PlayStation 5 Holiday Buyers Guide
If you’re one of the lucky few to own a PlayStation 5, Congratulations! Despite being elusive, it is fantastic on all accounts, especially with the promise of more games like Horizon Forbidden West and God of War Ragnarok next year. But don’t let me bore you, we have an entire review for the system if you still need convincing.
For the most part, the PS5 has hit the ground running with some great launch titles followed up with some fantastic console exclusives that have been part of our Best of 2021 lists, so why not reward yourself or the gamer in your life this holiday season with some games and accessories? The PS5 won’t run by itself, and its power shouldn’t be wasted on just Youtube and binge-watching Netflix shows.
Here are some of our PlayStation 5 picks for your Holiday shopping!
PlayStation 5 Holiday Buyers Guide – Games
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales is still one of the best games available for the PlayStation 5 and is a great look at what’s possible when Spider-Man 2 comes swinging along in the future. While the game is available on its own, I recommend spending the extra clams for the Ultimate Edition, which includes the original Marvel’s Spider-Man and all its DLCs in all its remastered glory.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
Besides the excellent Astro’s Playroom included with the system, if you’re looking for another exclusive platformer, look no further than Sackboy: A Big Adventure. You may remember Sackboy from the Little Big Planet series, but this time he gets a whole new game with its own story and a full-length adventure that is a must-buy for fans.
Demon’s Souls
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
Do you really need your Elden Ring fix right now? Why not go back to where it all started in Boletaria? Demon’s Souls goes further than your regular remaster and fully remakes the title for the PS5 in all its Souls glory. Prepare to die and die and die again, and get used to the pain before you die and die and die again when the eventual launch of Elden Ring.
The Nioh Collection
Release Date: February 5, 2021
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
What? You still want more Soulslike games? I can’t believe you! Not only will I recommend another one for you, how about two and all their DLCs? The released Nioh Collection is the best way to get yourself acquainted with the Nioh series, but also a great way to satiate your appetite for more Soulslike on the PS5. You’re welcome.
Returnal
Release Date: April 30, 2021
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
Personally, Returnal is the PS5’s true launch title. It takes advantage of all that the PS5 offers – it maximizes the capabilities of the Dualsense Controller, it takes the synergy of touch and sound to a new level combining 3D audio with excellent haptic feedback, and it takes the uncompromising bullet-hell gameplay from only the best in Housemarque. Not being part of the Game of the Year nominees for this year was a big snub.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Release Date: June 11, 2021
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
This game is what many consider to be the biggest PS5 game release in 2021, and it definitely shows. Insomniac is on fire with Miles Morales and this latest follow-up to Ratchet & Clank. There is no need to catch up with every Ratchet & Clank game in existence to get up to speed in Rift Apart. With charming new characters like Rivet and showcasing the PS5’s power through its seamless load screens going in-between planets and using the adaptive triggers for different weapon features, it is a one-of-a-kind of mascot platformer that you’ll truly enjoy.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Release Date: June 10, 2021
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
It’s the next best thing to Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 2, whenever that will release. To call this game a glorified DLC is underselling what this game delivers in spades. It is the best iteration of Final Fantasy VII Remake and it comes with more characters in the beloved franchise that includes Yuffie. With more summons and an addicting minigame, take advantage of the free upgrade if you already own the game on PS4 and go all the way with the DLC for the full experience.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Release Date: August 20, 2021
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
Wherever you stand in the 2020 GOTY camp, it is definitely safe to say that Sucker Punch delivered a winner with Ghost of Tsushima. With an expansive single-player campaign and really enjoyable multiplayer by way of Ghost of Tsushima Legends, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut is more than a game upgrade with its addition of the Iki Island expansion and new costumes. It definitely is a thank you to all the fans and if you haven’t experienced the full game yet, what a way to get started with this adventure on the PS5.
Deathloop
Release Date: September 14, 2021
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
Out of the 2021 GOTY nominees, Deathloop really stands out as a synergistic blend of innovation and entertainment. It is the polar opposite of Returnal where while Deathloop appears to be a complicated game utilizing the time loop as a narrative and gameplay device, it gets deceptively simple once you get used to the game world. It is also Arkane’s last outing for the PS5 before it starts making games exclusively for the Xbox. We will definitely miss their creativity and innovation with their shooters.
Death Stranding: Director’s Cut
Release Date: September 24, 2021
Review: See our full review HERE.
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
Wherever you stand with Kojima’s masterpiece is really up for debate, but Death Stranding definitely was ahead of its time when it was released on the PS4. Now seeing Death Stranding: Director’s Cut on the PS5 in all its glory maximizing what the PS5 can do, the game really comes to life and so does Kojima’s grand vision for the series. Alongside the many extras included with this package, along with new story missions, if you loved the original on the PS4, it is something that you don’t want to miss.
PlayStation 5 Holiday Buyers Guide – Accessories
Dualsense Controller
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
There are a few things in the world that I don’t talk smack about – one of them is Carly Rae Jepsen, and the other is The Dualsense Controller. If you’re thinking of picking up a second controller as a backup while the other is charging, why not mix it up? You may want to check out these color variants – you can’t go wrong with the Midnight Black but if you want a pop of color, why not Cosmic Red?
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
One underrated feature that keeps getting overlooked with the PS5 is the 3D audio. Let us help you discover the world of 3D sound that matches perfectly with the haptic feedback of the Dualsense to give you the full experience. Wireless and built especially for the PS5, this set of cans will fully immerse you when escaping from Atropos in Returnal or hopping from planet to planet in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. It also comes in Midnight Black.
DualSense Charging Station
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
Got 2 controllers but can’t be bothered with charging them using separate cables? The DualSense charging station is your best friend, capable of charging 2 controllers at the same time, ensuring that you’re never caught in a bad spot when you suddenly run out of juice while playing. We can only imagine that like the controllers themselves, this would come in a midnight black and cosmic red color as well!
Media Remote
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH, Gameline
While I did throw some shade into turning the PS5 into a media machine, don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic all-in-one device that lets you play your games and peruse your media when you’re taking a break watching your favorite streamer on Youtube or even catching Arcane on Netflix. With the Media Remote, you have your favorite app at the touch of the button. Give your Dualsense a rest and let the remote do the heavy lifting.
HD Camera
Purchase: Datablitz, Game One PH
Whether you’re en route to becoming the next big streamer or just setting up a party of four for Back4Blood, the HD Camera is there to keep you looking mighty amazing. With 1080p capture and a built-in stand, you got the tools you need to make you look as best as you can. If your room isn’t looking as amazing, you can utilize the background removal tools adding yourself in the middle of the action.
PS Plus
Purchase: Game One PH, Gameline
If you aren’t subscribed to PS Plus yet, why not? Just the free monthly games alone are worth the price of admission. With a free featured PS5 game per month, you can’t go wrong with an ever-growing PS5 library this early in the game. What makes it even more worth your time is the PS Plus Playstation Collection that gives you an additional 20 of the best PS4 games on top of your free monthly PS5 game. With God of War (2018) receiving their PS5 upgrade, re-experience this game through the power of the PS5.
We hope this list will make your Christmas merry and bright. Whether you buy one or buy all of them, you’ll definitely want to play away through the holidays into the new year where more games are on the way. Just like you, we’re excited about what the second year of the PS5 will bring!
Happy Holidays!