatory fee is a notable factor. PC online play, on the other hand, is generally free, with cloud saves supported by platforms like Steam. While optional subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and Humble Choice exist on PC, core online functionality remains free.
PS5 vs. PC: The Final Verdict
Origin Neuron on a table.Alt: Origin Neuron prebuilt gaming PC displayed on a table.
The PS5 provides an excellent gaming experience at a significantly lower initial cost. However, its performance may decline over time, and upgrading is not an option. PC gaming demands a higher upfront investment, but the flexibility of upgrades, extensive game library, and free online play make it a compelling choice for those willing to spend more. For most gamers in 2024, the PS5 offers excellent value. However, for those seeking ultimate performance and customization, PC gaming remains the ultimate platform.
