Gaming is one of the most popular pastimes, and while many still feel like it is a waste of time, people’s mindsets are beginning to shift. Almost everyone has played some form of video game in their lifetime — whether it’s Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, or even Nokia’s popular 90s mobile game, Snake. With so many games to play come various gaming devices. These devices and consoles, created by companies like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, have provided us with countless hours of gameplay. In this article, we will review the most popular gaming device in 2023: Sony’s PlayStation 5.
The History of Sony’s PlayStation
Before unpacking why Sony’s PlayStation is 2023’s most popular gaming device, let’s dive into its history. Sony’s PlayStation origins can be traced back to the 1980s when the company decided to partner with another popular gaming company, Nintendo. The idea was for the two to develop some sort of CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Thankfully, this never materialized.
By December 1994, Sony was ready to unleash the PlayStation to the world, and so they did, to much fanfare. The very first PlayStation console featured many games to choose from. The classics include Gex the Gecko, Crash Bandicoot, Ridge Racer, Hercules, Spider-Man, and the most well-known PlayStation game ever, Gran Turismo. This cutting-edge hardware offered 3D graphics and CD-ROM capability at the time — their competitive advantage since other brands used cartridges. Due to its successful launch in Japan in 1994, Sony would soon expand to the American and European markets in 1995 — this is where the PlayStation ultimately grew into what we know it as today.
Sony would release a slew of iterations of the iconic console, starting with a slimmed-down version of the PlayStation with the PS one — released in 2000. That same year, Sony released the highest-selling console ever, the PlayStation 2. This success would last for decades, with Sony dominating the market. By 2006, they launched the PS3. While the console was successful, it sold the fewest units. It was the most expensive console for the company. By 2013, the PS4 launched and was well-received. After 10 years, the PS4 was replaced in 2020 by the PS5.
The Best Gaming Device in 2023: The PS5
What makes the PS5 special? Many things — like its hyper-fast SSD, AMD APU, and 16GB of GDDR6. The PlayStation has reigned supreme for three decades with no end in sight. As the console’s popularity continues to increase, we expect to see more innovative and immersive gaming experiences, further solidifying its position in the market. Another factor that influences its popularity is its list of PlayStation-only exclusive games. The list includes:
- Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- Gran Turismo
- Marvel’s Spider-Man
- Ghost of Tsushima
- God of War
- The Uncharted series and so many more.
Innovative Features
Let us unpack its capabilities a little further. The PS5 hardware is light years ahead of its competitors. Its powerful custom AMD processor and high-speed SSD deliver lightning-fast load times, superb yet seamless gameplay, stunning visuals, and much more. These capabilities create an immersive experience that is second to none. Then there is the ray tracing technology, which enhances the depth of your visuals while simultaneously providing unprecedented graphic fidelity.
The controller is another work of technological art and has revolutionized how gamers play and interact during gameplay. The DualSense controller features advanced haptic feedback with adaptive triggers, which offers tactile sensations that allow a gamer to feel the impact and texture of their in-game actions and experiences. Ultimately, this gives the gamer a heightened sense of realism.
Thriving Online Community
Then, there is the robust online community that further cements the console’s multiplayer capabilities. This has significantly strengthened the gaming device’s reach. The seamless online gaming experience allows you to play with people from all walks of life. It also allows you to gameshare your digital copies, which is brilliant when you are strapped for cash and would love to play the latest game. This online community enables you to connect with other players from across the globe, creating a space where you can make friends for life.
Next-Gen Vision
Sony has been at the forefront of gaming technology — consistently leveraging the latest innovations with their groundbreaking ideas. Sony always pays careful attention to gamer feedback to enhance the gaming experience. By prioritizing user feedback and incorporating cutting-edge technology, Sony has demonstrated their commitment to an unparalleled gaming experience in the PS5. So much so the new PS5 Slim is set to launch in November 2023. Following its famous tradition of enhancing its flagship models to provide a more compact version, this new PS5 slim promises to pack a mighty punch.
Honorable Mentions
While the PlayStation reigns supreme, here are some other popular gaming devices in 2023:
- Nintendo Switch OLED
- Xbox Series X
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- Xbox Series X
- Steam Deck
- Asus ROG Ally
Wrap-Up
Since its introduction in 1994, the PlayStation has been a formidable force in the console industry. Sony releases an even more powerful machine and exclusive games every few years, and gamers worldwide have become accustomed to Sony’s innovations. In keeping with this, the PS5 is by far 2023’s best gaming device. It offers a high-speed SSD and AMD processor that delivers lightning-fast load times and seamless gameplay. The DualSense controller had some upgrades, too — allowing gamers to feel textures featured in the actual gameplay. How iconic is that? And let us not forget about the PlayStation-only games! Here is to many more years, Sony!
