It’s about time to say goodbye to Sony’s beloved fourth-generation console. A household favorite, the PS4 is undoubtedly a must-have in many gamers’ humble abode!
Rumors about newer versions of the PS4 with slight technical upgrades (PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro) made headlines on the internet, but Sony confirmed it’s working on releasing the next (and possibly the last) PlayStation gaming console.
Then comes the successor entering the picture — the PlayStation 5. Is it too early to claim the PS5 will be a game changer? Perhaps not. We feel like it’s going to be one impactful gaming console in the industry. Here’s what we know so far about the hyped, new-generation console:
Official Announcement
In an interview with the Financial Times, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshia confirmed that the brand is working on the release of a new console — stating that it is “necessary to have next-generation hardware.”
There has been so much advancement and development in the gaming industry that Sony knew they needed to keep up. It has also been confirmed that the PS5 won’t be as different in design compared to the PS4.
A PlayStation for the next generation: the PS5 is well on its way. It will also get a significant upgrade in power as it is packed with ray-tracing support and a loadtime-killing solid-state hard drive.
Release Date
Sony officially stated that Playstation 5 is set to be released on the Holiday of 2020, which is the same release date for the Xbox’s Series X. These 2 companies will surely go up against each other again while their respective fans support them.
Previously, Sony representatives claimed that the PS5 would not be available before April 2020. A leak also suggested the new-gen console will be launched on February 12th. Now, the company seems to have set an end of year release date.
Expected Price
The price is one of the deciding factors on giving the console a head start. PS4’s price upon its launch is 399$ USD which successfully undercuts the Xbox One.
According to Hideki Yasuda, an Ace Researcher Institute analyst, the PlayStation 5 is predicted to be released with a starting price of $499 USD — $100 USD higher than the Playstation 4’s starting price.
The predicted price for the latest PlayStation console may not be entirely accurate though. The on-going trade war between China and America may affect manufacturing and shipping costs.
Back in June 2019, tech giants Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft issued a joint statement warning of price rises if the trade war continues. Better save up as early as today if you’re eyeing an upgrade!
This could lead to a more expensive device, which raises the possibility of Sony launching two different consoles for gamers with varying budgets: an expensive PS5 Pro and a much more affordable PS5.
PlayStation 5 Specs
Last April 2019, system architect Mark Cerny revealed to Wired in an interview that the PS5’s CPU and GPU are AMD chips which can support 8k graphics, 3D audio, and even ray tracing — an exclusive feature found only in powerful PCs.
The CPU is rumored to be an eight-core chip (from the Ryzen line) and uses Zen 2 microarchitecture. Meanwhile, the GPU is said to be based on the Radeon Navi line.
Without a doubt, the PS5’s rumored specs is a powerhouse! Although it can single handedly outperform any consoles in this generation, there’s speculation about how the PS5 will still have less power than current graphics cards in high-end PCs.
The PS5’s AMD Oberon APU (a combination of CPUand GPU) runs at 2GHz. It effectively doubles the speed of the recent PS4, but it’s not really as powerful as the Nvidia RTX line.
The GPU is said to be capable of hardware-based ray tracing, instead of a software-side solution.
Hello, Solid-State Drive!
The PlayStation5 will be reportedly ditching a hard-disk drive for a solid-state drive instead. The latter will have a higher bandwidth than those currently used in PCs.
Thanks to the move to an SSD drive, the loading times will be cut significantly even compared to the latest PlayStation 4 Pro.
It will take less than a second to load content on the next-generation console, a stark contrast to the PS4’s eight seconds of loading time. It is also speculated to be more powerful than Xbox’s Project Scarlett although this has been unconfirmed yet.
The new-gen PlayStation will support game streaming, digital downloads, and Blu-ray discs. It will be equipped with a 4K Blu-ray player (same as that of the Xbox One S and Xbox One X) and will use games with a data capacity of 100GB.
To reduce installation times of huge file sizes, the SSD is used to give you the option of installing specific parts of the game you want to play — such as campaign or competitive multiplayer mode.
The games can be loaded to specific modes from the dashboard, allowing you to join a friend who’s in a match without going through the entire starting process like you’d typically do on games on the PS4.
PlayStation 5’s Odd Design
A patent design of Playstation 5 have been circulating around the internet for a while now.
It’s a chunky game console and is considered by most people as an oddly designed console. But others found it rather attractive. The console design consists of complete USB ports, a disc drive and the V-shaped chassis on the top of the console is for better cooling system.
The V-shaped top, in particular, appears to be a reference to the Roman numeral for five. The design looks both futuristic and nostalgic at the same time — similar to something out of a 1980s science-fiction film.
It doesn’t look as slim and minimalistic as the PS4 or the Xbox One X. Rather, its bulkiness is a homage to older tech. If the final PS5 design ends up largely similar to the prototype, that would be a big departure from previous PlayStations designs.
Backward Compatibility
Good news, PlayStation fans! The PlayStation 5 is designed to be backward compatible with PS4 and PS VR games. However, it is speculated to be limited and cannot include games from the PS3, PS2 or PS1.
