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Our guide to getting the most out of your PlayStation

Even if you don’t have a PlayStation yet, you’ll know someone who’s devoted to theirs. It’s the console that we all know and love, whether you’ve been on board since the nostalgic release of the PS1, you grew up playing PS2, or you’re still surgically attached to your PS4.
PlayStation’s huge physical and digital games library, exclusive games, subscription service options and ever expanding range of accessories keeps the brand top of the roster for gamers. With the release of the PS5 in 2020, the console has never been more sought after, but that’s where we come in. It’s safe to say our members know their stuff.
Key highlights defining PlayStation
PS4 backwards compatibility so you can upgrade without leaving your existing library behind.
Strong trade-in and resale demand across the UK, which makes upgrades easier.
A steady pipeline of exclusives that gives PlayStation the edge.
Range of models and price points so you can pick the right console and experience for you.
PlayStation Plus tiers to enhance your gaming experience and give access to free games.
The community scoop
Our savvy community knows how to approach PlayStation purchases, whether you’re buying brand new or snapping up a secondhand model.
Disc or digital?
Regarding how to get the best bang for your buck, members recommend plumping for a physical copy of a game over digital every time.
One user shared the tip that ‘games on the PlayStation Store are more elevated than the same physical games, due to tax. Major retail doesn't have this tax and can afford to make on average a 10 to £15 discount’.
It could be wise to make an in-person trip to Currys or local independent games shop to hunt discounts in real time. There’s the added plus that when you’ve played to your heart’s content, you can sell the game on.
Don’t sleep on secondhand options
A PlayStation is a long term investment, so it’s great to know that getting cash back or money off a future purchase is an option. Even better, if you wait it out and buy a model secondhand you can save significant money.
The flexibility of PlayStation’s Trade In & Trade Up scheme is a big hit with PS4 and PS5 owners for its cash back and voucher options. For example, you can swap a PS4 Pro Console in good condition for £100 cash and a £50 Trade-Up voucher for maximum value.
The community also favours CeX and MusicMagpie for secondhand buying, where one user calculated they ‘could get £219 for selling my normal PS5 to CeX’, saving them money on an upgrade.
Think again on accessories
Accessories are another hot topic: our users have a lot of insight on how to get the best value when buying them. Where controllers are concerned, the price difference between a standard and pro controller can be over £100, but community members have found that a standard DualSense controller (RRP £59.99) does nicely; one user secured theirs using an Argos sign-up offer and stacked discounts for just £37.99.
The verdict from the experts
There are a lot of options out there for gamers, but PlayStation is still the top choice for many of us. There’s a reason that the PS2 is the top selling console of all time with 160 million sold globally.
The PS5 is still hugely popular, with The Independent reporting that they love it for 'fantastic exclusives, the best controller around, backwards compatibility with many PS4 titles and older PS generations as well as its distinctive design’. That’s a pretty ringing recommendation, if you ask us.
The big question is whether to hold off buying a new PS5 when the rumours around PS6 are swirling. The Independent’s expert advises not to hold off if you’re still wedded to your PS4, making the case that the PS5 is a powerful contender that will stand the test of time. With the PS5 Slim, you’ll have even more space for your games library.
Another conundrum? To pro or not to pro. Since release, the PS5 Pro has been divisive. TechRadar labelled it as ‘a superb console and now the best PlayStation 5 machine available’ but caveated this with ‘if you’re not a PlayStation fanatic or graphics obsessive then you can likely skip’. The lack of included disc-drive and stand is also a sticking point, meaning digital gaming will likely cost you more in the long run, unless you buy a disc-drive independently.
Where to look for the best deals
| Currys |
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| GAME |
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| Argos |
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| Amazon UK |
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| Smyths Toys |
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| John Lewis |
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| ShopTo |
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The technical details that matter
See how each console stacks up:
- Storage Capacity
More SSD space means more games ready to go. This is where the PS5 Pro wins out - with 2TB of storage, it’s unlikely you’ll run out. Our community usually hits the limit fastest on PS5 Digital, with 1TB of storage, because every purchase is a download by default. The classic PS5 also comes with 1TB of storage, giving you space for around 25-30 full size games.
