With the recent news that Hogwarts Legacy's PS4 release is being delayed again, eager players may be considering if it is worth it to simply upgrade and purchase a new PS5 in order to be able to play it now. There are many reasons why it could be a good idea, but it's also a large investment, particularly if it is specifically being purchased for this one game. Purchasing the latest generation console system has a lot of pros and cons to weigh.

Hogwarts Legacy's PS4 and Xbox One release date has been pushed back to May 5, 2023. Meanwhile, the PS5 (and Xbox Series X/S and PC) version of the game has been out for some time now and there has been a lot of hype around the game on social media as people have been playing and discussing it. Being able to get a PS5 and start playing the game right now could sound very tempting, particularly when one looks at the other advantages of the newer console over the older technology.

Related: Hogwarts Legacy: Should You Ask For More Money At The End Of Quests

Hogwarts Legacy On PS5 Has Fast Load Times & DualSense Features

Two Hogwarts Legacy students brewing a potion, but a PS5 DualSense controller has been edited in to replace a wand.

When comparing Hogwarts Legacy on a PS5 versus the PS4, the performance and graphics will be different simply because of the technology of the machines. While the exact stats for the PS4 performance won't be available until it is released, it is expected that it will not run as well, may even be prone to more frequent FPS drops or stutters, and the load times will almost assuredly be slower. The DualSense technology on PS5 can make Hogwarts Legacy feel more immersive with haptic feedback and a feature where even the lights on the controller will change color based on the spell being cast.

The PS5 Is A Big Investment If Only For Hogwarts Legacy, But There's More

A PlayStation 5 console and DualSense controller next to an icon of scales out of balance with a money sign on the heavier side.

The PS5 is an expensive purchase, particularly if it is only being considered for one game, and may not be worth it in that case if a PS4 is already owned. There are many other exclusive games that could factor into the decision, though, which could sway the choice, including games like Final Fantasy 16 and Forspoken. Looking at these games and others might make the PS5 more enticing, particularly when combined with the above-mentioned technological improvements that would make Hogwarts Legacy and others play more smoothly.

Ultimately the decision on whether to buy a PS5 is a personal one that has a lot of factors to be considered. First and foremost is, naturally, the cost, and the price of a PlayStation 5 has increased in many regions since release. Purchasing a new system is an expensive move, but the benefits that it provides with its upgrades can be well worth it. Hogwarts Legacy will likely play well on the PS4, but undoubtedly there benefits to experiencing the PS5 version.

More: Hogwarts Legacy Fixes A Big Problem PS5 Games Have Had Since Launch

Source: PlayStation/YouTube

Editor’s Note: Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has been accused of transphobia by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Although not directly involved in the development of Hogwarts Legacy, Rowling does stand to earn royalties from the game. We would like to reiterate our support for trans rights and that trans identities are valid. Support services are listed below for trans people impacted by discussions of transphobia.

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