I spend an egregious amount of time playing on my PlayStation 5, so when T3 asked me to write up a list of mistakes that can happen to the best of us, trust me when I say I’ve been there and done that.
Sony’s console is a brilliant bit of kit and with the PS5 Slim still new to the shelves, there are bound to be a bunch of gamers picking up the system for the first time. Here’s a quick list of things to avoid to get the most out of your new machine, or even change something you may have overlooked as a long-term PS5 owner.
1) OVERLOOKING ASTRO’S PLAYROOM
I devote a considerable amount of time to gaming on my PlayStation 5, so when T3 tasked me with compiling a list of common mistakes that even the best of us can make, rest assured, I’ve experienced my fair share.
Sony’s console is an impressive piece of hardware, and with the PS5 Slim recently hitting the shelves, many gamers are likely acquiring the system for the first time. Here’s a brief rundown of things to steer clear of to maximize your experience with your new machine or to address any oversights that even long-term PS5 owners might have.
2) NOT USING REST MODE
Especially if you prefer acquiring games from the PlayStation Store, you should be prepared for sizable downloads on the PS5. These downloads can be frustrating because you can’t engage in online gameplay while updates are in progress (or play the game at all if it’s the initial installation).
Fortunately, there’s a way to expedite downloads and conserve energy simultaneously. Placing the console in rest mode, accessible under the ‘Power’ menu, will put your console on standby, allowing it to focus on downloading new content. This is particularly useful if, for instance, you’re downloading games overnight or while at work and want to avoid concerns about overheating.
3) IGNORING THE PLAYSTATION PLUS TIERS
To engage in online multiplayer gaming, a subscription to at least the ‘Essential’ tier of PlayStation Plus is required, but you may want to consider going beyond that.
The Premium and Extra tiers offer a convenient means to gain access to a vast array of titles. While it may not match the extensive selection of Xbox Game Pass, there are still noteworthy games available, such as Stray, arguably one of the best games on the console. Additionally, there’s an extensive collection of retro games and even some game trials for more recent releases.
4) NOT CLAIMING THE FREE GAMES!
Regarding PlayStation Plus, even with the most affordable subscription tier, Sony provides a couple of free titles every month. These can be located in the PlayStation Store and encompass a variety of titles, from major franchises to indie gems. Additionally, thanks to backward compatibility, you can also download the PS4 offerings to your PS5.
5) NOT DISABLING UNWANTED FEATURES
The PS5 controller comes equipped with a built-in microphone, serving as a means for voice chat without requiring a headset. Additionally, it contributes to specific sound effects in certain games, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
However, this feature may not always be welcomed, especially when it plays sounds even if the TV is muted. To address this, simply press and hold the mute button (located below the home button) on your controller. You can easily toggle between muting game audio, including the controller speaker, or muting both game and chat audio with the press of a button.
Similarly, if you find the adaptive triggers bothersome or if you experience difficulty fully depressing them, you can adjust the resistance or disable them entirely in the settings menu.
As our senior Console Gaming Specialist, Mack explores the entire console ecosystem, from hardware nuances to first-party exclusives. With over 20 years of gaming experience, his reviews and guides focus on game design, narrative impact, and the overall player experience. He aims to help readers discover which games will truly resonate with them.