Discovering the Enigma: PlayStation 5

Buzz

1. PS5 Release Date

The highly anticipated release date for the PS5 worldwide is set to coincide with the holiday season of 2020. This places it in a timeframe from October to December of this year. While rumors suggest November 20, 2020, as the release date, it remains unconfirmed. This projected release time puts PlayStation 5 in direct competition with Microsoft's Xbox Series X.

Contrary to speculations, Sony PR has confirmed that the PS5 release date remains unaffected by the coronavirus, ensuring the next-generation console's arrival by the end of 2020, even amidst uncertain times.

2. PS5 Design

Official design details of the PS5 are still under wraps, but leaked images provide glimpses into what the PlayStation 5 might look like.

It's reasonable to assume that the design of the PlayStation 5 will match (or at least closely resemble) its controller. Historically, PlayStation controllers have always matched their consoles, so it would be odd if this didn't hold true for the PS5.

3. PS5 Controller (DualSense)

While Sony continues to keep the console's design tightly under wraps, recent revelations shed light on its next-generation controller, the DualSense - marking the first renaming of Sony's controllers in a long while, formerly known as DualShocks.

That's not the only change. The DualSense boasts a new design language and an entirely new color scheme featuring white as the default color. The buttons remain unchanged, although the controller has been upgraded with HD haptic feedback, rendering traditional Rumble technology obsolete.

The controller also introduces adaptive triggers for the first time, meaning it catches up with the Xbox controller in many ways. In theory, it might even have a built-in microphone for chatting with friends without needing a headset.

4. PS5 Specifications

Here are the full specifications of the PlayStation 5:
- CPU: Zen 2-based CPU with 8 cores at 3.5 GHz (variable frequency)
- GPU: 10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23 GHz (variable frequency)
- GPU Architecture: Custom RDNA 2
- Memory Interface: 16GB GDDR6/256-bit
- Memory Bandwidth: 448 GB/s
- Internal Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- IO Throughput: 5.5 GB/s (raw), 8-9 GB/s (compressed)
- Expandable Storage: NVMe SSD slot
- External Storage: USB HDD support (for PS4 games only)
- Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray Drive

GPU and Ray-tracing Technology

The hardware graphics of the PS5 have also been unveiled, featuring a GPU based on AMD's Radeon Navi architecture (custom RDNA 2 chip). It will support ray-tracing technology, boasting a massive 10.28 TFLOPs (compared to Xbox Series X's 12 TFLOPs) and housing 36 custom cores clocked at 2.23GHz (with variable frequency).
PlayStation's head, Jim Ryan, recently revealed that the PS5 is capable of gaming at 4K 120Hz, with potential for 8K resolution in the future.

Storage and SSD
SSD is the key to the PlayStation 5 experience. Internal memory will be integrated at 825GB for a custom SSD drive. In theory, SSD not only loads faster but also allows for larger open worlds. Developers won't need to create games with tiny worlds due to the limitations of mechanical hard drives. Meanwhile, SSD will also enable more efficient system memory usage.

SSD has more bandwidth, so data can be loaded from SSD when needed, instead of heaps of unnecessary data that could be loaded into RAM. You'll also have more control over how you install and delete games.

4K Blu-ray
The PS5 will continue the PlayStation tradition with a disc drive. While Sony skipped 4K Blu-ray for the PS4 Pro, the company has reversed that decision for the PlayStation 5.

Companion Robot

A recent patent filing from Sony suggests the company may have ambitious plans for the PlayStation 5. The patent introduces a companion robot that can sit beside players, point to the TV when they play, and react to their gameplay.
If players are gaming in VR mode, the robot could also appear in different forms. This isn't something users expect to come with the PS5, but it's an interesting display of Sony's ambition.

5. Backward Compatibility

During the March 2020 Road to PS5 presentation, Mark Cerny stated: 'Almost all of the top 100 PS4 games will be playable on PS5 at launch'. But what about cloud gaming?
For the PS4, Sony opted for the PS Now cloud-based service to offer PS3 titles for play instead. However, that was never a solution for those with discs on the shelf. Hence, Cerny's disclosure of backward compatibility with at least PS4 titles was warmly welcomed.

6. PS5 Pricing

It's still too early to know what the PS5 will be priced at, although rumors suggest it will be a hefty machine.
A leak reveals the new console will be priced at $499 in North America upon release. Of course, this has been met with skepticism, but it would be welcome news if the PS5 launched at this price, as it's only $100 more than the starting price of the PS4 and PS4 Pro.

Ultimately, when it comes to leaks about the PlayStation 5, Sony has dribbled out information in blog posts and through interviews. Mytour will update you as soon as there's official news on the PS5 unveiling event.

Check out more about How to differentiate between PlayStation consoles here to understand more about PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the confirmed release date for the PS5 worldwide?

The PS5 is expected to be released during the holiday season of 2020, specifically from October to December. Although November 20, 2020, is rumored, it has not been officially confirmed. Sony has assured that the release will not be affected by the pandemic.

What are the key specifications of the PS5 console?

The PS5 features a Zen 2-based CPU with 8 cores at GHz, a custom RDNA 2 GPU with 10.28 TFLOPs, 16GB GDDR6 memory, and a custom 825GB SSD for storage. It also supports 4K gaming at 120Hz and potentially 8K resolution in the future.

Will the PS5 support backward compatibility with PS4 games?

Yes, the PS5 will support backward compatibility for almost all of the top 100 PS4 games at launch, allowing players to enjoy their existing library on the new console.

What notable features does the DualSense controller offer for the PS5?

The DualSense controller introduces HD haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, enhancing the gaming experience. It also features a new design and color scheme, making it a significant upgrade from the previous DualShock controllers.

What is the rumored price of the PS5 at launch?

While the official price is not confirmed, rumors suggest that the PS5 may launch at $499 in North America. This pricing aligns closely with the previous PS4 and PS4 Pro models, which could make it an attractive option for gamers.

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]