An upcoming PlayStation 5 revision could feature a removable disc drive that connects to the console through USB-C, according to a new report from Insider Gaming.
The report suggests that this refreshed version of the PS5 will launch in September 2024. Sony currently sells two versions of the PS5, including one that features a built-in disc drive ($649) and a cheaper Digital Edition ($519) that doesn’t offer a disc drive.
Though it’s still unclear, it seems like Sony aims to get rid of the disc/disc-less version of the PS5 and plans to sell one version of the console that you can upgrade with an external disc drive.
Given Sony recently increased the PS5’s price in Canada due to inflation in a move that SIE CEO Jim Ryan called a “necessity,” this could be new for Canadian gamers hoping to buy the console at a slightly cheaper cost.
Insider Gaming says that this new version of the PS5 will “completely replace” the current design of the console but that its internal hardware will remain the same. It’s unclear how much Sony intends to charge for this new version of the PS5 or its disc drive accessory.
Though it doesn’t feature the same underlying technology powering it, this rumour reminds me a lot of the ill-fated Xbox 360 HD DVD player that Microsoft released in 2006 and then abruptly cancelled in 2008 when Blu-Ray won the physical format war. While physical discs are still crucial in the gaming space, I’ve shifted nearly all of my gaming to digital. For example, I don’t own a single physical title for the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series x and don’t plan to change that soon.
Sony is finally bringing 1440p resolution to the PlayStation 5 console for all users. Previously, this feature was only available for PS5 beta testers.
The update comes with highly-requested features like 1440p HDMI video output and game lists as well as social features such as requesting a Share Screen from a party member, easily checking out a new friend’s profile and receiving a notification to help you join a friend’s game a lot quicker from party chat.
Unfortunately, the PS5’s 1440p mode won’t support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) like it does at 1080p and 4K resolutions. VRR allows displays to match their refresh rate to the framerate of the output. For example, if your PS5 game runs at 60fps, your display — if it supports dynamic refresh rates — can use VRR to run at 60Hz.
New PS App features are also coming to iOS and Android later this month. You’ll be able to launch a PS Remote Play session through the PS App. Additionally, share screen requests can be sent through the app as well, so you can watch your friends play while you’re on your phone.
Another feature coming is the ability to search for YouYube content through Voice Command. You’ll be able to say, “Hey PlayStation, find [keyword] on YouTube.” However, this is currently only available in the U.S. and the U.K.
Sony is finally testing 1440p resolution support for the PlayStation 5 console. PS5 beta testers will get access to the feature in a new beta software update released today. Along with 1440p support, the update includes game lists and new social features.
Sony detailed the PS5 beta update in a blog post (via The Verge) and all the new features, along with several pictures of what they look like. Starting with the 1440p addition, Sony notes that the video output option will let gamers select the resolution when the console is connected to a compatible TV or monitor. Games that support 1440p will run natively at the resolution, while games running at 4K resolution will supersample down to 1440p output, offering improved anti-aliasing.
To switch to 1440p (or check if your screen of choice supports it), PS5 owners can head into the ‘Screen and Video’ section of the PS5 dashboard, select ‘Resolution’ and then pick 1440p from the list.
Unfortunately, the PS5’s 1440p mode won’t support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) as it does at 1080p and 4K resolutions. VRR allows displays to match their refresh rate to the framerate of the output. (For example, if your PS5 game runs at 60fps, your display — if it supports dynamic refresh rates — can use VRR to run at 60Hz.)
VRR is a pretty handy feature, given it can smooth out visual artifacts by allowing your display to dynamically adjust its refresh to match what’s happening on the console, even when the framerate isn’t constant. Not having it on 1440p is a big miss, especially since most 1440p screens are likely computer monitors that support VRR — TVs tend to offer 1080p or 4K resolution options instead and often don’t support VRR.
Other new beta features
Along with the headliner 1440p support, the PS5 beta introduces some other new features. First, there are game lists, which let PS5 owners make up to 15 lists of up to 100 games. These lists can include disc, digital, and streaming games and effectively act as folders for your PS5 game catalogue.
I could see this being a handy feature for adding, say, games you often play so they’re quickly accessible. Alternatively, you could create a list of games you plan to play in the future.
Next up are the new social features. These include the ability to send requests to friends to share their screens and new notifications when you join a party to let you know when you can join a friend’s ongoing game. The update also lets PS5 users send stickers and voice messages in parties, and there’s a new option to compare 3D audio and regular stereo audio before you pick your preference.
Sony will likely roll the update out to all PS5 owners in the coming months after it wraps up testing. You can learn more about the PS5 beta here.
If you head to Gamestop.ca right now you should be tossed in the virtual line for a chance to buy a PlayStation 5 bundle that includes Horizon Forbidden West and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
Sales started at 10 AM and a tweet notifying shoppers says that there is a limit of one per household.
