Choosing a current generation video game often comes down to how much content you get for the price, how well it runs on your console, and whether the experience actually matches your taste. Control: Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 5 aims to hit all three notes with one package: the full Control campaign, the two expansions "The Foundation" and "AWE," plus performance features built for the PS5. At $36.99, it sits in a competitive spot, so here's a close look at what this edition does well and where it makes you compromise.
Quick verdict
If you're looking for a story-driven, third-person action-adventure with a supernatural twist, Control: Ultimate Edition is a strong buy at $36.99. It gives you the base game and both expansions in one place, along with a Performance mode that targets 60fps and visual upgrades like 4K resolution and ray tracing. The mature rating and dense, unpredictable environments mean it's not a pick for everyone, but for the right player it's a complete package that doesn't require extra purchases.
Who it suits
Control: Ultimate Edition is best for players who want a deep, atmospheric single-player campaign with open-ended environments to explore. It's also a good fit if you've missed the game in past console generations and want to jump in on PS5 with all the extra content from the start. The 60fps Performance mode will appeal to anyone who values smooth combat reactions, while the 4K and ray tracing options give you a taste of what the PS5 can do visually. On the other hand, if you're sensitive to mature themes, intense violence, or unsettling storytelling, this one may not be the right fit.
What stands out from the listed details
The biggest draw is the content bundle. Control: Ultimate Edition includes the main game and the expansions "The Foundation" and "AWE," so you're getting the full arc without tracking down DLC separately. It also targets both performance and visual polish with a Performance mode at 60fps, plus 4K graphics and ray-tracing. For players who want responsive combat and a sharper look, those features make a real difference.
Beyond the technical stuff, Control's premise is unusual: the Federal Bureau of Control is dealing with a corrupt force, and you wield a weapon that lets you turn the world around you into an attack. Control is a third-person action adventure that blends open-ended environments with a strong narrative, and it has earned more than 80 awards. That pedigree suggests a polished experience, even if you're new to the studio's style.
Meaningful trade-offs
The most concrete limitation is the M - Mature rating. That locks out younger players and may be a dealbreaker for families or anyone avoiding intense content. The price also carries an opportunity cost: at $36.99, you're making a significant investment, so it's worth checking whether the theme and gameplay loop genuinely interest you before you buy. The heavier visual modes may also push you to choose between 60fps and ray tracing depending on your display, since both are included in the package.
Bottom line
Control: Ultimate Edition on PS5 is a substantial single-purchase package for a current generation video game. You get the base story, both expansions, and meaningful performance enhancements like 60fps, 4K, and ray tracing for $36.99. As long as the mature content works for you, this is a focused, content-complete way to experience one of the more distinctive action-adventures in the PS5 library.
