Sony set high expectations when it launched the PlayStation 5, promising a new standard for console gaming. However, nearly five years later, many players feel that the system still falls short in areas that directly affect day-to-day use. Missing features, questionable decisions, and ongoing limitations have left fans wondering why some basic improvements never arrived.
With rumours growing stronger that PlayStation 6 is already in development, now feels like the right moment to reflect on what Sony needs to do better. Below is a list of eight features fans expected on PS5 but now hope to see fully realised on PlayStation 6.
8. Free Online Multiplayer
Since the PlayStation 4 era, Sony has required players to pay for online multiplayer through PlayStation Plus. This means users must buy the console, purchase the game, pay for an internet connection, and then pay again just to play online.
Some titles, such as Fortnite and Rocket League, allow online play without a PS Plus subscription, but these are exceptions rather than the norm. Paying the equivalent of hundreds of reais per year simply to play with friends has become increasingly difficult to justify. Free online multiplayer should be a standard feature on PlayStation 6, not a premium option.
7. Built-In Upscaling Technology
Upscaling solutions are now common across modern gaming. PCs utilise tools like AMD FSR, and even mid-generation upgrades, such as the PS5 Pro, rely on similar technology. For PlayStation 6, advanced upscaling should be included from day one.
These tools enhance image clarity and stabilise performance, enabling games to run at higher frame rates without compromising visual quality. Without them, players are often stuck choosing between higher resolution or smoother gameplay—something that shouldn’t be an issue on cutting-edge hardware.
6. Controllers with Hall Effect Technology
Controller drift has been one of the most frustrating issues of the current generation. The DualSense controller’s analogue sticks are prone to wear, resulting in unintended movement over time.
Hall Effect sensors—which are already used by third-party brands like GameSir and 8BitDo—greatly reduce this problem by eliminating physical contact inside the stick mechanism. Sony, along with Microsoft and Nintendo, needs to adopt this technology. For PlayStation 6, durable controllers should be a priority, not an afterthought.
5. A “Family” Plan for PlayStation Plus
The cost of PlayStation Plus has steadily increased, making it difficult for many players to justify the subscription. A shared or family-style plan could solve this issue.
Nintendo already offers something similar through Switch Online, allowing multiple users to share benefits at a lower cost. Sony could easily implement a system like this on PlayStation 6, helping players save money while expanding its subscriber base at the same time.
4. True Backward Compatibility
Backward compatibility on PS5 feels incomplete. While PS4 games work seamlessly and some PS1 and PS2 titles are available digitally, PS3 games remain largely inaccessible unless they are streamed or remastered.
This leaves important titles locked in the past, including classics that never received modern ports. Full backward compatibility—physical and digital—would preserve PlayStation’s history and allow players to revisit iconic games without keeping old hardware.
3. Essential Accessories Included
Over the years, Sony has quietly removed accessories that once came standard. On PS5, even basic items like a vertical stand or a simple headset are sold separately.
If PlayStation 6 is designed to stand vertically, a stand should be included. If every controller has a headphone jack, a basic headset should come in the box. Returning to these fundamentals would greatly improve the out-of-the-box experience and show respect for consumers.
2. Localised Pricing
One of the biggest complaints—especially in countries like Brazil—is Sony’s pricing strategy. Many games and services are still priced in US dollars, causing costs to skyrocket compared to those on other platforms.
Localised pricing in multiple currencies would make games more accessible and align Sony with competitors like Xbox and Nintendo. Fair pricing isn’t just good business—it builds trust with the audience that supports the brand.
1. Better System Features and Essential Apps
The PS5 interface, while visually polished, can feel cluttered and overly complex. Important settings are buried under multiple layers, making simple tasks more time-consuming than they should be.
Even more puzzling is the absence of basic apps. A modern home console without a web browser feels incomplete, especially when Sony offered one in previous generations. On PlayStation 6, the system software needs to be cleaner, faster, and more functional.
Looking Ahead to PlayStation 6
The PlayStation 5 has delivered great games, but hardware design choices, missing features, and unpopular business decisions have held it back. PlayStation 6 represents an opportunity for Sony to correct these mistakes by focusing on accessibility, durability, fair pricing, and user-friendly design.
If Sony listens to its community, the next generation could finally deliver the complete console experience players have been waiting for.