The Playstation 5 Horizon Forbidden West bundle with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will be available online only at 10 am ET! Stock is limited. Ship to home only. Limit of one bundle per household. pic.twitter.com/XTqunIRJOi
The Matrix Awakens: An Unreal Engine 5 Experience is available right now on both PlayStation and Xbox stores for a limited time as the game is about be delisted from both stores.
The game lets you experience the reality of The Matrix and includes characters such as Neo and Trinity. Epic Games did not say why the demo is being removed.
Released in December 2021, The Matrix Awakensi s worth trying, considering it’s running on Unreal Engine 5. This turned out pretty well in terms of realistic city-scape graphics, according to a full review from The Verge.
For the time being, it is still available for download on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S through their respective stores.
Alongside GameStop, Walmart also has PlayStation 5 bundles in stock right now. The PS5 disc version bundle include a copy of Horizon Forbidden West and a ‘Starlight Blue’ DualSense Wireless controller for $794.92.
Walmart also has several other PS5 bundles in stock, but most are listed as “almost sold out.”
As always, if you’re hoping to snap a PS5, you need to move fast. In the past, the console has sold out in a matter of minutes (and sometimes seconds).
GameStop has a bundle that offers the console alongside Gran Turismo 7 and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga in stock online. It’s unclear how much the bundle costs, but it should be in the range of $799.99.
As expected, “stock is limited” and there is a limit of one console purchase per household.
Playstation 5 disc consoles bundled with Gran Turismo 7 and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will be available online only at 10 am ET! Stock is limited. Ship to home only. Limit of one bundle per household. pic.twitter.com/PRriiuOrvI
If you’re interested in getting your hands on a Ps5, you’ll need to move fast. In the past (especially though EB Games), the console has sold out in a matter of minutes.
I’m currently only able to access the now very familiar ‘you are in line’ screen. This story will be updated when the PS5 is no longer available.
So naturally, YouTuber DIY Perks took it upon himself to rectify the situation by creating an unofficial ‘slim’ version of the current-gen console that’s still capable of running like normal.
As you may have already guessed, the project didn’t exactly go as planned.
First, DIY Perks started by removing all of the console’s cooling components and swapped them for a homemade water-cooling system created out of copper sheets. Unfortunately, a basket he was using to balance the power brick fell over and airflow was disrupted, causing the PS5 to overheat.
Of course, Perks eventually resolved the issue or there wouldn’t be a YouTube video about the process. Given how hot the normal PS5 runs, it’s amazing Perks was able to pull this Frankenstein-like setup off that’s capable of running games for several hours.
To put the PS5 slim mod’s size in perspective, it’s less than 2.54cm wide (1-inch), whereas the sizable standard PS5 is 6.06cm and 10.4cm (3.6-inches and 4.1-inches) wide, respectively, for the Digital and Standard versions of the console.
The full video is available on DIY Perks’ YouTube channel. At some point, Sony will likely release its own PS5 slim, but given the console only launched two years ago, it will likely be at least a few years before it appears.
Thankfully, I’m happy to say that PlayStation has just delivered what is easily its best State of Play to date, and one that gets me especially excited for its future.
Simply put: it nailed the reveals. Of course, these are subjective to a degree; interests can vary greatly depending on the person. But inarguably, this State of Play was PlayStation’s most diverse yet thanks to a solid mix of major franchises, smaller indie titles and even new hardware. In this way, PlayStation touched on key parts of its business and signalled how they’ll all play an important role in the brand’s future.
The show opened with the official unveiling of a long-rumoured game: the Resident Evil 4 remake, which is coming in March 2023. It’s hard to understate the significance of this title — the original Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded to be one of the greatest games of all time, and it was incredibly influential to the third-person shooter genre. Moreover, it’s being made by the team behind 2019’s beloved Resident Evil 2 remake. RE4 remake alone would have elevated this above most State of Plays, and this was just the start.
Right after, PlayStation gave some spotlight to PlayStation VR2, as promised. It’s here that the company really seemed cognizant of proper pacing. In the span of about six minutes, we get quick looks at four VR titles: Resident Evil Village, The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners Retribution, No Man’s Skyand Horizon: Call of the Mountain. Resident Evil 4 remake is also getting some sort of yet-to-be-revealed PS VR2 content, and after how chillingly scary Resident Evil 7 was in VR, I’m especially eager to see what Capcom does with the new headset. On the whole, this was an effective way of teasing some of the different experiences players can expect while not bogging down the whole show with VR. After all, VR as a whole is still quite niche, and we don’t actually have a price or release date for PS VR2, either. Ostensibly, this was just to remind people that a new headset is on the way, which seems wise for the time being.
