Summer 2020 is happening now, but the holiday season is just around the corner. For gamers this year, the holiday season comes with a major release — the PlayStation 5. The newest Sony console boasts some major changes, both in hardware and cosmetics, so it’s a huge milestone for the PlayStation series as a whole.
Sony has been very picky about the information it’s willing to share about the PlayStation 5, which has, of course, created a huge load of rumors. Back in June, the entertainment giant finally hosted a reveal event about the console’s hardware, games, accessories, and more. Let’s take a look at some of the things Sony confirmed and debunked during the event.
10 True: SSD Loading
One of the major features of the PlayStation 5 will be its new solid-state drive (SSD), which is said to have a speed of 5.5GB per second. The system’s architect, Mark Cerny, told The Verge that this means “the PS5’s input-output speed will get 100 times faster.” Loading times for games will be nearly nonexistent.
The SSD is beneficial for game designers, as well. Many game designs are typically based on load times, but with this issue resolved, designers have the freedom to get as creative as they’d like.
9 Way Off: Startup Sequence
Back in January, a video posted to YouTube claimed to show the PS5’s new start-up sequence. The clip showed the white PS5 logo fading into the screen as the background turned blue and instrumental wake-up music played. A lighter blue aura floated behind the logo. The start-up sequence was certainly beautiful, but unfortunately, a Redditor debunked the video.
The clip was discredited for a few reasons. For one thing, if it had been a true leak, it would have been removed from YouTube almost immediately, but it is still there. The alleged PS5 shown in the video also looks more like a DVD player.
8 True: White Vertical Design
The PS5 is getting quite the facelift after 20 years of maintaining a simple black design. The reveal event officially unveiled the appearance of the new console: black hardware sandwiched between two white, curved and winged panels. The white casing alone stands out from typical gaming consoles, plus it adds a futuristic effect.
The PS5 will come in two different models. The standard edition will contain a 4K Blu-Ray drive, and a completely digital edition will have no disc drive at all. This will likely bring down the price of the digital edition.
7 Way Off: October Release Date
A publishing error led fans to believe that the PS5 would be released in October. In a job posting for Sony, Recruit Career mistakenly added a release date for the console, but Sony quickly stated that the information was a misprint.
As of now, there is still no official release date for the PS5, only “holiday season 2020.” Fans are speculating that it will be released in November based on previous console release patterns, but unfortunately, we do not know for sure.
6 True: Backward Compatibility
Another major feature of the PS5 is its backward compatibility. This means that, in addition to new PS5 titles, the console will be compatible with several titles from the PlayStation 4 library. Cerny revealed during the event that almost all of the PS4’s top 100 games will be playable on the PS5. Beginning in mid-July, any game that is submitted for PS4 certification must also be compatible with the PS5.
At the moment, it is unknown if titles from PlayStation 3 or earlier will be compatible, but if the PS5 works with PlayStation Now, some of those titles will likely be available as well.
5 Way Off: V-Shaped Design
Back in October, an image of the alleged PS5 design was leaked. The console was a far cry from its predecessors in that it sported an odd V shape meant to mimic the Roman numeral for five. The black casing also featured several blue vents on the sides.
Although it was confirmed that this dev kit is very real, it was only the initial prototype for the PS5’s design. We now know, thanks to the reveal event last month, that the design hitting stores will be the white console.
4 True: PSVR
The PS5 is said to be compatible with the original PSVR hardware. Additionally, though it may not be available at launch, there are rumors of a PSVR 2 headset on its way. This will likely feature a higher resolution and better tracking capabilities.
Several games were announced during the PS5 reveal event, such as Astro Bot and Resident Evil, but these games were not confirmed for PSVR quite yet. However, a spokesperson did tell Road to VR that more details about PSVR will be available closer to launch, and that VR is very important to Sony.
3 Way Off: Price Above $500
2 True: DualSense Controller
Along with the brand new console design comes a brand new controller, now called the DualSense instead of the previous DualShock. Many of the DualShock features will be replaced in this controller. For example, haptic feedback will now take the place of rumble technology. In addition, there will be adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, and a Create button to replace the Share button.
There is no word on if there will be more colors beside white available after launch, but Sony does have a history of releasing colorful and patterned DualShock controllers.
1 Way Off: Game Demos
Back in May, unverified Twitter account PS5 Only stated that the PlayStation Store will have a new interface that allows users to try games before purchasing, according to CCN. The demos reportedly require no downloading. No source was attributed to the news, making it very unlikely that this will actually happen.
Sony has not said anything related to the PlayStation Store since the PS5 announcement. Additionally, it is very unlikely that all developers will create demos for their games.
NEXT: PlayStation Hits: 10 Best Discount Games So Far
