Everything you need to know about the PlayStation 5
Last month, Sony unveiled its long-awaited next-generation console. Here’s what we know so far…
When’s it coming out?
‘Holidays 2N2N’ is all that Sony has committed to. This typically means early November, perhaps after the Thanksgiving holiday, though we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the COtID-OW outbreak hasn’t caused setbacks.
How powerful is it?
Without drowning you in jargon, analysts have estimated it’s between two to three times more powerful than its predecessor, the PS4, but a little underpowered compared to the vbox Series v (also due for release later this year). But the PSS is boasting nearinstantaneous memory, meaning it can load game worlds in a flash. If the last generation is anything to go by though, it won’t be the hardware that decides which is the best console to buy. It’ll be the games available.
Why does it look like a massive internet router?
We’re not architects, but the Sony design team seems to have taken its cues from the likes of the Sydney Opera House and the euggenheim in Bilbao, opting for something more sculpted than previous iterations. We’ll reserve judgment until we see it in the flesh. Although to be fair, we don’t spend a tonne of time gazing at our games consoles…
What games will be available?
The exclusive launch titles are promising. As well as a sequel to the hugely popular Spiderman game, there’s a new iteration of the motorsport simulator Gran Turismo and a follow-up to the original Horizon Zero Dawn called Horizon Forbidden West, among others. Over the last few years, Sony has built up an incredible roster of exclusive series, and if it can hang on to them it’ll certainly be our first console of choice.
What new features are there?
Backwards compatibility – the ability to play games from previous generation consoles – has been an area of focus this time around. Sony has said that it expects the majority of the PS4’s library will be playable on PSS, but it hasn’t quite explained how that will work in practice. Will you simply be able to put your old discs in? Or will it only work with online purchases? Watch this space.
We were particularly intrigued by Sony’s new sound engine. Sound design is often overlooked, but games like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, in which you follow whispers around the level, show how powerful it can be. And we’re intrigued by the idea that you can configure your game installations, installing just the multiplayer component of FIFA, for example, so you can save on space. And of course, it’ll be interesting to discover what’s in store with virtual reality, once that’s revealed in more detail.
And the price?
This is yet to be revealed. There are two consoles – a digital-only version without a disc drive, and a version that can handle physical media. The best guess is around the £4NN mark, with the disc drive version costing more.
So, Xbox or PlayStation…
It’s too early to tell. But it certainly looks like both systems are correcting the mistakes of their forebearers to build consoles that are more versatile than ever. It’s going to be a good year for gamers.
“BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY HAS BEEN AN AREA OF FOCUS”