REVIEWS / GAMING CONSOLES / OWNER INSIGHTS
🦉 WE READ 856 OWNER COMMENTS
To PS5: what owners actually say
Owners and prospective buyers praise the PS5's raw hardware value and want it badly, but frustration runs high over stock shortages, Sony's walled-garden restrictions, and the inability to run arbitrary software.
What owners complain about
- Severe stock and availability problems COMMON
Multiple commenters joke that the 'Before You Buy' video should be titled 'If You Can Buy' or 'When You Can Buy'; stores are described as perpetually 'sold out,' with one commenter saying 'I wish I could actually buy' the console.
- Locked-down ecosystem prevents arbitrary software COMMON
Several highly-upvoted Hacker News users complain that Sony forces the PS5 to be used only as a gaming console and prevents installation of custom operating systems or non-PS5 software without hacking, unlike more open platforms like the Steam Deck.
- PSN account required for save data transfer FEW
A Stack Exchange user notes that transferring PS4 save data to PS5 requires logging into a PSN account, and there is no confirmed way to do a purely local migration without PSN.
- Adaptive triggers can interfere with competitive play FEW
One commenter mentions that the adaptive triggers can be bothersome in competitive games, though they note you can turn them off.
What owners love
- Excellent hardware value for the price
A commenter notes the PS5 is 'probably sold at a loss/bare minimum profit' and highlights the 16GB of unified RAM and powerful GPU as making it compelling hardware for the price point.
- Linux and AI potential when unlocked
One enthusiast describes running Linux on the PS5 as 'absolutely amazing' and specifically calls out the ability to use the GPU and 16GB of RAM for AI models as a standout feature.
- Strong consumer desire and appeal
Despite all complaints, one commenter states plainly: 'It doesn't matter what you say. People will want this thing regardless,' reflecting the console's strong market demand.
Surprising patterns
- Tech-savvy users see the PS5 as a potential Linux workstation or AI compute box thanks to its 16GB unified memory and capable GPU, viewing it as unusually powerful hardware for the price if Sony allowed open access.
- The 'Play Has No Limits' marketing slogan is openly mocked by users who point out the irony given Sony's strict limitations on what software can run on the hardware and persistent stock shortages.
- Sony's historical removal of the OtherOS feature from the PS3 is cited repeatedly as a reason for distrust among enthusiasts considering PS5 homebrew or alternative OS use.
WHO SHOULD SKIP IT
Buyers who want an open, customizable device where they can install their own software or operating system should look elsewhere — multiple commenters explicitly recommend the Steam Deck or a PC instead.
Synthesised from 856 real owner comments across 4 platforms. Every point is grounded in the comments — no marketing, no AI guessing. How we do it →