The reason for this compatibility is the similar architecture of the PS4 and PS5. Sony plans to use backward compatibility to help players adjust into the next-generation consoles from the PS4.
To those who possess the PS4 at the moment, you can opt to trade in or even sell your system to upgrade to the PS5! We can assure you this can be a great decision to make especially if you’re a gamer.
Other PS5 features (VR, Cloud Gaming, etc)
The PS5 will support the PlayStation VR headset. With that in mind, it could prompt for a new version of the famous VR accessory — rightfully named as the PSVR 2.
According to a new patent, the cameras on the said PSVR 2 are likely to replace the PlayStation camera that launched with the original PSVR. Accordingly, it can make your movements more accurate.
The cameras in front of your headset will help you see what’s going on around you. Everything will seem transparent through the eyes of your lens. The patent also suggests that the PSVR may be released wireless.
Back in May 2019, Sony and Microsoft revealed a surprise partnership. The two companies will share resources to further develop their systems’ cloud gaming, AI, and various enterprise products.
Many fans speculate the PS5 will come with an improved version of the PlayStation now, or it could entirely have a new cloud platform that’s on par with Google Stadia.
And if you’re thinking about streaming on console with the PS5, read up on some tips to help you win the hearts of your viewers! Console or PC? That doesn’t matter. What matters is how you captivate your audience with your personality and charm.
PS4 vs PS5
Now, do you really need to upgrade your PlayStation?
We may sound bias when we say it’s a great decision to make, considering how next generation is soon coming upon us all, but here’s a general overview of what you can expect if you upgrade from your PS4 to the PS5.
Price:
The actual price of the PS5 is not yet dropped, although it is predicted to be released with a starting price of $499 USD. Gaming fans may have to wait for a year until it officially comes out in the market.
Because of the new gen’s similarity with the PS4, many assume it would probably cost the same. This can be rather unlikely considering the high-end tech packed inside.
Regardless of the price, it’s a technology worth every dime for all gamers!
Specs:
How powerful is each console? The PS4 Pro is considered as one of the best consoles in the current generation, mainly because of its powerful GPU/CPU combo.
It couldn’t produce native 4K graphics (like in the Xbox One X), but it manages to upscale game content to 4K and play smooth 60FPS games to a great quality.
When it comes to specs, here’s a quick comparison to give you an idea:
PS4 Pro Specs
- CPU: 2.1GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar
- GPU: 4.2 TFLOP AMD Radeon (36CU, 911MHz)
- Memory: 8GB GDDR5 + 1GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
- Resolution: 4K (upscaled)
- HDR: Yes
PlayStation 5 Specs
- CPU: Custom AMD Zen 2
- GPU: Custom AMD GPU (supports 3D Audio and ray-tracing)
- Memory: Unknown
- Storage: SSD
- Resolution: Supports 8K
- HDR: Yes
The specs can’t delve deeper into how fast the GPU and CPU would be clocked and what the memory will be, but as we near the release date, it’s only about time we can figure out the other important details.
Gaming enthusiasts can already conclude how much of a game changer the PS5 is going to be, especially with a built-in SSD, a custom-made CPU/GPU, and support for 8K content.
As we’ve mentioned, the PS5 also comes with a built-in Blu-ray player and will have an upgraded controller fit for next-gen gaming.
Compared to the PS4 Pro, the PS5 can load games and assets significantly faster than the PS4 thanks to its new Solid State Drive. It allows the console to read and retrieve data in mili-seconds than seconds.
Exciting, isn’t it? The PS5 is rumored to have the ability to play games at the same graphical quality of high-end PCs in the market at only a fraction of the price. We’re with you in hoping this is true!
A Controller Designed for the New Generation
PS5’s new controller (which remains to be unnamed at the moment) promises improvements and new features, including an upgraded speaker.
The new controller is said to feature a larger-capacity battery. This is good news especially to those who are having battery life issues with the DualShock 4.
It will apparently use an “adaptive trigger” that offers a variety of resistance based on the activity you’re doing in the game. The new haptic feedback also is set to replace the traditional rumble technology.
Capable of giving feedback to the analog sticks, it will likely feel different when you walk on mud versus on snow or grass in-game. It aims for a more realistic gameplay thanks to programmable resistance within the trigger buttons.
PS5’s new controller will also include a microphone, with the design slightly bulkier than the DualShock 4. Basically, the button layout appears to be identical, and the Share and Options button is still located on both sides of the touchpad.
Automatic charging over WiFi has also been discussed by game enthusiasts and fans as a way of charging the controller. While that technology sounds interesting, it would certainly add extra dollars to the final retail price.
Controller-on-the-go
Most consoles have had a very similar set up until today. You have to plug it into your TV, grab your controller, and start gaming. With the PS5, you may still opt to use your TV but chances are you’ll strap it into your system instead.
VR and augmented reality is massively popular within the PS4 in countless titles – and Sony confirmed they still have VR plans in store for the PS5. The current headset will also work on the new system, so VR may not be going anywhere.
