PS5 Games Guide: How to Choose the Right Games and Avoid Bad Buys

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I see the excitement surrounding new PS5 games every day. The promises of breathtaking worlds and immersive stories are immense. But in a market saturated with marketing and hype, it's easy to make a bad purchase. Before you invest in the latest titles, it's wise to know what to look for. This will help you avoid disappointment and unnecessary expenses.

The Most Common Pitfalls When Buying PS5 Games

The selection is overwhelming, and not every game is worth the investment. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

1. The "Hype" Trap: Games are often announced with spectacular trailers, but the final experience is disappointing. Technical issues, delays, or gameplay that doesn't match the promises are common complaints. Placing a pre-order based on pure hype can lead to disappointment.
2. The "Pro-Upgrade" Pressure: With the arrival of more powerful hardware, such as the rumoured PlayStation 5 Pro, the question arises: is an upgrade really necessary? Manufacturers emphasize the benefits, but for many players, the standard PS5 still offers an excellent experience for the new 2026 games. It's important to determine if the improvements are personally worth the money for you.
3. Hidden Costs: Buying a game is sometimes just the beginning. More and more titles function as a "live service," which can lead to extra costs for season passes, cosmetic items, or even content that is essential for the full experience.

What to Look For: Key Factors for a Good Choice

To sidestep these pitfalls, focus on a few concrete specifications. These objective criteria will help you see through the marketing and choose a game that truly suits you.

1. Genre and Playstyle: Is It Right for You?

Don't be guided by popularity alone. Ask yourself what type of player you are. Are you looking for a deep, single-player adventure like God of War Ragnarok PS5, or do you prefer competitive online multiplayer? An open-world game requires dozens of hours, while a linear platformer offers a shorter, more focused experience. Always check the genre (Action, RPG, Shooter, Platform) and play options (Single-player, Online Co-op) to see if it matches your preferences.

2. Technical Optimisation: Does the Game TRULY Utilise the PS5?

A game with "PS5" on the box doesn't automatically mean it fully utilises the hardware. True PS5 titles distinguish themselves through:

• DualSense Integration: Can you feel the tension of a bowstring through the adaptive triggers or the impact of an explosion via haptic feedback?
• SSD Speed: Are load times nearly instantaneous, allowing you to travel seamlessly through worlds?
• 3D Audio: Does the audio contribute to the immersion, letting you hear exactly where enemies are coming from?

Accessories like the PlayStation Portal also depend on a well-optimised base experience on your console.

3. Platform and Exclusivity

Is the game a PlayStation exclusive, or is it also available on Xbox Series X games or Nintendo Switch games? Exclusives are often specifically designed to showcase the PS5's strengths. Multi-platform titles offer flexibility, but the level of optimisation can vary between platforms. If you own multiple consoles, it's worth checking which version delivers the most stable performance.

Recommendations for Different Player Profiles

To help you with your choice, we've matched several titles and accessories to specific player profiles. These recommendations are based on their objective features and how they address the pitfalls mentioned earlier.

MATCH FOR: The Narrative Adventurer

Ghost of Yoteit - PS5

Why This Fits Their Persona: Ideal for those who want to fully immerse themselves in a deep, atmospheric single-player story, without the distraction of online obligations or microtransactions.

How It Avoids the Trap

This game offers a complete, self-contained experience. This helps you avoid the pitfall of games with hidden costs or a mandatory online connection.

Key Advantage & Pros

Developed by Sucker Punch (known for Ghost of Tsushima) and designed to leverage the PS5's graphical power for an immersive, visually stunning world.

MATCH FOR: The Future-Focused Trendsetter

Ubisoft Star Wars Outlaws PS5

Why This Fits Their Persona: For the gamer who looks forward to the biggest, most anticipated open-world experiences and wants to push the hardware to its limits.

How It Avoids the Trap

Instead of vague promises, this delivers the first open-world Star Wars game—a clear and long-awaited concept. This reduces the risk of a "hype disappointment."

Key Advantage & Pros

Explore a vibrant Star Wars universe with the freedom of an open world. The game supports 4K and is a perfect showcase for the power of the PS5.

MATCH FOR: The Flexible Gamer

Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player

Why This Fits Their Persona: Perfect for those who want to play their PS5 games not just on the TV, but anywhere in the house via Wi-Fi, without compromising on the controller experience.

How It Avoids the Trap

This isn't a new console with its own, potentially limited games. It's an accessory that streams your existing library, thereby avoiding the pitfall of an underperforming handheld.

Key Advantage & Pros

Streams your installed PS5 and PS4 games directly to an 8-inch Full HD screen, complete with the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller.

Frequently Asked Questions about PS5 Games

Is the PlayStation 5 Pro worth buying for the new 2026 games?

The decision on buying a PlayStation 5 Pro depends on your personal situation. If you have a high-end 4K or 8K television and want to experience the highest possible framerates and graphical detail, it could be a worthwhile investment. For most players, however, the standard PS5 will continue to provide an excellent and satisfying experience for all upcoming titles for years to come. Always check the recommended specifications for each game.

How can I identify PS5 games with hidden costs?

In the product description, look for terms like "live service," "in-game purchases," or "season pass." These often indicate a model where the base game is just the beginning. Also, check if a PlayStation Plus subscription is required for the game's core functionality, which is often the case with online multiplayer titles.

Can I play my old PS4 games on the PS5?

Yes, the vast majority of PS4 games are playable on the PS5 via backwards compatibility. Many of these games benefit directly from the more powerful hardware, with faster load times and more stable performance. Some titles, like God of War Ragnarok, have even received a specific PS5 version or a free upgrade that further improves graphics and framerate.