PS5 console Overview
PS5 console: Sony’s game plan for the PlayStation 5 is simple: release a heavyweight console (albeit with a second digital-only variant in PlayStation 5 Digital Edition), make a bunch of PlayStation exclusive games and team up with other studios for more exclusives, and then sell them individually (at a premium) rather than as part of any enticing subscription, as Microsoft does with Xbox Game Pass. It’s difficult to argue with such a strategy. It worked so well that the PlayStation 4 outsold the Xbox One by more than two to one. Sony is clearly the market leader in console gaming, and it has no intention of upsetting the apple cart. It isn’t interested in developing other versions to appeal to a wide range of customers, but that doesn’t imply the PS5 console is a slouch. It can easily compete with the Xbox Series X and Series S.
The PS5 console is capable of native 4K resolution gaming at 60 frames per second (fps), yet it appears that most first-party Sony titles will not use it. Sony claims that you can even go up to 8K or 120fps if you have the necessary hardware. Nonetheless, the PlayStation 5 will have sharper visuals and more reliable performance than the PS4 era. Then there’s the promise of ray tracing, which means realistic lighting, dynamic settings, and precise reflections. Furthermore, the PS5 console claims speedier load times due to a solid-state drive (SSD) replacing the hard disc drive (HDD). Loading screens may never appear in PS5 console titles, and open-world games should seem more fluid than ever.
As a result, the beloved PlayStation Studios brands should appear more lifelike than ever. Horizon Forbidden West’s robot dinosaurs (Guerrilla Games), New York City in Marvel’s Spider-Man (Insomniac Games and San Mateo Studio), the whirlwind mechanics of Gravity Rush (Japan Studio), the dystopia of The Last of Us Part II (Naughty Dog), the thrills of Gran Turismo (Polyphony Digital), the expanse of God of War (Santa Monica Studio), or the dueling in Ghost of Tsus (Sucker Punch). Sony does not currently have as many studios as Microsoft (23 total), but it does have a few more: Bend Studio (Days Gone), London Studio (Blood & Truth), Media Molecule (Dreams), Pixelopus (Concrete Genie), and San Diego Studio (MLB The Show).
Where Sony appears to be going behind with the PS5 console is in delivering the next-generation console. It will be released on November 12 in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, and on November 19 in the rest of the world. However, we do not yet have an India launch date. Sony India had posted November 19 on its website before removing it. Even in regions where the PlayStation 5 has a release date, pre-orders have been a shambles, for which Sony has apologized. And, while promising more PS5 console units, it has remained silent since then. Microsoft has fared far better in this regard. The Xbox Series X and Series S are not only being released in India at the same time as the rest of the world, but Microsoft has also done a better job with pre-orders.
PS5 console: Pricing
Sony, like Microsoft, is releasing two new PlayStations for next-generation gaming, but it’s keeping things simple. The main distinction between the PS5 console and PS5 console Digital Edition is that the former includes a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive while the latter does not. As a result, the PlayStation 5 starts at a higher price than the Xbox Series series.
The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition is priced at Rs. 39,990 in India, $400 in the United States, £360 in the United Kingdom, CA$500 in Canada, €400 in Europe, AU$600 in Australia, NZ$650 in New Zealand, and 39,980 in Japan.
The PlayStation 5 costs Rs. 49,990 in India, $500 in the United States, £450 in the United Kingdom, CA$630 in Canada, €500 in Europe, AU$750 in Australia, NZ$820 in New Zealand, and 49,980 in Japan. Keep in mind that not all of these prices include sales taxes in every market.
Sony does not have a subscription service, unlike Microsoft’s Xbox All Access for the Xbox Series X and Series S, thus you must pay the entire cost upfront.
Specifications for the PS5 Console
| PS5 console | PS5 console Digital Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $ 66.07 | $ 52.86 |
| Resolution | 4K @ 60fps, up to 120fps | 4K @ 60fps, up to 120fps |
| Disc | 4K UHD Blu-ray | None (Digital-only) |
| CPU | Custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.5GHz with SMT (variable frequency) | Custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.5GHz with SMT (variable frequency) |
| GPU | Custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU 36 CUs @ 2.23GHz (variable frequency) | Custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU 36 CUs @ 2.23GHz (variable frequency) |
| 10.28 teraflops GPU power | 10.28 teraflops GPU power | |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 RAM | 16GB GDDR6 RAM |
| Memory bandwidth | 448GB/s | 448GB/s |
| Storage | 825GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD | 825GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD |
| External storage | NVMe SSD Slot, support for USD HDD | NVMe SSD Slot, support for USD HDD |
| I/O throughput | 5.5GB/s (raw), 8-9GB/s (compressed) | 5.5GB/s (raw), 8-9GB/s (compressed) |
| Dimensions | 390 x 104 x 260 mm (15.35 × 4.09 × 10.23 inches) | 390 x 92 x 260 mm (15.34 × 3.62 × 10.23 inches) |
| Weight | 4.5kg (9.92 pounds) | 3.9kg (8.59 pounds) |
As you can see, the specifications of the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition are identical. Both use the same custom-built AMD RDNA 2 graphics unit and the same 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor as the Series X and Series S.
The PS5 console GPU has a greater clock speed (2.23GHz) but fewer compute units (36) than the new Xbox consoles. This translates into a total GPU power of 10.28 teraflops, which is lower than the Series X’s 12.15 teraflops, but it’s not quite a direct comparison because the PS5 console is capable of changing frequency (GHz).
Even with the CPU, the PS5 console can operate at a configurable frequency. While the Xbox consoles have two clock speeds — 3.8GHz / 3.6GHz with SMT for Series X and 3.6GHz / 3.4GHz with SMT for Series S — the PS5 console has a 3.5GHz clock speed with simultaneous multithreading (SMT).
It’s uncertain what will work best, but it will most certainly vary depending on the situation.
The PlayStation 5 has the same amount of memory (16GB RAM) as the Series X, but 175GB less storage on its solid-state drive (SSD), however, both have unknown working capacities.
Microsoft has announced that the Series X and Series S game consoles will feature Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos 3D sound. Sony has its own Tempest 3D AudioTech for the PS5, but there’s no indication on Dolby Vision HDR gaming support.
As previously stated, the sole difference between the PS5 console and PS5 console Digital Edition is that the latter lacks a disc drive. The PS5 console Digital Edition is, as the name implies, digital-only, which means you’ll have to buy and download all of your games over the Internet.
Any external SSD that is as fast as the one within the PS5 console can be used to expand PlayStation 5 storage. Sony is taking a more open stance in this area, as opposed to Microsoft, which has collaborated with Seagate on an official expansion card.
Finally, thanks to the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, the PS5 console is somewhat thicker (1.2 cm) and heavier (600 g) than the PS5 console Digital Edition. They are both significantly larger than the Xbox Series X, let alone the Xbox Series S.
DualSense controller for PS5 console
While Microsoft keeps the new Xbox Wireless Controller very much the same, Sony has gone for a substantial redesign with the PS5 console Controller. The PS5 controller, now dubbed DualSense rather than DualShock, has a completely different form, although all of the buttons remain in their original locations. This includes the touch bar, however, it is now more of a decorative element.
Sony is also incorporating haptic feedback into the DualSense, a generation after Microsoft did with the Xbox One controller. With both console parties on board, maybe more third-party developers will make use of this feature. With the DualSense’s “adaptive triggers” (L2 and R2), it’s claimed to provide a more authentic feel while firing a weapon, similar to being able to feel the tension of a bowstring on your finger.
The DualSense controller also includes a built-in microphone and a USB-C charging port. The “Share” button has been renamed “Create.” And, of course, the most noticeable feature: the DualSense sports a black-and-white, two-tone color scheme to match the console’s appearance.
Sony has not stated whether or not there will be other DualSense color options available at launch. One is included with the PS5 console and PS5 console Digital Edition.
The DualSense controller costs Rs. 5,990 in India, $70 in the United States, £60 in the United Kingdom, CA$90 in Canada, €70 in Europe, AU$110 in Australia, NZ$125 in New Zealand, and Rs. 6,980 in Japan.
If you have friends or relatives joining you, you may not need to purchase additional controllers because DualShock 4 controllers and other legally licensed PS4 controllers will operate on the PS5, but only with PS4 games.
PS5 console Accessory
Sony will not discontinue support for all PS4 accessories. PS5 console titles will be compatible with officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks. The PlayStation Move Motion Controllers, PlayStation VR Aim Controller, and PlayStation Camera will also operate with PS VR games on the PS5. On the PS5, you’ll need a PlayStation Camera adaptor, which Sony will supply for free to PS VR users.
The PlayStation 5 comes with a new PlayStation HD Camera that can capture in full HD (1080p) and includes a built-in adjustable stand to assist you to attach it to your TV. Furthermore, the new PlayStation HD Camera can remove the background and place you in your gameplay footage, similar to a Zoom video chat with a simulated background.
The PlayStation HD Camera costs Rs. 5,190 in India, $59.99 in the United States, £50 in the United Kingdom, CA$80 in Canada, €60 in Europe, AU$98 in Australia.
The Pulse 3D wireless headset is another new accessory that is meant to make the most of the PS5’s 3D Audio capabilities. It also contains two noise-canceling microphones, a USB-C charging port, a 3.5mm headphone connection, and an adaptor that works with PS4, PS5, Windows, and macOS.
The Pulse 3D wireless headset costs Rs. 8,590 in India, $100in the United States, £90 in the United Kingdom, CA$130 in Canada, €100 in Europe, AU$160 in Australia.
Sony now sells a DualSense Charging Station, which allows you to charge two DualSense controllers simultaneously by docking them. It costs Rs. 2,590 in India, $30 in the United States, £25 in the United Kingdom, CA$40 in Canada, €30 in Europe, AU$50 in Australia, NZ$55 in New
That leaves a new PS5 console Media Remote for people who intend to utilize the PS5 console as an entertainment center as well. The PlayStation 5 Media Remote includes a voice button and four shortcuts to Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and YouTube in addition to the standard play/pause, fast forward, rewind, menu, back, volume control, and direction keys.
The PS5 console Media Remote costs Rs. 2,590 in India, $30 in the United States, £25 in the United Kingdom, CA$40 in Canada, €30 in Europe, AU$50 in Australia.
Which should you buy: the PS5 console or the PS5 console Digital Edition?
The answer is dependent on two variables: Internet speed and game sharing.
Because there is no disc slot on the PS5 console Digital Edition, you will have to download every game you play. Of course, even with a standard PS5, you’ll need a decent Internet connection to obtain updates and patches. However, with the Digital Edition, you will have a larger requirement for fast broadband.
And, with both new PlayStation 5 consoles capable of 4K resolution, game sizes will grow. Today’s large titles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, are already more than 100GB in size. Expect this to become the standard in the future, with download files only increasing as we get more into the next gen.
Finally, because the PS5 console Digital Edition is only available digitally, you won’t be able to share games with your buddies. There is also no option of reselling or playing used games. This is excellent for game developers, but not so much for gamers. With both Microsoft and Sony refusing to localize PlayStation and Xbox game prices in regions such as India (unlike Steam for PC), the used games market can help you save a lot of money.
You should also check your PS4 disc games to see if any of them are giving a free upgrade to the PS5 version. If you purchase the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, you will not be able to take advantage of the free upgrade of your PS4 titles since Sony requires you to insert the PS4 disc into your PS5 to confirm the purchase. This isn’t a problem if all of your PS4 purchases have previously been made digitally.
PS5 Console: Video Games
We’ve talked a lot about hardware, but what really matters with any gaming device is the games that can be played on it.
Sony is releasing five PS5 games from PlayStation Studios at launch. This includes Spider-Man: Miles Morales, a standalone sequel spin-off, Destruction AllStars, a remake of Demon’s Souls, 3D platformer Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and a companion 3D platformer Astro’s Playroom, which feels more like a demo display of DualSense’s potential.
Sony, unlike Microsoft, has already revealed pricing for PlayStation Studios titles. In India, instead of $52.86, PS5 games can now cost up to $66.07. For those in the United States, this translates to $70 instead of $60.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Sackboy: A Big Adventure are priced at $50 / $60, respectively, while Demon’s Souls and Destruction AllStars will cost the new maximum price of $70. Oh, and Astro’s Playroom is free and will come standard with every PS5.
The PS5 will also have access to a slew of third-party titles that will be accessible on the Xbox Series family. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Destiny 2: Beyond Light, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition, Dirt 5, Fortnite, Marvel’s Avengers, and Watch Dogs Legion are among the titles included.
Aside from that, Sony is giving 18 PS4 games as part of the PlayStation Plus Collection for the PS5. To play them, you’ll need a PS Plus subscription. Batman: Arkham Knight, Battlefield 1, Bloodborne, Days Gone, Detroit: Become Human, Fallout 4, Final Fantasy XV, God of War, Infamous Second Son, Monster Hunter World, Mortal Kombat X, Persona 5, Ratchet and Clank, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, The Last Guardian, The Last of Us Remastered, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, and Until Dawn are among the titles on the list.
PlayStation Plus Collection appears to be a type of response to the Xbox Game Pass subscription, which includes over 100 Xbox One titles and all upcoming Xbox Game Studios releases, over 100 Windows 10 games, and EA Play, which includes more free games and trials for new EA games.
Sony has a slew of PlayStation Studios exclusives in the pipeline as we approach the launch date. According to Sony, the new Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart will be available during the “launch window.” Horizon Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarök is both scheduled for release in 2021. Sony is working on Gran Turismo 7, as well as a sci-fi shooter named Returnal.
Sony has also handled third-party exclusives such as Final Fantasy XVI, Square Enix’s Project Athia, GhostWire: Tokyo from Tango Gameworks (just acquired by Microsoft), and Deathloop from Arkane Studios, the creators of Dishonored (also now with Microsoft). The final of them will be released in 2020, GhostWire: Tokyo in 2021, while the other two have no release dates.
PS5 console: Backward compatibility
According to PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan, “99 percent” of PS4 games will work on the PS5. But we don’t know about the 1% of PS4 titles that aren’t backward compatible. Digitally purchased PlayStation 4 titles can be simply downloaded onto the PlayStation 5. Unless you get the PS5 Digital Edition, it will also take PS4 discs.
Sony, on the other hand, hasn’t spoken much about optimizing PS4 games for PS5. Sony claims that a “select” selection of PS4 and PlayStation VR titles would be “boosted” to have higher and more consistent frame rates, but that’s it. Nothing about 4K HDR, faster load times, and other Xbox Series-like features.
For what it’s worth, Sony is allowing creators to provide free next-generation updates if a PS4 title is also available on the PS5. But Sony isn’t doing a good job of committing to this. While Microsoft will provide free Xbox Series updates to Xbox One titles like Forza Horizon 4 and Gears of War, Sony will charge PS5 customers for an improved edition of Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Furthermore, Sony has yet to comment on PS5 backward compatibility beyond the PS4 period. While Microsoft supports hundreds of Xbox One and original Xbox games, Sony has stated that PS3, PS2, and PS1 games will not work on the PS5 at launch, if at all.
For what it’s worth, some older games are still available through the PlayStation Now online gaming service. However, there are two issues on that front as well. PS Now is only available in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Furthermore, Sony has not stated when PlayStation Now will be accessible on the PlayStation 5. PS Now is currently only accessible on PS4 and Windows PCs.
Upgrading from PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro to PS5
Now that we’ve covered every feature of the PS5, those of you who already own a PS4 may be wondering: should I upgrade? That is dependent on your search criteria.
There’s no need to buy a PS5 right away if you want to play all of the new PlayStation 5 exclusives. Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Horizon Forbidden West, the first batch of PlayStation Studios PS5 titles, will also be available on PS4.
We don’t know what happens after Horizon Forbidden West. The trailer for Gran Turismo 7 (which has no release date) simply reads “PlayStation Exclusive,” whereas the teaser for GhostWire: Tokyo (which will be released in 2021) calls it a “PlayStation 5 Console Exclusive.” Third-party developers (such as Bethesda’s Tango Gameworks) are under no obligation to continue supporting the PS4.
Of course, merely having someone to lean on isn’t enough. The new Spider-Man: Miles Morales should appear extremely different depending on whether you have a PS5, PS4 Pro, PS4 Slim, or PS4. There is just no way for a seven-year-old machine (such as the PS4) to compete in terms of performance with a next-generation device set to ship in November (PS5).
While the PS4 officially promised full-HD gameplay, it failed to deliver in subsequent years. Just Cause 4, Tekken 7, Soulcalibur 6, and Ace Combat 7 all failed to produce native 1080p, often dropping as low as 720p.
If you have the mid-gen update PS4 Pro, which already does 4K or 60fps, the disparities will be minimized. To be fair, it was only capable of doing so on paper. In truth, most large games never reach that mark.
Dishonored 2, Fallout 4, and Uncharted 4 are all around 1440p, while Middle Earth: Shadow of War and Battlefield 1 are around 1620p, Final Fantasy XIV is around 1800p, and Sony’s The Last Guardian is around 1900p on the PS4 Pro.
Sony promises that games would run at 4K 60fps on the PlayStation 5, however, Digital Foundry observed that most first-party Sony titles appear to be aiming for 4K 30fps. Spider-Man: Miles Morales is one of the few titles that will support 4K 60fps, however, it will be labeled as an optional performance level.
For what it’s worth, the PS5 can stretch to 8K / 120fps. However, to make use of those capabilities, you’ll need more modern monitors with 120Hz refresh rates and 8K resolution capability. Check that the display is HDMI 2.1 compliant.