- Backwards Compatibility
You’re safe to play your library of PS4 games with all iterations of the PS5. The key catch is discs: only a disc-drive PS5 can play PS4 discs. With PS5 Digital, you’ll need the digital version in your library, or a separately purchased disc-drive.
- Controller Battery Life
This will be the same across PS5, PS5 Digital, and PS5 Pro because it’s controller dependent, not console dependent. Battery life shifts based on what you have enabled, like haptics, adaptive triggers, controller speaker, and built-in mic. If you’re one for long sessions, a second controller or charging dock is the way to make your life easier.
- Online Subscription Tiers (PlayStation Plus)
There are 3 tiers for PlayStation Plus, the paid subscription service that lets you play with your mates, get extra cloud storage and access to monthly free games.
Essential: £6.99 a month, £59.99 for 12 months
Includes monthly games, online multiplayer, exclusive discounts and content, cloud storage and Share Play.
Extra: £10.99 a month, £99.99 for 12 months
Includes all of the above plus the Game Catalogue and Ubisoft+ Classics.
Premium: £13.49 a month, £119.99 for 12 months
Includes all the Essential and Extra perks plus the Classics Catalogue, Game Trials and Cloud Streaming.
- HDMI Output
Unfortunately your TV or monitor can quietly cap the gaming experience. If your display supports features like higher refresh rates and VRR, you’re more likely to notice smoother gameplay, especially with the PS5 Pro. If the TV is older, you might not see the full benefit of the higher-end specs.
- Cooling Design
PS5: Generally quiet in normal setups, but it needs breathing room.
PS5 Digital: Similar day-to-day behaviour to the standard PS5.
PS5 Pro: Built to handle higher performance, so cooling matters most here. With good airflow it should stay comfortable, but noise and heat still vary by game and where you place the console.
- Expandable Storage Options
Expandable storage is the answer to ending the install-delete-install roulette cycle. This one’s especially useful on PS5 Digital and for anyone set on building a larger library over time.
Comparing your PlayStation options
If you're struggling to decide which PlayStation is best for you, our guide should help:




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| PS5 Pro | PS5 Digital | PS5 with disc-drive | PS4 | |
| Typical buyer | PlayStation enthusiasts, graphics aficionados | Convenience-oriented gamers, new players without an existing library, digital first gamers | Long time gamers with a physical library, Blu-ray fans | Casual gamers, budget conscious players |
| Defining traits | Enhanced graphics, fastest load times, 16GB memory, 2TB of storage, built-in Wi-Fi 7, highest price tag | Instant access to games, no physical storage, lower initial cost, upgradeable to add a drive, 16GB memory, 1TB storage | Blend of libraries, ability to watch movies in 4K, can be cheaper long term, 16GB memory, 1TB storage | Lower cost, easy to buy secondhand, big games library, longer load times/poorer graphics, 8GB memory, 500GB/1TB storage |
Top tips for getting the best deal
Pick up a PlayStation for less with our hacks:

Time your upgrade for peak trade-in value: Trade in offers will always be strongest when a new PlayStation model or big hardware refresh lands. Our community recommends MusicMagpie as your first port of call, with its track record of overpaying for tech.
Use refurbished to cut the upfront cost: If you’re after a cheaper entry point, refurbished PS5 consoles offer solid savings. Again, MusicMagpie is your friend here, as well as CeX and eBay. Always check the returns/warranty policy first, though.
Don’t assume digital is the cheapest: Physical PS5 games often undercut the PlayStation Store, especially in the first couple of weeks after release when UK retailers compete hard. One user’s hack is to buy, play, and sell: ‘Day one games are costing me £10 max after selling when done. Paying full price on PC and not being able to sell after would cost me a fortune. So so much cheaper.’
Bundles aren’t always best: Console bundles including multiple games or PlayStation Plus can be great value, but it’s still worth checking standalone prices to make sure the saving is real.
