So, you’re looking to buy a new gaming system. Should you go for a gaming laptop or a PlayStation 5? Both have their pros and cons, and it can be tough to decide which one is the best option for you. In this article, we will compare gaming laptops against the PlayStation 5 and help you decide which one is the better choice for you.
Table of Contents
PS5 Hardware
The Playstation 5 is the latest gaming console from Sony. It was released in November 2020 and came with several new features, including:
- A custom eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU
- A GPU based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture
- 16GB of GDDR6 SDRAM
- A built-in 825GB SSD storage drive
- A weight of 8.5 pounds (3,8 kg)
The base version of the PS5 goes for 499 dollars, and the digital-only version for 399 dollars.
Gaming Laptop Hardware
The components you’ll find inside a gaming laptop will depend on the brand, model, and overall budget. In a budget gaming laptop, you’ll usually find:
- An Intel Core i3 Processor
- An integrated graphics card such as the AMD Vega 8
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
On a mid-range gaming laptop, you can typically find:
- An Intel Core i5 CPU
- An Nvidia GTX 1650 GPU
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
In high-end gaming notebooks, expect to find:
- An Intel Core i7 Processor
- A powerful graphics card like the Nvidia RTX 3060
- 16GB RAM
- 1TB SSD
As you see, gaming laptops come in all shapes, sizes, and power. Read our full gaming laptop buying guide for a more in-depth look at what to expect in a laptop for gaming.
Pros and Cons of Gaming Laptops
Now that we’ve gone over what gaming laptops are, it’s time to talk about their pros and cons.
The number one advantage of gaming notebooks is their portability. If you’re someone who likes to game on the go or take your laptop with you to LAN parties, a gaming notebook is a great option.
Gaming laptops also have the advantage of having more games and the ability to use mods. You can also use them for other tasks, such as video editing or music production.
However, gaming laptops also have a few disadvantages. Firstly, they’re more expensive than gaming consoles. A good gaming laptop is around twice as expensive as the Playstation 5. You’ll also have to keep the battery charged, which you don’t have to worry about with a PS5.
Another disadvantage is that gaming laptops can overheat when gaming for long periods. This isn’t as big of an issue with the Playstation.
Pros and Cons of the Playstation 5
If you’re looking to play local co-op games with your buddies, it’s hard to beat the Playstation 5. Sitting on the sofa, relaxing, and playing together is a gaming experience that you simply can’t replicate on a gaming laptop.
The Playstation also has the edge when it comes to overall affordability. You can get a PS plus subscription for around $60 a year, giving you access to free games every month and discounts on digital games. The console itself is also cheaper than most gaming laptops.
Another reason to get a PS5 is for the exclusive games. If you’re a fan of Sony franchises like God of War, Uncharted, or Spider-Man, then the Playstation is the only place you’re going to be able to play those games.
The downside of the Playstation is that it doesn’t have as much raw power as a gaming laptop. So if you want to play the latest games on the highest graphics setting possible, you’ll need to go with a PC. The Playstation 5 also has a much smaller selection of games available at launch than a gaming laptop. The last reason you might not want to go with a PS is that it’s incapable of multitasking. The PS5 is made for gaming, but it’s much more convenient to use a gaming laptop for things such as music production, web browsing or school work.
Gaming Laptop Vs. Playstation 5: A Comparison
Now that we have looked at the reasons you might want to choose one system over the other, let’s compare the two gaming systems against each other in 6 different categories:
Price
Even if you get a gaming laptop on sale, it will still be more expensive than a Playstation. The average gaming laptop costs around $1000, while the Playstation is only $400. So, if you want to save money, the Playstation is the way to go.
Winner: PS5
Portability
You can take your laptop with you anywhere, and most gaming laptops are lightweight. The Playstation, on the other hand, is a bit bulkier and needs to be plugged into an outlet.
Winner: Gaming Laptop
Graphics
Both systems are roughly equal in terms of visuals. The Playstation has better graphics for the price, but laptops can produce the best overall graphics if you’re willing to spend the money.
Winner: Draw
Reliability
Most gaming laptops will last you around three to five years. The Playstation has a slightly longer lifespan of six to eight years.
Winner: Playstation
Games
Yes, the PS5 does have some fantastic exclusive games. But, gaming laptops have access to a more extensive library of titles via Steam or other PC gaming platforms.
Winner: Gaming Laptops
Multitasking
The PlayStation 5 is designed for video games. However, a gaming laptop can be used for much more than just gaming. You can use it for school work, browsing the web, watching movies, and more.
Winner: Gaming Laptops
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the gaming laptop vs. Playstation debate. Which one is better? It really depends on what you are looking for and what is most important to you. If you are looking for something affordable or want to try some of the PS5 exclusive games, consider getting a Playstation 5. On the other hand, If you want the most powerful gaming machine, go for a gaming laptop.
Do you have any other questions about gaming laptops or the PlayStation? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our gaming laptop buying guide for more information on how to find the perfect gaming laptop for you. Thanks for reading!