The Sony PS5 : the next-gen PlayStation console
Sony announced its biggest news to date about the next-generation PlayStation 5 console at its streaming Future of Gaming event on Thursday. We finally got to see the PS5 hardware, along with its new family members, as well as a host of games we can expect. Add that to the detailed hardware specifications that the company gave us over a year earlier in April 2019, and the only big mystery still remaining is the price. Make that prices — there is a Digital Edition with no Blu-ray drive, which presumably will be less expensive than the standard model.
Though prices and release dates weren’t yet given, Sony CEO Jim Ryan said the company planned to launch later this year
Sony plans to launch this holiday season, and though Sony still hasn’t revealed a final date or price, it will reportedly arrive in 2020 and the ongoing pandemic is not impacting that timeline. However, a Bloomberg report indicates we may need to prepare for supply shortages at launch, as well as possibly reduced or altered promotion compared to Sony’s typical product releases. However, those supply shortages will not directly be due to COVID-19.
Currently, Sony sells the PS4 for $300 and the higher-end PS4 Pro for $400. The company may cut these prices around the time of the PS5 launch to stimulate new subscribers for the PlayStation Plus membership program and PlayStation Now game-streaming service, the people said. Sony’s Chief Executive Officer Kenichiro Yoshida has said the company will aim to increase recurring revenue rather than one-time hardware purchases.
Sony had set its reveal event for PlayStation 5, with the promise of the first footage of PS5 games, for June 4. However, in light of racial justice protests occurring across the United States and other countries, the company postponed the event in order to “stand back and allow more important voices to be heard.” It took place one week later, and it didn’t disappoint in terms of game announcements and footage. The console’s design itself, however, is up for debate, with some loving its stylish look while others found it over the top.
