Other features include the DualSense controller with haptic feedback and backward compatibility with most of the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR games. With a handful of exceptions, almost every PS4 game in your collection will work on PS5. If you've purchased and downloaded digital versions of PS4 games in the past, these can be redownloaded on PS5 and added to your library. If you own physical copies of PS4 games, these will work with the standard PS5 but not the PS5 digital edition, as this version of the console doesn't have a disc drive.
According to Hideaki Nishino, Sony's senior vice president of Platform Planning and Management, the PS5 is designed to be backward compatible with more than "99 percent" of PS4's 4,000+ game library, playable from launch day. Players can synchronize their saved game files through cloud storage or transfer them using a USB storage device so no progress is lost. PS5 backward compatibility may exhibit errors with some PS4 games, and does not include previous generations.
However, some older PlayStation console games are available through the PlayStation Now game streaming service which is available for the PlayStation 5. The PlayStation 4's Share menu cannot be displayed but the PS5's Create menu can be used to capture screenshots or video. Storage for games is expandable through an NVM Express M.2 port for solid-state storage and USB hard drives, however at launch, NVMe drives are not supported and the console will not boot if one is installed. Beta system software support for the M.2 port was released in July 2021, while full support was added in a September 2021 system update.
The internal SSD is not user-serviceable, since its flash memory chips and controller are built into the PlayStation 5's motherboard. Though game installation is mandatory, the user has some control of what to install such as only installing the multiplayer component of a game. An April 2021 system patch enabled users to move PlayStation 5 games to and from an external USB storage device, though the games must still reside on the internal SSD to be played. Newer titles that ship with VR support, like Hitman 3 for PSVR, actually come with both PS4 and PS5 versions of the game when you buy it.
Folks that want to play in VR will need to download the PS4 version of the game and launch it from their PSVR. Many PSVR games will feature enhanced visuals and resolution when running on a PS5 but don't expect any drastic overhauls. Sony does not allow developers to target PS5 hardware with specific enhancements. Think of it like running a more powerful PS4 Pro; at least, that's sort of how the game is allowed to see things, anyway. Aside from its striking design, the first thing that stands out with the PS5 is the newDualSense controller. Sony has replaced rumble with more sensation-specific haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which delivers a much better gaming experience, as long as developers opt to support them.
Plus, it's got new speakers and mics for chat as well as a USB-C connection. ThePS5jumped to solid-state storage, too, making it a better match for large game downloads. The DualSense wireless controller for the PlayStation 5 was revealed on April 7, 2020. It is based on the prior DualShock controller but with modifications influenced by discussions with game designers and players. The DualSense controller has adaptive triggers with haptic feedback through voice coil actuators that can change the resistance to the player as necessary, supporting experiences such as virtually drawing an arrow from a bow.
The DualSense maintains the same buttons as the DualShock 4, though the "Share" button was renamed to "Create" with additional means for players to create and share content. A new built-in microphone array was added so players can speak to others using only the controller, and the included controller speaker has been improved. It has two-tone coloring, primarily white with black facing, with the black piece being easily detachable. It has USB-C connectivity, a higher-rated battery, and an audio jack.
As an Easter egg, the texture of the controller unit is covered in miniature versions of the four PlayStation button symbols . The key difference between the base PS5 and its digital edition is its disc drive. The high-end or default PS5 costs $500 and comes with a disc drive while the $400 digital version does not have a disc drive, meaning it can only install and play games via digital download. Picking between the two comes down to a few things, not just the convenience of using a disc or not. You should also consider whether or not you can afford or want to rely solely on the internet to play your games and how you feel about not technically "owning" the games physically.
Over on Xbox, all games automatically upgrade to their next-gen versions, meaning that, without any effort on their part, every user will always be given the best experience of a given game available at the time. Combined with its fancy new FPS Boost mode, which improves the look and feel of legacy titles from the OG Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One eras, it makes for a seamless way to play your games. Playing Game Pass games on xCloud , which never requires any updates or downloads. Ryan said that there should be no disappointment as the PS5 versions take advantage of the console's advanced feature set and initially planned that PS4 versions can be freely upgraded. Few major games such as Horizon Forbidden West are developed as concurrent releases for PS4 and PS5, and Sony supports any publisher that wants to offer enhanced versions of PS4 games at no additional cost.
However, in May 2021, Sony announced a major shift in this approach, with previously PS5-exclusive games Horizon Forbidden West, Gran Turismo 7 and the next God of War title planned as both PS4 and PS5 games. Game journalists believed this was a factor related to impact of the global semiconductor shortage from the COVID-19 pandemic on PlayStation 5 availability. The lead architect of the PlayStation console line, Mark Cerny, implemented a two-year feedback cycle after the launch of the PlayStation 4. This feedback was fed into the priorities for the console development team. In the development of the PlayStation 5, a key issue was the length of loading times for games.