Stack the savings: Take full advantage of sites like TopCashback (known to offer up to 6% cashback), PlayStation Plus member discounts (5% off) and welcome codes. One member ‘couldn't resist the PS5 Pro + disc-drive deal today. Especially with the WELCOME code. Bargain at £467’.
Accessories have their own deal rhythm: Extra controllers, charging docks, and SSD upgrades frequently go on promo outside the big seasonal sales, so you can split the spend and still win overall.
Seasonal sales are reliable, but not the best by default: Black Friday and holiday events will usually snag you a saving, but mid-season promos can match or beat them, especially if you’re buying bundles and subscriptions. Our users love a Days of Play Sale, usually in May-June of each year.
Essentials for optimum gameplay
A few extras make all the difference, whether you're more of a solo gamer or like to play with pals:
Our shoppers most asked questions
You’ll usually see the biggest savings during major UK sale events, around model refreshes, and when older versions start getting cleared out. For games, our members often notice the first meaningful price drops around 8 to 12 weeks after release, once retailers start competing to shift stock.
Trade-in is the quick, low hassle option. Private sales usually get you more money, but you’re paying with time and uncertainty. As a rough rule, trade-in values often land around two thirds of what you might get selling privately, and they can make more sense when retailers add extra credit bonuses during upgrade promos.
If it’s manufacturer-refurbished (or sold by a reputable retailer) and comes with a proper warranty and returns, refurbished can be a strong option. Our community tends to be most comfortable buying refurbished once a model has been out for a while, when any early production quirks have been ironed out.
If you care about the lowest prices and resale value, physical usually wins, especially around launch promos and retail discounts. Digital is all about convenience and instant access, but pricing can be stickier. A lot of our members go mixed: physical for must-have releases, digital when there’s a strong sale.
Sony typically supports a console generation for years, and previous gen systems often keep getting updates and plenty of releases well into the next generation. The exact timeline varies, but the key point for buyers is that you’re not buying into a platform that would be dropped overnight.
How do the major consoles compare?
Sony PlayStation
Strengths:
Strong exclusive lineup of games.
Seamless multiplayer experience.
A console that’s easy to shop for, set up, and accessorise.
Upgrading is easier than ever thanks to a large library of PS4 backwards compatible games.
Considerations:
Online play in most paid games typically needs PlayStation Plus, so you’ll likely need to pay a subscription fee long term.
PS5 Digital locks you out of deals on used games, the ability to borrow from friends and resale value.
If you’re investing now, bear in mind that the release date of the PS6 is still uncertain.
Buy if: You want to build a huge console library, with a straightforward upgrade path from PS4.
Strengths:
The Game Pass gives you endless options for sampling lots of games without paying full price each time.
Strong backwards compatibility, going back as far as Original Xbox (although compatibility depends on each game).
Considerations:
Exclusives are preference driven. If you’re buying a console mainly to play exclusives, it really depends on your must-play franchises.
Some Game Pass titles rotate out - if the library changes, a game you’re halfway through could leave the service.
Storage fills up fast if you use a catalogue. Subscriptions encourage downloading lots of games to try later, using up valuable storage space. Expect to juggle your storage accordingly.
Buy if: You want access to a big games library and enjoy rotating without paying full price.
Strengths:
The winner for portable play - take it to bed, the sofa, or even on your commute
Family friendly, evergreen games that the whole household can dip into
Exclusive Nintendo library
Great for lighter gaming
Considerations:
Don’t expect PS5 level visuals or performance
Simpler online features than PlayStation/Xbox
Graphics and performance won’t measure up to competitors
Buy if: You want portable, family-friendly gaming and evergreen exclusives.
The final pitch for PlayStation
PlayStation is a go-to for gamers for a reason, and the real magic is in the ecosystem. It’s well established in the UK retail world, the exclusives are fresh and frequent, and the variety of PS5 options gives you sensible entry points whether you’re watching the budget or going all in.
Best of all is the console’s long term value: because trade-ins are well established and software support lasts for years, you can make an investment and still feel good about the purchase long after the novelty wears off.