New PS5 bundle makes multiplayer easier

A new bundle for the PlayStation 5 is set to launch later this month, and it could make playing multiplayer games much easier for families.

Fans have spotted preorders for a new PlayStation 5 bundle that could make playing multiplayer games out of the box much easier.

The new bundle follows an announcement from PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan, who said during a press conference at CES that the PS5 will no longer have stock issues going forward. The PS5 has been plagued with stock issues since its launch in 2020, due in large part to a global computer chip shortage.

Rumours of a new bundle started to circulate in early January, and have now been confirmed by Australian retailers. The main draw of the new bundle is that it comes with two DualSense controllers, compared to the standard console which usually only contains one.

The bundle has been confirmed on both JB Hi-Fi and EB Games’ websites, where the price and release date differ slightly. JB Hi-Fi has the bundle listed as releasing on January 31, and at a cost of $899, while EB Games says its bundles will release on February 3 at a cost of $894.95.

The DualSense controller is packed with tech, including adaptive triggers, 3D sound, and powerful haptic feedback. Picture: Sony

A PlayStation 5 usually retails at a price of $799.95 in Australia for a disc edition console, while DualSense controllers retail for $109.95, resulting in a saving of just $10 when purchased through the bundle.

While other regions are reported to be receiving two controller bundles for the cheaper digital-only version of the console, Australian retailers so far have only listed the disc edition.

The PlayStation 5 has a number of fantastic multiplayer games to play, many of which require extra controllers, such as It Takes Two, Overcooked, and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. This new bundle makes those games possible to play right out of the box without needing to purchase extra controllers.

Sony’s DualSense Edge controller provides a more premium experience, but also costs three times as much. Picture: Sony

For those looking for a more premium controller experience, Sony will soon be launching a $340 PS5 controller called the DualSense Edge. It has replaceable analog sticks and programmable back paddles, but comes with a big drawback: the controller has worse battery life.

Players with disabilities will soon have more options for playing games on the PS5 too, after Sony announced a new accessible PS5 controller codenamed “Leonardo”.

Written by Oliver Brandt on behalf of GLHF.