This is based on the size of data being loaded into the game, the physical location of data on the storage medium, and the duplication of data across the medium in order to reduce load times. An important goal was to find ways to reduce loading time, particularly in games that stream or dynamically load new game areas as the player moves through the game world. The PS5 allows you to take advantage of any PS4 Pro enhancements a game offers, so games that have higher resolution or frame rate modes benefit the most from Sony's new console.
2020 in particular saw a tremendous increase in video game sales due to the pandemic, with many people looking for new hobbies that they could partake in while being physically distanced. As such, hype for the new generation of consoles was substantial, leading to all models selling out within minutes of preorders opening. Sony's PlayStation 5 is out now in many major markets, having released on November 12. There are two versions of the PS5 available to purchase--the high-end PS5 standard edition and the disc-less PS5 Digital.
It's been hard enough for many to secure a preorder for any of the next-gen consoles, but keeping up with the barrage of information is an entirely new game. In this guide, we've gathered up everything you need to know about your new PS5 as well as some of the most popular questions and answers, to help you get your next-gen console up and running. Sony on Friday published an FAQ spelling out how PlayStation 5 owners may upgrade PS4 games for the new consoles, whether they own them on a disc or as a download. Importantly, there's no way to upgrade a game owned on disc if the user buys the disc-less, digital edition of the PS5. In response to Microsoft's Optimised for Xbox X|S feature, Sony has PS5 Game Boost. This feature utilises the additional power of the PS5 to improve the playing experience of PS4 backwards compatible games.
The notable focus being better frame rates, improved resolutions and faster load times. Some, but not all, games will also benefit from new UI features such as PlayStation Activities and DualSense support. A few weeks out from the launch of the PS5 console, Sony updated its mobile app significantly. It brings a new user interface to the app that more directly aligns with the new UI of the PS5 itself. This includes an integrated store, a PlayStation news feed and the ability to manage games remotely. The latter is particularly useful, allowing you to turn on your PS5 and start a game downloading from anywhere.
The UI design has been flattened with rounded corners, as is the current trend. Icons are smaller to scale better with high resolution 4K displays and give off a minimalist and premium aesthetic. Game artwork takes a bigger share of screen space, which I think is a nice touch. Where developers have embedded an audio clip, usually the theme tune, into the game's files, it plays as you scroll through the game menu.
This also works for PS4 games, where audio would only play when you scrolled down to the game's details. Ghost of Tsushima is comfortably one of the best looking games on PS4, but on PS5, it's even better. Thanks to the PS5's extra graphical horsepower and a recent Director's Cut re-release, Ghost of Tsushima is now playable at a silky-smooth 60fps – even when running on the game's higher resolution mode. It makes a massive difference to the game's responsiveness when in combat, and the frame rate boost brings the spectacular scenery and stunning in-game cinematics to life. The Director's Cut edition for PS5 also introduces haptic feedback through the DualSense controller and 3D spatial audio. Eurogamer said the user interface was conceived for responsiveness, improved accessibility, clarity, and simplicity.
Users are greeted with a stylistic boot-up animation and new login screen. The central design concepts and motifs introduced on the PS4 were redesigned into a new home screen user interface. The top of the screen has a row of applications, and two upper tabs to switch between showing games or media apps. Selecting a game directly reveals individual activities such as a specific level or multiplayer mode. PlayStation Store is no longer a standalone application and is now fully integrated into the home screen user interface.
NVMe SSD storage expansion slot, the power supply, and the optional Blu-ray disc drive. Beneath the side panels are two "dust catchers" – holes allowing the user to vacuum out dust collected by the cooling system. Senior Art Director Yujin Morisawa led the console's case design, inspired by the term "five dimensions" and crafting the skeleton of its design around circles and squares that would make players comfortable when looking at it. Morisawa also had to manage the case shape to provide enough internal volume within the unit for all the technical hardware while reducing its size without restricting air flow. In addition to a supercharged customised CPU and GPU, the system also plays host to an ultra-high speed SSD hard drive, allowing for lightning fast loading speeds and entirely new experiences. Furthermore, the console also boasts hardware ray tracing, support for up to 120 frames-per-second, eye-popping 8K output, and 3D audio.
Will the PS5 support Dolby Atmos, DTS-X and Dolby Vision for the UHD Blu-Ray disc player or Dolby Vision on the Netflix app? If not, will there be an update in the future to unlock these abilities? Yes, the DualSense wireless controller features player-facing light bars. For PS4 games that require a forward-facing lightbar and are playable on PS5, players will need to use a DualShock 4 wireless controller for gameplay. For the best PS VR experience on PS5 we recommend using a DualShock 4 wireless controller. Selected games may require PlayStation Move motion controllers or be compatible with the PlayStation VR Aim controller.
