Sony Wants $290 More Out Of Your Pocket. Should You Pay It?

The PlayStation 5 and its discless counterpart, the PS5 Digital Edition, launch on Nov. 12, 2020 in several countries before going global on Nov. 19. The systems will release alongside several accessories designed to "push the boundaries of play" and make your next-generation console experience even better. The question is, do you really need these add-ons the minute you pick up your new PlayStation 5? Are they worth shelling out the extra cash for at all?

If you're already planning to drop $399 for the PS5 Digital Edition or $499 for the version with a 4K Blu-ray disc player, you might not want to spend even more on peripherals right away. Here's a look at the accessories that will be available at launch, including which options you might want immediately, and which upgrades you can probably wait on if you're strapped for cash this holiday season.

Whether you purchase the digital or the standard version, the PlayStation 5 will include a DualSense controller, along with an HDMI cable, an AC power cord, a USB cable, and an instruction manual. So, unless you're sharing your new console with family members who aren't good at waiting their turn, you can probably hold off on purchasing a second DualSense.

The PS5's DualSense controller features haptic feedback, dynamic adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, enhanced sticks, a re-imagined light bar, and a headset jack. One of the additions on this unit is the "Create" button, which allows players to capture and share epic gaming moments in an easy and user friendly way. The latest iteration retains many of the DualShock 4 features, too, including the built-in battery, motion detector, and an integrated speaker.

By itself, the DualSense wireless controller costs $69.99. There's also a Charging Station priced at $29.99 for quick click-in docking.

Following the system's reveal, many Sony fans wondered whether the smart looking headphones came with the PS5. It turns out the answer is a resounding "no." If you want the new Pulse 3D wireless headset, you'll have to pay extra. You could also stick with a headset you already own, though whether it will work may be up in the air depending on the make and model.

"The Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets, as well as third-party headsets that connect via USB port or audio jack, will work on PS5 (the headset companion app is not compatible with PS5)," Sony explained in an August 2020 blog post.

However, that doesn't guarantee headsets designed for the PlayStation 4 will function properly on the PlayStation 5, even if they were made by Sony. Additionally, independent headset manufacturers told Polygon they haven't found Sony particularly forthcoming about whether or not their headsets will be compatible going forward, and some are waiting to learn how certain features might operate.

The Pulse 3D headset, made to amp up the 3D audio of the PlayStation 5, features dual noise-cancelling microphones, USB Type-C charging, and easy controls. If you decide you can't live without a sleek headset designed specifically to work with the PlayStation 5, it will set you back $99.99.

If you only use your PlayStation 5 for gaming, you won't need a Media Remote. However, if you tend to use your console more like a multimedia headquarters, this little accessory might make your life a whole lot easier.

PlayStation 4 users have long used the DualSense controller to navigate media screens. This can sometimes be a bit frustrating because knowing which buttons control which functions is not necessarily intuitive. Presumably, the PlayStation 5 will also allow you to control your entertainment apps via the controller. However, the Media Remote could prove a good buy if you want a more seamless experience while watching The Mandalorian or Avatar: The Last Airbender on your new system.

The Media Remote has dedicated buttons that take you straight to Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, and YouTube. It allows quick and easy navigation, playing, pausing, fast-forwarding and reversing. Priced at $29.99, this particular accessory might be the most appealing day one purchase.

Not everyone needs an HD Camera, but if you're a streamer with Ninja-level aspirations, Sony's fresh offering could prove a major bonus in terms of simplifying your setup. However, Sony isn't the only company that makes cameras that would work for such a task. If you're not in any rush, you might want to wait until you know more about how existing cameras or new products will integrate with the PlayStation 5 to decide whether you need this.

The PS5's HD Camera features dual wide-angle lenses for 1080p capture. It works with the PlayStation 5's background removal tools and has a built-in stand. It also connects to the controller's "Create" button so you can easily record and share. It doesn't seem to have any gameplay implications for currently announced games, although Road to VR speculates it might provide upgraded tracking for PSVR. For $59.99, the HD Camera really seems optional if you don't have big streaming goals.