Control Resonant PS5 exclusive early access annoys gamers anxious for release date

Some buyers are still discovering that Control Resonant early access is a PS5 exclusive perk. Ahead of the September 24th release date, PlayStation supporters are already playing the Remedy Entertainment project. Meanwhile, Xbox and PC gamers who pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe Edition at an identical price are waiting.

A selective preview

Remedy revealed in June that only select players would have a 48-hour head start. The news disappointed audiences on rival platforms who felt denied a key pre-order benefit. Critics believed the publisher might change its mind, but as launch approached, those hopes faded.

It’s unclear why the Alan Wake studio opted for the exclusivity. Many fans suspect Sony agreed to a lucrative marketing arrangement. As evidence of a deal, the June State of Play promoted Resonant extensively.

Although not a PS4 or PS5 exclusive game, the original Control offered advantages for PlayStation fans. The most appealing platform-specific extra for Digital Deluxe Edition buyers was the “isolation” side mission. Players also enjoyed another quest with a voiceover from industry icon Hideo Kojima.

The content from the previous title eventually came to Xbox consoles and PC. However, Control Resonant early access will be irrelevant once the release date arrives. On the other hand, the Deluxe version bundles a digital artbook, soundtrack, cosmetics, and various in-game bonuses.

Resonant pre-loads

There has also been confusion surrounding pre-load times. Xbox and PS5 owners are downloading the action RPG now. Steam patrons were worried they wouldn't have the same option until the studio clarified. Files become available on Valve’s marketplace 24 hours before it unlocks.

On September 24th, gamers without early access can begin exploring a supernatural Manhattan at 10 AM EDT/4 PM CEST. For the undecided, Control Resonant reviews have praised the open-world level design. That said, lackluster image quality on PlayStation consoles detracts somewhat from the visuals.

Notebookcheck posted its initial impressions of Resonance performance in a video: