There is now almost all the important information about Sony’s PlayStation 5 regarding the new next-gen console. We summarize what Sony has officially revealed about the PS5 so far and what experts say about the still-open questions of the new console.
Where does this information about the successor to the PlayStation 4 come from? At the Sony Investor Relations Day in 2019, an official document was published that summarized many known facts about Sony’s next-gen PlayStation.
In addition, Sony has already officially announced what the new PlayStation will be called, how much it will cost, and when it will be released.
What do we know so far about the PS5? Currently, we know the following information about the PlayStation 5:
- PS5 hardware (CPU, GPU, SSD, 3D audio, drive)
- the official design of the PlayStation 5
- the various PS5 versions
- the PS5 controller
- which resolutions the PS5 will offer
- some features of the PS5 such as backward compatibility, cross-gen gameplay, or streaming
- the release date and price of the PS5
- and the first launch title of the PS5
Some aspects have not yet been officially communicated. Here we will present you with assessments from experts.
By the way, Sony has now also launched the first official website for the PS5. You will find some information about the PlayStation 5, the official controller, and also about some games here.
This article was published at the end of 2019 and is continuously being updated with new information. On October 6, 2020, we added information about performance, the SSD, launch titles, and information about the controllers.
PS5 Design – this is what the new console looks like
In mid-June, Sony presented not only the first gameplay but also the official design of the PlayStation 5. The design resembles the appearance of the Dualsense controller, which was also presented in the same black and white design.
The PS5 design is also significantly larger than the predecessor consoles and the Xbox Series X. And this is mainly because the high performance generates heat that needs to be dissipated. Matt MacLaurin, Vice President of User Experience Design at Sony, explained this to users:
Can the PS5 also be laid down? According to the official pictures, there is also a way to lay the PS5 down. On the images, the black base that holds the PlayStation 5 in position is clearly visible.
Here is more information about the design: If you are looking for more information and images about the PS5 design, we have summarized all the important information about the design for you in the following article:
PS5 – Sony presents two versions of the console
Sony explained that there will be two different variants of the PlayStation 5:
- a PS5 variant with a 4K Blu-ray drive
- and a Digital Edition that does not come with a drive.
What is the difference between the editions? The only difference between the versions is that the Digital Edition does not have a drive. You will have to download all games and movies, and you cannot use Blu-rays. We explain the reasons for and against the PS5 Digital Edition in a separate article.
PS5 – Release, price, and contents
At a PS5 event on September 16, 2020, Sony finally revealed details about the price and release date of the PlayStation 5.
The release date of the PS5 – when will it be released? In Germany, the new PS5 consoles will be available from November 19. In the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and South Korea, it will be available as of November 12, 2020.
The price of the PS5 – how much will it cost?
- The digital version of the PS5 will cost €399.99
- The disc version of the PS5 will cost €499.99
PS5: Contents
In addition to the console, there is of course other accessories that come with the PS5. This includes, among other things, a new DualSense controller, the important cables, and the stand.
- PS5 console
- 1x DualSense Wireless Controller
- Stand
- HDMI, power, and USB cables
- Manual
- Astro’s Playroom is pre-installed on every PS5
If you want to play a new PS5 title in co-op, you will need to purchase an additional DualSense controller. The charging station for the PS5 controller is also not included in the package.
![DualSense Wireless-Controller [PlayStation 5 ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31BdzR4ALjL._SL160_.jpg)
![DualSense-Ladestation [PlayStation 5], usb](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21mbSgn8QZL._SL160_.jpg)
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The hardware of the PlayStation 5 – What’s inside Sony’s next-gen console
This is officially known: Sony has already revealed some official details about the PS5 hardware. This includes information about the CPU, GPU, resolution, storage medium, and audio technology. This is what is known so far:
| Processor (CPU): | 8-core Ryzen 3rd generation from AMD with 7nm Zen 2 architecture, 3.5 GHz clock speed |
| Graphics (GPU): | 10.28 teraflops, 36 CUs (RDNA 2), Navi architecture with ray tracing support |
| Supported resolution: | Up to 8K – 4K at 120 Hz possible |
| Storage medium: | 825 GB M.2 NVMe SSD, 5.5GB/s uncompressed and 8-9GB/s for compressed data. Expandable with M.2 NVMe SSDs |
| Audio: | New 3D audio technology |
| Drives: | 4K UHD Blu-ray drive |
AMD Ryzen 3rd Gen Zen 2 – what does that mean? Without going into detail: more power.
While the PS5, like the PS4, will feature an 8-core processor, the new 7nm Zen 2 architecture from AMD will provide a significant boost in performance and efficiency for the PS5. For comparison: The PS4 is based on a 28nm process, which is significantly bulkier.
The new transistors are more efficient and can perform more calculations without overheating – one of the biggest limits in CPU performance. Additionally, the individual components are smaller, allowing more to fit on a chip, which again leads to more performance.
