PlayStation 5
From 3D audio to a haptic controller, here’s everything we know about Sony’s dive into the next generation
Sony really isn’t one for code names. Sure, it held out for a while, somehow resolutely staying mute on the name of its new console, but now we know that the follow up to the PS4 is, of course, the PlayStation 5. And whether you’ve had a PlayStation since the days of that surprisingly large grey rectangle or are a recent adopter, the box that lies ahead is a tantalising future machine. Even better is the fact that we know a surprising amount about what’s to come. Spoiler: it’s going to be fun.
First off, let’s take a look at what lies under the (probably) plastic hood. Similar to Microsoft, Sony is touting a thirdgeneration AMD Ryzen processor. This has eight cores of AMD’s brand-new 7nm Zen 2 microarchitecture to ensure maximum performance in much less space than a PC has to play with. For graphics, the PS5 has a custom AMD Radeon Navi that includes hardware support for ray tracing, providing much more realistic lighting techniques. Put simply, PS5 is going to be fast and powerful. Team this processor and graphics card with flash storage, and the improvement over PS4 and PS4 Pro will be significant. This is no
Expect speeds many times faster than what current consoles can handle
ordinary iterative upgrade. Sony might have quickly retracted a ‘world’s fastest console’ claim from a recent job advert, but it will surely be battling for that.
The solid-state drive is what lies at the heart of this speed upgrade. While the PS5 will still have an optical drive capable of reading 100GB discs - not to mention 4K Blu-rays - all games are going to have to be installed on the SSD before you play to make the most of all that new processing power. But it will happen at speeds many times faster than current hard drives can handle. According to lead system architect Mark Cerny, for the first time we’ll be able to choose what we install with “finer grained access to data”. If you’re spending all your time in CoD’s multiplayer, why let the campaign clog up much-needed space?
CONTROLLER FREAK
In a surprising move potentially aimed at avoiding another PS3-boomerang-controller debacle, Sony has revealed a stack of information about its new controller. It hasn’t gone as far as confirming it as the DualShock 5 - heaven forbid - but has discussed the new pad’s innards. We’re
talking improved speakers, haptic feedback functions, and a new adaptive trigger system. Gone is the now archaic rumble of old. Instead, PS5’s controller lets you feel everything differently. Draw a bow back using L2 and you’ll feel it start to resist as you draw tighter. Pull the trigger on a shotgun and it should feel very different to that machine gun you tried for size earlier.
More detailed haptic feedback is a big move (literally) for the new controller and something that Sony’s first-party titles will definitely make the most of. While the use of the touchpad and speaker has sometimes felt arbitrary - oh hello, Death Stranding baby - a full sensory extravaganza sounds significantly more immersive. Sony has shown off demos from Astro Bot Rescue Mission developers Japan Studio with slow, sluggish sand to wade through, slippery ice and the bouncing of a wooden bridge, all reflected perfectly in the haptic feedback. Oh, and it might officially not have a name yet but Sony is happy to say that while the haptic coils mean it’s slightly heavier than the DualShock 4, it’s still lighter than the Xbox wireless controller. Touché.
In terms of the design, a leaked patent shows off a very similar style to the current controller. Looks wise, not much has changed if the patent is to be believed, but there are a number of subtle key differences and potentially a microphone on the controller itself. While the touchpad remains in place, a USB-C port replaces the microUSB of the current model, and the patent is missing the iconic light bar from the DualShock 4. While it’s fun to watch it change colour in compatible games, the primary function of the bar is for VR tracking. Intriguingly, if it’s gone, then it looks like Sony might be using an alternative tracking system for its new virtual reality offering. A wireless PSVR 2 patent has been uncovered, but there has been no official discussions on the future of Sony’s plans.
Regardless of PlayStation’s VR future, PS5 is aiming to be the full package when it comes to losing yourself in games. Sony has also revealed a greater focus on audio immersion. Mark Cerny discussed his dislike for the lack of any kind of aural upgrade between PS3 and PS4, so wants to make sure the hardware supports a significant improvement this time around. This comes in the shape of what he calls 3D Audio which will come with the audio chip built into the processor. Given that this won’t require external hardware, it looks like it will create a 3D soundscape to make sure you can hear exactly when you’re being sneaked up on.
The PS5 is shaping up nicely, then. With backwards compatibility for PS4 titles and the ability to play online with PS4 users, it looks like Sony is focusing on growing its ecosystem, not shutting everything out in a hunger for new tech. Not that we’re complaining about that hunger…