Control Resonant Early Access Sparks Frustration as PS5 Players Get a 48-Hour Advantage
Control Resonant is almost here, but its launch week has already stirred debate among fans. While the game officially releases on September 24, PlayStation 5 players who purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition were able to start playing on September 22, thanks to a 48-hour early access perk available only on PS5.
That decision has frustrated many Xbox and PC players, especially because the Digital Deluxe Edition costs the same across all platforms. For those who pre-ordered expecting equal treatment, the discovery that early access is limited to PlayStation has been a disappointing surprise.
Remedy Entertainment had already confirmed back in June that only selected players would receive the two-day head start. Still, some fans hoped the studio might reconsider before launch. As release day approached, however, it became clear that the PS5 early access period would remain exclusive.
The reason behind the platform-specific perk has not been officially explained. Many players believe it may be tied to a marketing agreement with Sony, especially since Control Resonant received major attention during a previous PlayStation State of Play presentation.
This is not the first time the Control franchise has offered PlayStation-focused extras. The original Control included bonus content for PlayStation players, including the “Isolation” side mission and another mission featuring a voice performance from Hideo Kojima. That content eventually became available on other platforms, but early access is different. Once September 24 arrives, the 48-hour advantage disappears.
Even so, the Digital Deluxe Edition still includes additional bonuses beyond early access. Players receive a digital artbook, soundtrack, cosmetics, and other in-game items, making the package more than just a way to play ahead of launch.
There has also been confusion around pre-load times. Xbox and PS5 players can already download Control Resonant, while PC players on Steam will be able to pre-load the game 24 hours before it unlocks.
For everyone without early access, Control Resonant becomes playable on September 24 at 10 AM EDT and 4 PM CEST.
The game takes players into a supernatural version of Manhattan, with early impressions praising its open-world level design and atmospheric world-building. However, some criticism has been aimed at the visual quality on PlayStation consoles, where image clarity may not fully match expectations.
Despite the controversy, excitement around Control Resonant remains high. Remedy’s reputation for eerie storytelling, stylish action, and mind-bending environments has kept fans eager to dive in. Still, the PS5-only early access perk has left a sour taste for some Xbox and PC players who paid the same price but had to wait longer.
