The PlayStation 5, close to celebrating its third birthday, continues to face scrutiny over its sparse library of exclusive games, in stark contrast to its older siblings, the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. This critique points not only to the console’s current state but also serves as a commentary on the larger gaming landscape.
Sony’s ninth-generation home console, the PlayStation 5, was revealed to the world on June 12, 2020. With superior technology and potential than its predecessors, it made a grand entrance amid a global pandemic.
Expectations of a new gaming era were palpable. Players, having devoted more than half a decade to a single piece of hardware, were eager to witness the leap forward. With a powerful console, cutting-edge technology, and fresh ways to create immersive worlds, the future looked promising.
Three years into the PlayStation 5’s lifecycle, however, the reality paints a different picture. Despite the memes and discussions about the console’s lack of exclusive games, it’s crucial to critically assess its current state.
The PlayStation 5 is undeniably a technical marvel, but its dearth of exclusive games is palpable, more so when compared to its predecessors.
The Sparse PlayStation 5 Exclusive Scene
Since the PlayStation 5’s release, the number of exclusive titles can be counted on one hand. This isn’t about console war loyalties. It’s about the feelings of consumers like us, who invested in this platform.
To date, the PlayStation 5 exclusives list is dishearteningly sparse. Available titles include the Demon’s Souls remake, Final Fantasy 16 (a timed exclusive), and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, set for an October 2023 release.
Wolverine, Stellar Blade, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Rise of the Rōnin are in the pipeline, but their release timelines are unclear. Their handling raises questions, especially with the piecemeal information and elongated release schedules.
The VR gaming scene, too, hasn’t lived up to expectations. Whether it’s PlayStation VR or VR2, the games don’t seem to leverage the technology’s full potential yet.
Predecessor Consoles – A Richer Offering
The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, despite their early struggles, showcased a solid lineup of exclusive titles within their first three years.
From Infamous Second Son & First Light to Uncharted 4, Bloodborne, and The Last Guardian, the PlayStation 3 and 4, within three years, were brimming with exclusive games.
The PlayStation 5, compared to its siblings, paints a somewhat underwhelming picture.
PlayStation 5: The Power Untapped
The PlayStation 5’s hardware power is impressive, but its potential seems untapped. Yes, we have God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West, but these cross-gen releases may not leverage the full capacity of the new console.
The Upcoming Phase Of PlayStation 5
Sony’s first PlayStation showcase event since 2021 highlighted Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater & Spider-Man 2. Sony also unveiled Project Q, a device for remote play. This handheld accessory, though not a portable console, promises to offer gaming on the go if connected to a PlayStation 5 and an internet connection.
Sony’s focus on technological innovation is commendable, but without a strong content lineup, it’s not enough.
The main question is the value justification of the PlayStation 5. If the majority of its games are already available on its predecessor, why should consumers shell out $500 for it?
While the PlayStation 5’s potential is clear, its promise remains largely unfulfilled. Until that future materializes, it’s understandable why many might choose to stick with their PlayStation 4 and PC.
The PlayStation 5’s current state is not all doom and gloom, but as of now, it’s not living up to the hype either. But perspectives differ, and only time will tell how the console’s story unfolds.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.
