6 Things You Can Do With a PS5 Besides Gaming
Everyone knows that a PS5 is a powerful new-generation gaming machine that handles most of the major games worth their salt. However, since the PS2, Sony has a history of creating consoles that also serve as decent entertainment systems.
The PS5 has built on that legacy, expanding the possibilities of a gaming console, so it’s more well-rounded. With a PS5, you can do more than just play games, and we’ve gathered all the other cool things you can do with it here.
1. Stream Movies and TV Shows
Your PS5 has a long list of popular streaming services you’re able to download from the PlayStation Store. Here’s a list of some of the famous video streaming apps you can download on it:
Of course, different regions like the UK might be able to access other streaming services like BBC iPlayer. But you can choose from this list andtransform your PS5 into the ultimate entertainment system.
Region restrictions will still apply to your shows, and your Netflix options will still remain tied to your IP address location, not the location you chose to register your PlayStation Network. So, even though you have a PSN account registered in the UK on your PS5, if you are in the United States, you will see the US Netflix unless you use a VPN.
2. Play DVDs and Blu-ray Discs
As an extension of its comprehensive entertainment system, the non-Digital Edition of the PS5 can read DVDs and high-quality Blu-ray discs.
PS5 does not support CDs. You should transfer the information from CDs to a USB stick and use that instead.
All you have to do is insert your DVD or Blu-ray into the console, wait for it to read the disc, and the media player app will open for you to interact with the disc. The PS5 will also play Blu-ray in 4K if you have a screen that supports it. If you’re looking to get a 4K monitor, look through our list of thebest 4K monitorsto choose one for your gaming and Blu-ray discs.
3. Listen to Music
Just like movies and videos, you can play music on your PS5 through online streaming services. However, if you’re trying to avoid watching music videos, then your only options are Apple Music and Spotify.
You can stream music on Spotify for free, or you can use an Apple Music subscription to get access to its library.
Alternatively, you could create a Music folder on a USB drive and play it through theMusicmenu in the control center.
Rig up your PS5 with as much audio-enhancing hardware as you like, from wired headsets to Bluetooth audio speakers. You can use your PS5 as your music player while going about your business.
4. Browse the Internet
There’s a browser hidden in your PS5, and it’s possible to access it. However, you have to “trick” the PS5 into opening the browser for logging into Twitter, then choose to sign in with Google, and then find a way to open the Google web page from there.
With the open Google home web page, you can search for whatever you want and “browse” the internet from there. But this browser is extremely limited, and it won’t load multimedia. It could be useful if you’re really desperate to look something up and all you have is your PS5.
There are signs that the PS5 may have a better browser in the future since it already has settings for it. You’ll find them inSettings > System > Web Browser. It contains options for cookies, website data, and a few other quality-of-life features. But we’ll see if Sony officially adds it any time soon.
5. Keep Up With Your Favorite Gaming Communities
Your PS5 automatically offers live streams, video suggestions, and screenshots of other people playing the same video games you play. You also get to see the latest official news for the games you have in your library.
Open up the game’s information by pushingdownon the D-pad with a game highlighted on the main menu. Keep pushing down until you see videos and news. If you like, you can side-scroll to see more news and information on the game.
There’s also an Explore section right next to the PlayStation Store in the main menu. From there, you can keep track of the games you follow as if they are in your library. You can add or remove games you follow by selectingFollowed Gameson the top right page of Explore. You can also manage followed games inSettings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Followed Games.
If you want to follow a game you don’t own in your library, simply search for it in the PlayStation store, select the three dots under its name, and selectFollow.
6. Text and Voice Call Your Friends on Party Chats
Party chats in the PS5’s Game Base allow you to talk to friends through a voice chat or text. Once youcreate a party on your PS5and add your friends, they can receive texts from you, and you can communicate with them.
After you open the control center, navigate toGame Base. In the pop-up window that appears, you could create a new message to send to your friends or create a party so that you can share your screen with your friends and voice call them.
If your friends have the PS App, they’ll receive notifications on their phones when you message them. And that’s just one of the many usefulthings that it’s possible to do with the PlayStation App.
The PS5 Is More Than Just a Game Console
The PS5 is really just a powerful computer when you think about it. Granted, it was created for playing games, but the only thing stopping it from being a full-blown desktop is its limited operating system.
Sony has its priorities straight by keeping the PS5’s UI simple and trying not to over-complicate it. However, it could do with a few more additional features to improve what seems to be the framework for a comprehensive entertainment system. But as it is, the PS5 still packs a lot of cool and hidden features.
Want to make the most out of your PS5? Check out these useful features.
Not all true crime is about hacking, slashing, and gore.
Quality apps that don’t cost anything.
I plugged random USB devices into my phone and was pleasantly surprised by how many actually worked.
One casual AI chat exposed how vulnerable I was.
Freeing up vital memory on Windows only takes a moment, and your computer will feel much faster once you’re done.
