After several years on the market, is the PlayStation 5 still a worthwhile investment in 2025? Several system updates and new features have been added or enhanced, so many gamers wonder what the PS5 has changed and if it is still competitive.
Let’s examine the most recent advancements to determine whether the console is worth your money.
System updates improving performance and stability
Sony has consistently updated its software, one of the primary methods by which PlayStation 5 has maintained its relevance.
Rather than introducing new, visually appealing features, the most recent update, version 25.05-11.60.00, which was released in July 2025, focuses on improving system stability and performance.
Although these minor enhancements have the potential to be underwhelming, they ensure that the console remains dependable and that games operate efficiently.
Interestingly, users of the PS5 Pro have reported improved performance in specific first-party titles, such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, despite the official patch notes only mentioning stability improvements. They have reported higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in Fidelity Pro mode.
This implies that the PS5 Pro edition is being optimised via behind-the-scenes modifications that are not immediately apparent to customers.
Bringing back classic PlayStation themes and audio features
Furthermore, Sony has permanently resumed using iconic PlayStation themes in response to user feedback, following their temporary reintroduction for PlayStation’s 30th anniversary.
Players can contribute to nostalgia by personalising and reliving the original PlayStation experience on the modern console through these themes.
Additionally, an Audio Focus feature was implemented to aid gamers in optimising specific in-game sounds, such as footsteps, which are crucial in competitive games like Call of Duty.
Through these updates, Sony demonstrates that it is not solely focused on performance enhancements but also on improving the user experience by offering customisation and gameplay advantages.
Upcoming major software upgrades for PS5 Pro in 2026
Sony is expected to introduce a substantial software upgrade for the PlayStation 5 Pro in 2026, which is expected to significantly improve performance.
This enhancement will integrate state-of-the-art AI upscaling technology, which enhances graphics and frame rates without requiring the procurement of new hardware.
PS5’s principal architect, Mark Cerny, has disclosed that this upgrade aims to replace the existing upscaling methods with more efficient algorithms developed in partnership with AMD.
Sony’s focus on software enhancements rather than new consoles could boost the PS5 Pro’s value and lifespan.
This is ideal for gamers who want smooth gaming and high-quality graphics without upgrading their hardware.
Is PS5 worth buying now?
In 2025, the PS5 remains a formidable competitor due to its consistent enhancements, expanding game library, and the assurance of significant upgrades soon.
If you are searching for a console that balances robust hardware and ongoing software support, the PS5, particularly the Pro version, is still in consideration.
Nevertheless, purchasers should immediately moderate their expectations for significant new features, as most recent updates have focused on refinement rather than reinvention.
The PS5 continues to provide a comprehensive experience, constantly evolving for those who appreciate classic PlayStation nostalgia and competitive gaming enhancements.
Despite its incremental evolution, the PlayStation 5 has undergone a silent transformation. It is not merely a console acquired once and subsequently disregarded; it is a platform continuously improving through intelligent software updates, solidifying its position in the gaming industry even years after its initial release.