In a surprise announcement, Sony today revealed that the (previously unnamed) PlayStation 5 is planned for release in 2020.
"Since we originally unveiled our next-generation console in April, we know that there's been a lot of excitement and interest in hearing more about what the future of games will bring." stated SIE CEO Jim Ryan. "Today i'm proud to share that our next-generation console will be called PlayStation 5, and we'll be launching in time for Holiday 2020."
System architect Mark Cerny shared several details with Wired, discussing some of the new features in the PlayStation 5. One of the biggest reveals by Cerny includes ray tracing support that is hardware-based, alleviating the fears that it would be a "software-level fix" by some due to the lack of information.
Cerny also goes into detail on the system's solid-state drive, touting the speed and efficiency of the SSD. Instead of the standard data duplication to load up games faster, the new SSD would eliminate the need for duping; increasing not only the speed of load times but saving space for game development. Game installation is still necessary, but the system will allow a configurable installation and removal process. So players can possibly install a games multiplayer campaign, or deleting a single-player campaign once you finish playing it.
Physical disks for the PlayStation 5 will use a 100GB optical disks, and the system will still include a 4k Bluray Player. Cerny also discusses how the homepage for the system will showcase much more information than ever before. Most of this stems from revamping the user interface. "Multiplayer game servers will provide the console with the set of joinable activities in real time", said Cerny. "Single-player games will provide information like what missions you could do and what rewards you might receive for completing them - and all of those choices will be visible to the UI. As a player you just jump right into whatever you like."
One major feature touted on the PlayStation blog was the new controller. Though not officially named the Dualshock 5 yet, the controller will see some major upgrades, which include haptic feedback replacing rumble technology, and most importantly, adaptive triggers, which have been incorporated into the trigger buttons.
Adaptive triggers are touted to add resistance and tensions to simulate the differences in your actions. The example given includes shooting a bow and arrow, the adaptive triggers would simulate the increasing tension of holding your arrow before you fire. This will add a tactile feel to actions that developers can experiment with to help "simulate various actions" in ways that will make the game feel more realistic in the hands of the player.
All of these features are just the tip of the iceberg, but with over a year before the PlayStation 5's official launch, Sony has plenty of time to show off more features - and games - as we inch closer to release.
What are your thoughts on all of this? Looking forward to the PlayStation 5? Leave your comments below.
