With the holiday rush, more people will be able to acquire and set up a brand-new PlayStation 5. After releasing in late 2020, the supply chain shortages have placed quite the demand on the new console from Sony. Lately, the next-gen consoles have become more readily available, and many will be hoping to gift or receive one for this holiday season.
Currently, the PS5 is available in two formats, a digital-only version, and a disc version. The digital-only version currently retails for $399.99 and the disc version for $499.99. The hardware for both versions is essentially the same, the main difference being whether or not the user can play disc games and watch Blu-rays. Either way, the method to set up a new PS5 is the same.
Getting the PS5 Ready to Play
The process of setting up a PS5 is easier than it might appear when a new owner opens the box. After removing the console and additional accessories from the box, the first step will be to get the PS5 physically where it needs to go. After deciding where to put it, the owner should attach the base to the PS5. The base is attachable with a simple screw included in the box. The PS5 unlike previous consoles is able to stand either horizontally or vertically with the built-in base. Then attach the HDMI cable to the HDMI input of the display monitor and the HDMI OUT port on the PS5. Next, simply plug the AC power cord into the PS5 and a nearby outlet.
After that the PS5 itself will guide the user through the setup process. Make sure the display is on the correct input channel. Then follow the on-screen prompts to connect the controller. The PS5 DualSense controller should be in the box with the PS5. This will involve pairing the controller to the PS5. Next select a language.
The user will then be prompted to connect the PS5 to the internet. This is not strictly required for the PS5, but is highly recommended. For those with the Digital Edition, connecting the console to the internet is mandatory to be able to download or play any games. The settings menu also allows the user to view Network Settings and manage the internet connection.
After that, the PS5 will ask the user to adjust the display settings. This will affect how the user is able to view the screen. Make sure the edges of the circles touch the edge of the display but do not go past it. The console will then ask the user to decide what rest settings they prefer. For those that want to charge controllers while the Power is off, choose to have power supplied to the USB ports.
This can either be set for “3 hours” or “Always.” The “Stay Connected to the Internet” option will allow the PS5 to update itself and download games. This will also allow players to turn on the PS5 from another source or play the PS5 remotely. There are also options to allow Network devices or Spotify to turn on the PS5. After that, simply read and accept the user agreement and the PS5 is ready to go.
Of note to turn off the console or to enter rest mode, tap the PS button on the controller once quickly, and a pop-up menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. From there, scroll along that menu to access the power options. It will also be important to sign in to the user’s PSN account. This should be prompted by the console after connecting to the internet and setting up the console. Type in the primary username and password that will be connected to that profile for the PS5. This will allow the user to access any digital games and content purchased by that account. From there it is possible to access any Cloud storage and transfer PS4 save data.
With new first-party releases this year, like God of War: Ragnarök and Horizon: Forbidden West, there is no better time to get a PS5. There are also an increasing number of games on the Playstation Plus catalog, allowing players access to at least three games a month. Getting the console setup for the first time might be the least exciting part, but once completed players will have access to all of the PS5's best features.
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PlayStation 5
- Released:
- 2020-11-12
- Franchise:
- PlayStation