Following this, we got confirmation that Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is coming to PC in August. It’s a smart move for the company, especially with the sequel coming next year. Miles Morales is also coming to PC this fall to complete the collection. The PC ports’ involvement in the State of Play serves to reiterate — especially to the whinier console fanboys — that PlayStation games coming to PC is a growing and important part of the company’s business. I’m also always in favour of allowing more people to play games, especially when they’re as wonderful as Insomniac’s Spider-Man titles.
From here on out was just games, games, games — and lots of good-looking ones, at that.
On the indie front, we first got the promising cat adventure Stray, which comes to PS4/PS5 on July 19th. As an added bonus, those subscribed to either of the higher tiers of the new PS Plus will even get the game at no additional cost. Tunic, the recently released, critically-acclaimed Canadian-made adventure game, is making its way to PS4/PS5 on September 27th. Another Canadian game, Season: A Letter to the Future, got a trailer with a fall 2022 release window, and it looks like an engrossing, relaxing biking adventure. (It should be noted, though, that leadership at Montreal-based developer Scavengers was accused of abusing employees, and it’s unclear whether there’s been meaningful change has been made at the studio). That’s to say nothing of the fact that OlliOlliWorld developer Roll7 has a stylish rollerblading game, Rollerdrome, coming to PS4/PS5 on August 16th, or new team Studio Sai is making a Persona-inspired action-dating sim, Eternights, dropping on PS4/PS5 in early 2023.
Of course, there were more AAA games on top of that impressive assortment of indies. Striking Distance, the studio co-founded by Dead Space creator Glen Schofield, showed off its survival horror space game, The Callisto Protocol, which looks like a worthy spiritual successor to his previous work. We’re getting that on December 2nd, 2022 on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC. And while it’s not at all my cup of tea, Capcom’s Street Fighter 6got a fairly meaty new trailer, which is undoubtedly a big deal for fighting game fans. It’s coming sometime in 2023 to PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
But it’s the show’s closer that had me absolutely jumping out of my seat: Final Fantasy XVI. Since the action-RPG was revealed at the September 2020 PS5 Showcase, Square Enix hasn’t shown anything else from the game, so fans like me have been clamouring for a new trailer for over a year-and-a-half. Thankfully, we got that and more: a summer 2023 release window. Farther off than I would have liked, to be sure, but Square Enix had said the game was delayed half a year due to COVID, so it’s understandable. What matters more, though, is that it looks damn good. I confess that I didn’t much care for Final Fantasy XV; the game’s story, characters, open-world and combat felt half-baked in many ways. FF is my favourite series, so XV was pretty disappointing to me.
XVI, by contrast, looks to be everything XV wasn’t. And I have immense faith it will deliver — just look at the talent involved! Naoki Yoshida, the man who helped turn Final Fantasy XIV into one of gaming’s biggest redemption stories, is the producer. Hiroshi Takai, who’s worked on classics like Final Fantasy V and, more recently, XIV, is the main director, while Kazutoyo Maehiro — who penned XIV‘s outstanding Heavensward expansion — is the creative director and writer. Combat director Ryota Suzuki worked on a little action game called Devil May Cry 5, which should give you an idea of how great XVI‘s battles should be. And Masayoshi Soken, the magnificent composer of XIV, is handling XVI‘s music, so expect some absolute bangers. TL;DR — this game is going to be fire. It’s a timed PS5 exclusive, too, which is a big deal for PlayStation.
Ultimately, PlayStation accomplished a great deal in just under 30 minutes. It gave us a good mix of games that are pretty much all coming out within the next 12 months, while also showing more from its plans for PC and VR. Of course, questions remain surrounding when God of War: Ragnarok is coming, among other new first-party titles. But we knew going in that this State of Play was never going to be about that. For what it was — a largely third-party-centric showing — PlayStation absolutely crushed it, and hopefully, future State of Plays will be as strong.
PlayStation’s June State of Play presentation began with the formal reveal of the long-rumoured Resident Evil 4 remake.
Interestingly, the trailer opened with a release date: March 24th, 2023 on PS5. PS4 wasn’t mentioned, so it’s likely that this will be a current-gen only title.
The footage appeared to be running on the gorgeous RE Engine, which has powered the most recent Resident Evil games. In the footage, which features a decidedly darker tone, we see protagonist Leon S. Kennedy, as well as teases of various enemies, Ada Wong and Ashley Graham.
RE4 originally released on the GameCube in 2005 and has since been ported to all modern platforms. The game is widely considered to be one of the greatest ever made, making fans eager to see what it would like with the Resident Evil 2 remake treatment.
On top of the RE4 trailer, Capcom revealed that last year’s Resident Evil Village is coming to PlayStation VR2. A release date for the next-gen VR headset has not yet been confirmed.
