PS5: GameSpot's Console And Game Reviews

The PS5 released on November 12, and it's available in either a standard package for $499 or a disc-free version for $399. The consoles are identical in power, and we've run the system through its paces in order to see what it can do. Along with that, we've also been playing and reviewing the system's games, including exclusives, to determine which are worth picking up.

We've gathered excerpts from these reviews below, including the games as well as the PS5 hardware itself. This should help you decide whether you want to order the system--you can't buy it off a store shelf until 2021--and you can check out our PS5 order guide for additional help tracking one down. You'll also find information on the DualSense controller and its charging station.

PS5 review

"At launch the PS5 is an excellent console that paves the way for a promising future where gaming experiences can evolve in interesting ways and the process of experiencing them is streamlined. Its custom SSD, unique DualSense controller, and powerful specs draw a distinct line between last generation and the next." -- Mat Paget

Read our full PS5 review.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales review

"Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a compelling open-world action game that helps highlight why Miles is so special: his culture. It's Miles' unique differences and earnest attempts at figuring out how to protect his community that make him into such a wonderful hero, not the mask he wears and superpowers he wields." -- Jordan Ramée

Read our full Spider-Man: Miles Morales review.

Astro's Playroom review

"Astro's Playroom absolutely goes out of its way to offer clever proof of the PS5's potential--the DualSense's new tricks, the improved visuals, the quick load times--the disembodied text at the start of the game sells Astro short. Playroom is an incredibly charming jaunt through a PlayStation-inspired digital theme park, ensuring that your first hop, skip, and jump of the PS5 era is wholly, unequivocally joyful." -- Mike Epstein

Read our full Astro's Playroom review.

Pulse 3D Headset review

"There are better headsets out there, and perhaps many that are more comfortable, but at $100, Sony has hit a price that is hard to beat for the vivacious and rich audio experience that the Pulse delivers." -- Mat Paget

Read our full Pulse 3D Headset review.

Dirt 5 review

This review is for the game as a whole. It is not specific to the PS5 version.

"Dirt 5 distances itself from the series' recent past by being an unabashed arcade racer that's made up of short, action-packed skirmishes where you're constantly trading paint with a pack of other drivers. There's an infectious energy to the whole thing that's reflected in a handling model that sees you hurl its cars around the track with relative ease." -- Richard Wakeling

Read our full Dirt 5 review.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla review

This review is for the game as a whole. It is not specific to the PS5 version.

"Despite its strong connection to past games, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is more than capable of standing on its own. It takes a little while to build momentum, but when it hits its stride, Valhalla is a confident Assassin's Creed title that takes a few narrative risks which, as a whole, pay off. Eivor is a good hero with an identity that drives the mystery behind the main narrative, and she shines in the self-contained arc structure of Valhalla's story. The supporting cast may not shine as brightly, but it's easy to forgive that when exploring England and discovering new nuggets of worldbuilding is so rewarding." -- Jordan Ramée

Read our full Assassin's Creed Valhalla review

Bugsnax review

This review is for the game as a whole. It is not specific to the PS5 version (which will be available for free to PS Plus members).

"Unsurprisingly, Bugsnax' best qualities are its cleverness and charm. The surprise and delight you feel when you see a Bugsnak wiggling around or watch someone eat one and change their arm into food never goes away. That alone would make Bugsnax worth your time, but creative puzzles and thoughtful story give it the body and depth to make a Snak feel more like a meal." -- Mike Epstein

Read our full Bugsnax review.

Demon's Souls review

"Quirks aside, Bluepoint's remake is an unmitigated success. It is a technical tour de force and a true showpiece for the PS5 and the power of Sony's next-generation console. But, more importantly, it's also a creative marvel coming from a studio that is clearly showing the world it has its own voice." -- Tamoor Hussain

Read our full Demon's Souls review.