It’s a whole new world with the PS5. You can even bring your Head Mounted Display as you leave the house. This is considered as an evolution of the remote play concept, as is seen in the the PS4 and the PlayStation Vita.
On the other hand, there are also rumors about how the PS5 will ditch the good ol’ controller— which can ultimately change handheld consoles as we know it. This is highly unlikely though, considering the speculations on the new and improved controller for the latest PlayStation. Sony may just choose to simplify it and rely more on motion tracking and virtual/augmented reality to deliver games. Fans may have to wait a while for any official announcements!
Featured Games in the PS5
Godfall
Godfall is the first confirmed game to be released for Playstation 5. Godfall is an action-role playing game developed by Counterplay games and is published by Gearbox Publishing. With the same studio that worked on a very successful franchise as God of War, Godfall is definitely one of the upcoming games which everyone looks forward to.
Watchdogs: Legion
Watchdogs Legion is the third game of its franchise. It is your same action pack and open world game with a lot of additional twist. Developed and published by Ubisoft, the game’s release date is rumored to be around late 2020 to 2021 due to some delay. Will it live up to the expectations of the fans and give justice to its successors Watchdogs 1 and 2?
Rainbow Six Quarantine
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Series is about to release the Rainbow Six Quarantine which is developed by Ubisoft Montreal, a whole new team of Ubisoft. It is a three-player tactical co-op game and players will face off against an unknown, mysterious enemy that threatens humanity.
This virus that hosts on humans is more lethal and more infectious that we’ve ever seen in the past Rainbow Six series. The game is to be released on early 2020 and is currently listed as unavailable on Amazon.
The Elder Scrolls VI
Being the successor of a very popular and successful game as Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls is definitely one of the most awaited games that would probably be released along with Playstation 5 or maybe even longer. According to Todd Howard, one of the developers of The Elder Scrolls VI, the reason TES6 is taking time to be released is because the team have also a game in line to work on such as Starfield. Bottomline, The Elder Scrolls VI will still push through without an exact or estimated date and the adventure in Tamriel will still continue.
Other “key games” noted to be within the Playstation 5 are the highly-rated Playstation 4 games such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Grand Theft Auto 5, Red Dead Redemption II, God of War, The Witcher 3, Uncharted 4 and many more.
Sony confirmed that the Playstation 5 will definitely have a backward compatibility with Playstation 4, allowing you to play all the PS4 games in the brand new Playstation 5 console. Some would probably sell their Playstation 4 to afford the latest console but worry not! You don’t need to get rid of all your PS4 games because you can always enjoy them in the Playstation 5.
For more games on your console, check out this list we’ve specifically handpicked for gamers! Seems like the PS5 is designed to run most of the console games we’ve included on the list.
The Playstation 5 Logo
Just as before the year 2020 kicks in, Sony promised to reveal something at CES 2020 and it isn’t what the fans expected.
Playstation 5 fans have speculated that Sony will reveal other information about the console but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Playstation 5’s logo was revealed earlier this year with a capital P, S, and number 5 in a row which is closely identical with the PS4 logo.
With Microsoft and Nintendo always changing their logo design, Playstation fans didn’t expect Sony to stick with their previous design, but they did.
The logo of Playstation 5 may not win any award due to its lack of originality and comparison to the Playstation 4 logo but it definitely won in the hearts of fans on Instagram. It has been liked over 5 million times (and counting) which made it the most popular image ever uploaded by a video game company.
PS5 vs Xbox Series X
In 2020, PS5’s launch will place it in direct competition with Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. Both high-end consoles seem to be working with similar specs and performance ranges. Each system boasts custom AMD Zen 2 processors, custom SSDs, and advanced RAM (for features such as ray tracing).
The Series X will include features like Variable Refresh Rate (making the console ideal for FreeSync and G-Sync gaming monitors) and Microsoft’s very own Variable Rate Shading technology.
Microsoft’s Series X has a confirmed design of a tower-like shape, built for maximum airflow and can be positioned both horizontally and vertically. The PS5’s design shows a chunky horizontal build, although the final one hasn’t been officially released to the public.
Here’s good news for those who own a PS4 or Xbox One, both the PS5 and Series X will be backwards compatible.
The last PlayStation system?
Rumor has it, the PS5 could be the last PlayStation system. Streaming services can easily replace traditional consoles in the future.
The PS5 might be the last console generation, the best of the best, before the industry decides to completely shift into a streaming-only model.
This technology would undoubtedly become more accessible to gamers across the world. But with the loss of net neutrality and data caps of many internet service providers, traditional consoles with physical media is still going strong.
Conclusion
We live in a time where traditional handheld consoles might soon become outdated or a thing in the past. What gaming will look like in a year or two, let alone 10, is a matter of mystery.
Developers and gamers work together to create the future of gaming – one that transcends limitations. The PS5, for instance, serves as the culmination of every success and failure Sony has experienced in the industry.
What features of the PS5 do you seem to like the most? Do you think the console will turn out to be an instant hit upon its launch? Tell us in the comments!