Will the PS5 actually deliver true 8K? For marketing purposes, such a statement is strong. Nvidia’s latest graphics card, the GeForce RTX 3090 is referred to by Nvidia itself as an 8K graphics card, which also costs a lot of money with a price of €1500. With the GeForce RTX 3080, at least there is a 4K graphics card that is relatively inexpensive at €700.
Whether the PS5 manages to deliver the performance of a high-end PC and display 8K in games without issues is still unclear.
Therefore, this statement should be taken with caution. It is likely that, similar to the PS4, there will be some sort of upscaling or checkerboard scaling, which will upscale the console’s resolution. Unfortunately, Sony has not provided further details on this yet.
Sony stated that with the PlayStation 5, they could achieve 120 Hz at a 4K resolution.
More info about the PS5 hardware – GPU and CPU: On May 27, Computex 2019 started. There, manufacturer AMD provided more details about the new Navi graphics generation and the new Ryzen processor on which the PS5 hardware is based. Check out this video to learn more about the most important specs of the PlayStation 5:
PS5 SSD – Speed and Size
Sony provided important information about the PS5 specs during its developer stream important information about the specs of the PS5. This also includes information about the console’s storage:
- The PS5 features an NVMe SSD with 825 GB. It is said to be able to read and write uncompressed data at 5.5 GB/s, and compressed data at 8-9 GB/s.
- You can expand the storage with M.2 NVMe SSDs. The possible models will be announced later.
- Sony stated that this will result in extremely short loading times and downloads.
Experts believe that Sony may use the now available Samsung NVMe SSD 980 PRO with PCIe 4.0 standard for the PlayStation 5.
More about this can be found here: PS5 SSD probably won’t be a top model – what does that mean for loading times?
The PS5 Controller – DualSense
This is what we know about the PS5 controller: Sony has now introduced the new PS5 controller in a blog post:
- The controller is called “DualSense Wireless Controller”.
- Sony mentions that the PS5 controller has a rechargeable battery
- Instead of a Share button, there is now a “Create” button. Instead of sharing content, players can now create content.
- The “DualSense” also features a microphone, so a headset does not need to be plugged in to chat.
- Additionally, the previously discussed haptic feedback with the controller will be implemented. Sony explains that you should feel it when driving over a muddy track, for example.
How much does the PS5 controller cost? We now know what the new DualSense controller and the charging station cost:
- The DualSense Wireless Controller – €69.99
- DualSense charging station (can charge 2 controllers simultaneously) – €29.99
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Do PS4 controllers work with the PS5? Sony has now stated that older DualShock controllers work on the PS5, but you cannot play PS5 games with the DualShock. Sony explained regarding the question of whether the controller is backward compatible:
Is the DualShock 4 compatible with PS5 games?
No, we believe that you should use the new features and functions that we provide on the platform, including the features of the DualSense Wireless Controller.
Source: blog.playstation.com
You can continue to play older PS4 games on the PlayStation 5 with your DualShock or another favorite controller, but for PS5 games, you will need a DualSense.
PS4 vs PS5
Sony provides a direct comparison between PS4 Pro and PS5: Sony released a video that provides a brief glimpse of the performance of the upcoming PS5. It contrasts the loading times of the PS5 and PS4 Pro as well as the reloading of objects in Marvel’s Spider-Man.
You can learn more about this here: Sony shows: the loading times of the PS5 compared to the PS4 Pro
What the comparison of the PS4 and PS5 shows: The significantly shorter loading time on the PS5 immediately catches the eye.
| Loading time of the scene on the PS5: | 0.83 seconds |
| Loading time of the scene on the PS4 Pro: | 8.1 seconds |
Additionally, the reloading of objects and the environment in the shown scenes on the PS5 is noticeably smoother and faster than on the PS4 Pro.
In the meantime, Sony has also introduced the Spider-Man remaster: Here you can clearly see the differences between PS4 and PS5:
On the PlayStation 5, the graphics are much more pronounced (left image). Spider-Man can be seen fully reflected in the glass facade of the building. The entire figure is clearly recognizable. The Central Park is also clearly reflected in the facade. The colors no longer look unnatural as on the PS4, but softer and darker.
That’s why: Sony had already explained in a stream that they will rely on ray tracing with the PS5, which will play an important role. Ray tracing is used, for example, to calculate shadows or reflections or assists with overall lighting.
Tip: If you want to play both Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Spider-Man Remastered, you can order the Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition. This includes not only the new game but also a download code for Marvel’s Spider-Man: Remastered:
PS5 Pro: Will there be a faster model?
This is what we know now During the design reveal of the PS5, it became known that Sony will likely release two models of the PS5, but the second model will not be a more powerful device, but rather a PS5 model without a drive.
What features will the PS5 offer?
Sony has already revealed numerous details about the PS5 features. Here is what is known so far:
Backward compatibility of the PS5: Can you play PS4 games on the PS5? Yes, the PS5 will be backward compatible with the PS4. Sony has now explained in detail what the backward compatibility of the PS5 looks like:
- Native Mode: This mode will be used for all PS5 games.