The DualSense wireless controller elevates the way players engage with games. That's thanks to several immersive next-generation features, including haptic feedback technology and adaptive triggers. With Sony releasing the PlayStation 5 today for the rest of the world it's worth taking another look at what makes this next-gen game box tick.
And there is indeed a brief moment where the PlayStation 5 truly feels like a next-gen console. This is the "whoa" moment—the proof that this hardware can do something no console before was capable of. For me, the PS5's "whoa" moment is the scant few seconds I have to wait to boot into a game and just start playing, and it's far faster than anything I've ever experienced on PC , let alone a previous Xbox or PlayStation. The PS5's new user interface confidently highlights the incredible speed of its SSD with a "Game Switcher" menu that lets you hop between games in the time it takes to reach for a drink of water.
Still, the PS5's arrival in India is a half-launch in some ways given Sony hasn't brought the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition yet. There's no release date on that version of the console, which is predictable and in keeping with Sony's treatment of India. That doesn't affect this review , because unlike Microsoft, the two Sony next-gen consoles are all but same, save for the 4K Blu-ray disc drive. If you don't invest in physical games, then that's worth waiting for.
The arrival of Xbox Series X and PS5 marks a new era for console gaming. For gamers, both Microsoft and Sony now offer four consoles to choose from — two regular models and the disc-less versions. The standard PS5 will compete with the Xbox Series X and both consoles offer disc drives, 120-frames-per-second 4K visuals and SSD storage.
The PS5 Digital Edition doesn't have a disk drive, but offers the same features as the standard PS5 at a lower price point. This means that light can be recreated realistically for the first time in video games by simulating each ray individually, allowing for the most lifelike lighting, shadows and reflections yet. Ultimately, though, 99% of video games made for the PS4 will also work on the PlayStation 5.
In fact, Sony has put an edict on developers that any game released after 12 July 2020 for the PS4 must work at launch on the PS5. Sony says that PS4 games running on PS5 will benefit from "a boosted frequency" and "higher or more stable frame rates and potentially higher resolutions". We go into this Game Boost feature in more detail elsewhere in this guide. Sony confirmed the controllers will even implement features seen in the new DualSense PS5 gamepad. This device iterates on the DualShock 4 with advanced haptic feedback technology and trigger resistance, two features that seem ideal for future VR support. If you haven't, give Astro's Playroom a try and marvel at the feel of Astro's footsteps across different surfaces, or the push-back you can when controlling him in spring mode.
They give you plenty of hints about what to expect from the VR controller. Most games will run the same on PS5 as they did on the PS4 pro, so besides a more stable frame rate you're unlikely to notice much of a difference. However, when there's a PS5 version of a PS4 game you own, you might be offered a free upgrade after inserting the disc or redownloading. This is true for games like Spider-Man, God of War and eventually Cyberpunk 2077, but other developers may still charge PS4 players to upgrade to the PS5 version. From a pure gameplay perspective, the PS5 version will always be better, but there are two small things that might bring you back.
Trophies are PlayStation's cross-generation progression that charts special milestones you hit in every game you play. If you're a trophy hunter and you want to play a game again earning all the PS5 trophies, you might be compelled to go back. Second, the PS4 and PS4 versions of a game are often different sizes. If your hard drive is nearly full, you can check to see if the PS4 game is smaller. Marvel's Spider-Man was already one of the best superhero games ever made, but the PS5 remaster elevates it to a new level.
Insomniac's visual updates don't look slight in any way - the entire relighting of New York City brings the look of the adventure up to par with the brand-new Miles Morales. The addition of ray tracing with 4K resolution and HDR support makes any time of day so beautiful that you'd be forgiven for forgetting this wasn't running on code originally developed for the PS5. Add in the quality of life improvements Spidey got post-launch, new accessibility options, photo mode updates, and all the DLC episodes, and this is the definitive way to play one of the PS4's best games. It's the way Astro's Playroom shows off the DualSense controller, though, that really steals the show. You'll feel sensations that you didn't know were possible before thanks to Sony's new haptic feedback and adaptive triggers tech, such as what it feels like to walk along different surfaces or fire a Gatling gun.
It's a surreal, magical experience, and we recommend booting up Astro's Playroom first before you play anything else. All compatible downloaded versions of PS4 games are visible in the library on the PS5 and available for download. On October 9, 2020 Sony released a list of ten PS4 games identified as being incompatible with PS5.
The $70 Price Point – This is a broader question about the health of the industry and the future of game delivery. While you can make the case about certain high quality Sony games, Horizon, God of War, being "worth" $70, I do think this has the potential to hurt other games. Returnal, for instance, seems like a much tougher sell at $70, and Housemarque didn't even know the game would be priced that high until it launched. Hell, even a game like Godfall launched at $70, and this is where the quality argument kind of falls apart for me. Sony just seems to be pulling in the opposite direction of the way the industry is moving.
