The PlayStation 5 is now available (in the US at least) and that means accessories are hitting the market too.

One of the official add-ons that we've been most excited about is the PS5 Media Remote - a relatively simple remote control for the media side of the console - and we've now got our hands on one, which we've paired and briefly tested.

Even its very existance excites us. Sony decided against releasing its own remote for the PS4 (there were some third-party alternatives) and we lamented its absence. But, with the PS5 now sporting a 4K Blu-ray player and a dedicated area on the UX for media, it makes complete sense for a dedicated, first-party clicker to control it all.

Our quick take

In all, while simple and actually smaller than we originally expected, the PS5 Media Remote is very effectively at what it does. You point it and control your media content.

It would have been nice to have had one customisable shortcut button to go with the preassigned ones, but that's by the by.

Now all Sony has to do is fix the HDR weirdness on its media apps (and add the terrestrial services) and we'd be happy as Larry.

PlayStation 5 Media Remote in pictures

FORAGAINST
  • Light and simple in design
  • looks like the PS5 itself
  • shortcut buttons for several big streaming services
  • controls your TV and sound system too
  • Smaller than you think (which is the opposite of the PlayStation 5)
  • no customisable shortcut button for your favourite service
PlayStation Media Remote

Design and buttons

The Media Remote itself is battery operated, with two AA batteries included in the box. This is essential really, as you don't want to have to recharge a flat remote just to watch something on Netflix.

PlayStation 5 Media Remote in pictures: How the PS5 remote works photo 1

It is designed to look like the console and DualSense controller, with the same white plastic coating and shiny black area sandwiched in-between.

On the front, you get buttons for volume, mute, a TV on and off button, directions, enter, options and back. There are the usual play and pause buttons too.

Additionally, there are dedicated shortcut buttons to instantly start-up Netflix, Disney+, Spotify and YouTube. And there is a PlayStation button, of course, to open the console's home menu.

One other button is present but it doesn't seem to do anything right now. It's a microphone button that is, according to the manual, "reserved for future use". Looks like voice control of some kind is coming folks.

Pairing the remote

The Media Remote is Bluetooth and easy to pair.

You just startup your PS5 normally, head to "Settings", then "Accessories", scroll down to "Media Remote" and tap on "Set up Media Remote".

The instructions will guide you through the pairing process (you just need to press the PlayStation and options buttons to put it into pairing mode).

PlayStation 5 Media Remote in pictures: How the PS5 remote works photo 9

This happened for us in seconds. Then we were asked if we also wanted to use it to control our TV. Saying 'yes", it found the TV immediately (through HDMI CEC) and it worked straight away. Plus, with our Sonos Arc soundbar also set-up through HDMI ARC with CEC, the volume buttons worked on that too.

PlayStation Media Remote

To recap

While there was no official media remote for the PS4, it makes a welcome return as an optional accessory for PS5. Pairing very simply, yet also able to control your TV and sound system, it's a great way to access the media apps and 4K Blu-ray playback on the new machine.