Next Gen: PlayStation 5 Family

Its a family affair 

Like all families, the PlayStation 5 family keeps growing. From covers to PSVR2, since the launch of the PlayStation 5, Sony has been hard at work adding members to the clan. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the PS5 family of products and what makes them so special. 

The head of the family, the PlayStation 5 is available in two different versions: the Disc version and the Digital Edition. The Disc version includes a disc drive, while the Digital Edition does not. This means that if you want to play physical games, you'll need to purchase the Disc version. However, if you prefer to download your games from the PlayStation Store, the Digital Edition is the way to go. 

One of the most significant changes in the PS5 family of products is the DualSense controller. This controller offers haptic feedback, which means you can feel the game's actions in your hands. For example, if you're playing a racing game, you'll feel the vibration of the engine in your hands. The DualSense controller also features adaptive triggers, which can adjust the resistance of the trigger depending on the game you're playing. This creates a more immersive experience and allows for greater control over the game. 

In addition to the Disc and Digital Edition PS5, Sony has also released a range of accessories for the PS5 family of products. These include a Pulse 3D wireless headset, a media remote, a HD camera, and a DualSense charging station.  The Pulse 3D supports 3D audio and has 2 mics for crisp in game chat. The media remote is perfect for those who also use the PS5 as a media centre, simplifying controls needed for media, such as volume fast forwarding and pausing. The HD camera is designed for streamers. It integrates with the PS5 allowing for effortless high fidelity video streaming. 

As the covers for the PS5 are removable, Sony has created covers for the PS5 in a range of colours. These DualSense controller is also available in the same range of colours, offering gamers the opportunity to customise their gaming set-ups. Matching console covers and controllers are now a reality to all gamers. 

With the emergence of competitive gaming, also known as esports, there is a massive increase in demand for controllers that are programmable and customisable. Please welcome to the family the DualSense Edge; Sony’s first foray into the world of ‘pro’ controllers. The Edge controller features both hardware and software functionality. Features supported by the software are the ability to save custom profiles which can be accessed by the flick of a button. Hardware features are fully integrated back buttons, mappable buttons and customisable travel distance and sensitivity on the triggers. The joy sticks and back buttons can be changed, as well as the stick modules. What does this mean? Essentially, if your controller develops the dreaded ‘stick drift’, or your sticks start to show their age and use, you can now replace the joystick module alone and not the whole controller. 

Recently launched is the PSVR2, the successor to the ground-breaking and limit pushing PSVR. The PSVR2 offers several key improvements over its predecessor. First and foremost, it features a significantly higher resolution display. The PSVR2 has two OLED HDR screens with a resolution of 4000x2040 pixels, which is more than double the resolution of the original PSVR. This means that games look sharper and more detailed. Combined with the addition of 3D audio, powered by the PS5, this leads to a massively improved immersive gaming experience. Another key feature of the PSVR2, and a new addition to the family, is the new Sense controllers. The new controllers will feature finger tracking, which allows for more natural interactions with the virtual world. Moving your fingers on the controller reflects movements on your fingers in the game. The sense controllers fit snugly in your grasp, allowing you to interact with the world freely. 

Finally, the PS5 family of products also includes a range of exclusive games, including Demon's Souls, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, God of War: Ragnarok and the now confirmed Spider-Man 2. These games are designed specifically for the PS5's hardware and take full advantage of its power and capabilities. These exclusive titles make the PS5 family of products even more appealing to gamers who want to experience the best that the gaming industry has to offer. 

From here we enter the ‘speculation zone’. This is where we wonder out loud where Sony might be going next. Are we to see a slim PS5, as followed all previous PlayStation models a few years after launch. There are rumours of a PS5 PRO, if this is necessary just yet, I am not sold. Interestingly, rumours of a plug-in disc drive for digital PS5’s have surfaced, this does make sense as many gamers have physical PS4 games sitting around. 

The PlayStation 5 family of products is an exceptional gaming eco-system that offers unparalleled performance and an immersive gaming experience. With powerful hardware, a range of exclusive games, and innovative accessories, the PS5 family of products is a must-have for serious gamers. Whether you choose the standard version or the Digital Edition, you'll be able to enjoy the best that the gaming industry has to offer.