With rumors swirling about the PlayStation 6 potentially arriving in late 2027 or 2028, many gamers are wondering if buying a PS5 in 2026 is a mistake. The short answer? Not at all. Even with a new console on the horizon, the PS5 is expected to stay relevant and receive major new game releases until at least 2030. If you jump in now, you still have years of top-tier gaming ahead of you.

Choosing the right model is key. The original 2020 version is mostly found used now, while the 2023 "Slim" is the standard. If you're on a budget, the Digital Edition is cheaper, but be careful—it has less than 700 GB of usable space and no disc drive, meaning you’re locked into Sony’s digital store prices. Most experts recommend the Disc Drive version. It gives you about 800 GB of usable storage and the freedom to buy cheaper used physical games or trade them with friends. For those who want the absolute best, the PS5 Pro offers a 45% faster GPU and a massive 2 TB of storage. It’s a bit pricey, and probably not worth the upgrade if you already own a PS5, but it’s a great "luxury" pick for first-time buyers.

Don't forget the extras. A PlayStation Plus Essential subscription is a must if you want to play online with friends. While the DualSense controller is widely loved for its immersive vibrations, the same can't be said for all accessories. The $200 PlayStation Portal is often seen as unnecessary since you can stream to your phone for free, and the PSVR2 has struggled so much that Sony reportedly stopped making them back in 2024. Ultimately, with a massive library of hits like God of War and Spider-Man, the PS5 remains a fantastic purchase—especially if you can snag one on sale.