- Pro Legacy Mode: This supports games that were specifically tailored for the PS4 Pro. Currently, some PS4 games have the label “PS4 Pro optimized”.
- PS4 Legacy Mode: The Legacy Mode supports PS4 generation games.
- At launch, the “top 100” PS4 games will be available. However, Sony stated that they cannot promise that all games will run on the PS5.
- The PS3 and older generations will not be supported. Sony says that is too expensive and complicated.
Cross-gen gameplay: PS5 players can play with PS4 players: Sony has also confirmed that PS5 players can play with PS4 users. This is made possible by the PS5’s backward compatibility for many PS4 titles. Players on the PS5 and players on the current console generation (PS4 and PS4 Pro) will be able to play older games together or against each other.
PSVR on the PS5: Virtual reality will also play an important role on the next PlayStation console. However, Sony has not yet disclosed further details about next-gen VR. The PS5 will be compatible with Sony’s existing PSVR headset.
Streaming and cloud gaming on the PS5: Streaming game content will also play an important role on the PS5. Two of the most important keywords for the future and thus also for the PS5 are according to Sony “seamless” and “immersive”.
This will be achieved not only through an increase in computing power and the ultra-fast SSD, but also with streaming and cloud gaming. Through an evolution of Remote Play and PlayStation Now, Sony wants to offer a seamless gaming experience available to players everywhere and at any time.
What games are coming for the PS5?
This is what Sony says: With Godfall, the first PS5 game was officially announced. However, Sony has been tight-lipped about further official announcements. It has been hinted that some upcoming titles will appear on both the current console generation and the PS5. For example, there has been a vague hint for Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding.
PS5: Confirmed launch titles
In the meantime, Sony has also confirmed several launch titles for the PS5. These include:
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales (pre-order on Amazon for €59.99)
- Godfall
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (pre-order on Amazon for €69.99)
- Watch Dogs: Legion (pre-order on Amazon for €69.99)
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
- Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Devil May Cry 5
- Fortnite (pre-order on Amazon for €29.99)
- Demon’s Souls (pre-order on Amazon for €79.99)
- Control: Ultimate Edition
- Destiny 2
- Outriders
- Jett: The Far Shore
- Bugsnax
- Destruction All Stars (pre-order on Amazon for €79.99)
- Sackboy – A Big Adventure (pre-order on Amazon for €69.99)
- Astro’s Playroom
Which games are also possible for the PS5? And it continues to be speculated about which games might qualify as launch titles for the PS5 and which titles we might see on the PS5 over time.
Potential candidates like
- The Last of Us 2
- God of War 2
- Horizon: Zero Dawn 2
- Death Stranding
- Ghost of Tsushima
- or Cyberpunk 2077
you can watch in this video from our colleagues at GamePro:
So far, 25 games for the PS5 have been officially confirmed. Among them are also some top titles like Battlefield 6 or Dragon Age 4, which are likely to interest many users. However, for some titles, the release date is still unknown:
Can you upgrade PS4 games to PS5 versions?
Some games that will be released this year or next year for PlayStation 4 can also be upgraded to the PlayStation 5 version for free.
The advantage: You benefit from the strong and new hardware of the PS5 and can take advantage of its benefits in the new games. We now know some PS4 games that can be upgraded for free to the PS5 version.
The disadvantage: If you upgrade PS4 games to PS5, the license on PlayStation 4 expires. However, if you only want to play on the PS5, this won’t matter much.
General Questions about the PS5
Is Sony’s next-gen console really called PlayStation 5 (PS5)? For a long time, there was speculation, but since October 2019 it has been official: Yes, the new PlayStation will be called PlayStation 5 or PS5. Recently, Sony also released the official logo for the PS5.
Can you already pre-order the PS5? Yes, PS5 pre-orders have been possible since September 16, 2020.
Officially, Sony stated that PS5 pre-orders would start on September 17 at selected retailers, but at MediaMarkt, you can already pre-order Sony’s PlayStation 5 since September 16.
How long will the PS4 continue to be supported alongside the PS5? According to Sony, at least for the next three years. At a recent investors meeting, it was said that the PS4 would still be the driving force in terms of customer retention and profit for the next three years. There are many reasons to suggest that the PS4 may still be worth it:
Will exclusives continue to be released for PS4? Yes. Sony has already hinted that some upcoming exclusive titles will be released for both the current console generation and the PS5. However, it is not yet known which games those will be.
Is the PS5 backwards compatible with the PS3? Sony confirmed that the PS5 is backwards compatible with the PS4. The CEO of Sony even suggests compatibility for up to 4000 PS4 games.
Additionally, Sony has already emphasized that both the PS4 and PS5 rely on a similar architecture, which significantly facilitates compatibility.
However, the PS5 will not be backward compatible with the PS3, as that would be too complicated and too expensive according to Sony. This was already shown by the attempts to make the PS3 compatible with the PS2.
Do you want to know what Microsoft’s competing product to the PS5, the Xbox Series X, can do? All important information about the Xbox Series X is also available from us.
