PlayStation 5s are powerful new-gen gaming machines that can handle most major games. Despite that, Sony has a history of making good entertainment systems since the PS2.
It’s more well-rounded now, thanks to the PS5’s expansion of possibilities. Besides playing games, a PS5 can do a bunch of cool stuff, and we’ve got a list of them.
1. TV shows and movies streaming
PS5’s PlayStation Store has tons of streaming services you can download. Listed below are some of the best video streaming apps you can download:
- Netflix.
- Amazon Prime Video.
- Hulu.
- Disney+.
- YouTube.
- Twitch.
- Apple TV.
- HBO Max.
- Peacock.
- Funimation.
- Crunchyroll.
- Plex.
- Tubi.
- ESPN.
Other streaming services like BBC iPlayer might be available in different regions like the UK. The best part is, you can pick from this list and turn your PS5 into the ultimate entertainment system.
The shows will still have region restrictions, and your Netflix options will still be based on your IP address, not the place where you registered your PlayStation Network. You’ll see US Netflix even though you have a UK Netflix account on your PS5. Unless you use a VPN, you’ll see the UK Netflix account.
2. Blu-ray and DVD playback
DVDs and Blu-ray discs can be played on the non-Digital Edition of the PS5. CDs don’t work on PS5. Use a USB stick instead of CDs to store your information. The media player will open once you insert your DVD or Blu-ray into the console, and you can interact with the disc. With a 4K screen, the PS5 can play Blu-ray in 4K.
3. Play some music
Music can also be played on your PS5 through online streaming services. Apple Music and Spotify are your only options if you don’t want to watch music videos. Music can be streamed on Spotify for free, or you can subscribe to Apple Music. The Music menu in the control center lets you play music from a USB drive. Make your PS5 sound amazing with wired headsets and Bluetooth speakers. Play music on your PS5 while you’re out and about.
4. Surf the web
Your PS5 has a browser that you can access. There’s a trick to tricking the PS5 into opening the Twitter browser, then signing in with Google, and finding a way to open the Google web page. Google’s open home page lets you search and browse the internet. Unfortunately, this browser can’t handle multimedia. You can use it if you’re desperate and all you’ve got is your PS5.
The PS5 already has settings for a better browser, so it may have one in the future. They’re under Settings > System > Web Browser. In addition to cookies, website data, and some other quality-of-life features, it has some customization options. However, we’ll have to wait and see if Sony adds it.
5. Follow the gaming communities you love
Whenever you play the same video game, your PS5 offers live streams and video suggestions. Additionally, you can see the latest official news for the games you own. When you’re on the main menu, press down on the D-pad to open up the game’s information. You’ll see videos and news if you keep pushing down. Check out more news and information by side-scrolling.
On the main menu, you’ll also find an Explore section. Your follow games will appear in your library so you can keep track of them. Explore’s top right side has a Followed Games section where you can add/remove games. Game/App Settings > Followed Games is also where you can manage following games. The PlayStation Store lets you follow games you don’t own by searching for them, selecting the three dots under their names, and clicking Follow.
6. Make party chats with your friends
Game Base’s party chat lets you talk to friends via voice or text. Adding your friends to a PS5 party will let you send them texts, and you can communicate with them. Navigate to Game Base after opening the control center. It’s up to you whether you want to create a new message or a party so you can share your screen and voice call your friends.
You’ll get notifications when you message your friends if they have the PS App. PlayStation App lets you do all kinds of cool stuff.
There’s More to the PS5 Than Games
You can think of the PS5 as just a powerful computer. Even though it was designed for games, its limited OS keeps it from being a full-blown desktop. With the PS5, Sony keeps its user interface simple and doesn’t overcomplicate it. Although it’s a solid framework for a comprehensive entertainment system, it could use some more features. Despite that, the PS5 still has some cool stuff.
