The gaming community could not be more excited about the upcoming release of next-generation consoles. PlayStation fans, in particular, are pumped up for the November 12 release date of the PlayStation 5. So far, early looks at the console have shown it to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing consoles that Sony has ever put out. However, it isn't the standard PS5 that has PS fans buzzing. Instead, it is the various special edition consoles that are coming out alongside it.
For the most hardcore of hardcore PlayStation fans, special edition consoles are an absolute must-have. Owning a special edition console is a gamer's way of signaling to the rest of the video game community that they, in fact, are the most dedicated fan. PlayStation has already shown two different consoles will be available upon release, and one third-party company has given the console a complete makeover to make for yet another console for hardcore fans to collect.
Some special edition consoles offer different capabilities and features. Others merely offer a visual upgrade to the traditional, cookie-cutter standard edition that the vast majority of gamers own. When it comes to the PlayStation 5, special editions of both types are available for purchase. While there isn't much available right now, it's likely more specialty consoles will be revealed leading up to and after the PS5's launch later this year. Here's what variations on the standard PS5 are available so far.
The PS5 Digital Edition
When the PlayStation 5 console was first given its full reveal, the digital edition of the console was also announced. As gaming continues to become more and more digitized, gamers are beginning to realize that they no longer need to purchase physical discs. Instead, games can be bought and downloaded completely online. This version of the console costs $399 and comes with all of the same internal hardware as the standard PS5, minus the disk drive.
PS5 24K Gold Edition
While the digital edition of the PlayStation 5 is completely practical, the gold edition is anything but. Offered by the self-styled luxury customizing brand Truly Exquisite, this edition will only be purchased by the most affluent of gamers. The standard gold edition of the PS5 console, fully finished in 24K gold, costs upwards of $9,000. Is a purely aesthetic upgrade to the console worth that much? Probably not, but the final product sure is a masterpiece to behold.
As more exclusive titles release, players will likely see a surge of custom and specialty PS5 consoles, but right now this is what is available leading up to launch. Whether gamers purchase one of these special edition consoles or not, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a lot to look forward to when it comes to the next generation of gaming. Unlike previous console generations, this time PlayStation fans will have plenty of options to choose between on launch day. Whether it be the digital edition, gold edition, or simply the standard PlayStation 5, one fact will remain the same - next-generation consoles are going to completely redefine the gaming industry.