Thoughts on PlayStation 5

So as mentioned yesterday, I decided to forego a TV post today to talk about the upcoming PlayStation 5 because with the reveal event happening on Thursday instead of what would have been E3, I thought it be good to share my thoughts and hopes for the new console. Now we already know that this and the new Xbox series X are destined to succeed the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One so naturally there are some things that both Sony and Microsoft need to be able to do to both stand out and give us the best console they can make. So with that, let's talk about the PlayStation 5:

So one thing I have been told is that this console will have backwards compatibility. This is a big selling point as having this means that regardless of what new games will be there at launch, we can start playing straight away with our old games. So far its only confirmed that most PlayStation 4 and VR games can be used which to me sounds like Sony are copying Microsoft and only allowing select games to be played on the platform which is OK for some and probably not so for others. Either way, this is good.

Now that we know that there is no going beyond what is Ultra HD, its important that the PlayStation 5 can get the graphics up to the highest quality that our TVs can go and fortunately there has been some confirmation that it can do just that. According to reports, there is a built-in Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive which kind of confirms that the console can indeed go to that quality or the best it can go from day one. This is also good.

So what about the storage. Well there have been reports that as far as installing the games are concerned from a disc, the user is able to decide how much can be installed. Some of us like to play through the story if the game has one whereas others like to do online multiplayer or both. Now computers have been doing this for many years now with some of the earlier PC games having the options to install only the essentials or the user can choose what can be installed. For the PS5 to do this, it means less waiting time and more play time. That along with the idea of the console always updating without input from the user (from what I've heard) is good.

The next thing I want to talk about is this new DualSense controller. Now it seems that Sony have decided to forego the traditional DualShock name by having a controller that is in every way like the DualShock 4, but with a few changes. Changes such as a "create" button in the place of the "share" button which is expected to allow players to share their gameplay and create content. It also comes with a number of things like a built-in mic which presumably is to allow for a more "Die Hard" like experience in which you actually feel part of the action more so than ever before. I don't know if I would call this good, but its certainly something worth finding more about.

And finally the big one of them all, the games. Now having already talked about backwards compatibility, this may mean that there will be less new games at launch. But having said that, companies like Electronic Arts have said they will release updates nearer to launch to allow their PS4 games to be playable on the PS5.

One thing I will say is that it will be exciting just like any console launch should be, but never forget that some launches don't always go to plan. I hope the new console does well and I hope that we get a good streaming event on Thursday that will make us want to buy the new console. The big question will be if it can compete with PC gaming and most of us know that when it comes to PlayStation, the answer has always been that they come close, but never truly get to that customization that the PC is known for. But that may change with this new console. We will just have to wait and see on Thursday.