Microsoft's next-generation Xbox Series X|S consoles launch in a few hours, but those eager to get their hands on the PlayStation 5 have a few days to wait. The consoles offer similar advantages over the previous generation, including faster load times and better graphics, but they also feature some unique capabilities currently not present in the other. For Xbox Series X|S, this is Quick Resume, while for the PlayStation 5, it is the DualSense controller.
With PlayStation 5's launch a couple of days away, Sony has published an "Ultimate FAQ" to answer some questions people may have around the company's next-gen offering. Although you may know most of the information presented by Sony in this blog post - particularly which revolves around the console's graphical prowess -, we have gathered some tidbits you may not be aware of.
Here's a list of things you might not know about the PlayStation 5:
- The console does not come with additional colors or designs at launch. Sony's phrasing suggests that this may change in the future.
- The PS5 comes with an internal power supply and does not feature an external power brick.
- In some PS5 games, developers may offer players the options to remove specific modes and content they are not interested in to improve the storage space situation.
- Although you can play PS4 games stored on a USB drive connected to a PS5, this is not possible for PS5 games, as those need to be stored on the internal SSD. Sony is looking into ways as to how it can at least allow storage on external USBs, but these capabilities are not available at launch.
- The PS5 sports an expansion port that will allow users to plug in an M.2 SSD for storing and playing PS5 games in the future. This capability will come later via a software update, and Sony will share more information about compatibility. The company has currently discouraged players from buying an M.2 SSD as the PS5 will enforce a minimum performance level for SSD storage.
- Every PS5 game will take advantage of the console's Tempest 3D AudioTech, but exact enhancements will be dependent on developer optimization.
- Virtual surround sound via TV speakers is not currently supported but will arrive in future updates.
- The PS5 supports resolutions of 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 2160p. While the console is compatible with 8K displays right now, the capability to output at that resolution will arrive later via a system software update.
- Players can choose whether they want to enable or disable the DualSense controller's haptic feedback technology.
- The DualSense controller sports an integrated microphone array and a speaker.
- The DualSense controller features a player-facing light bar. For PS4 games that require a forward-facing light bar instead, Sony has recommended the use of PS4's DualShock 4 controllers.
- DualSense offers lower input latency as compared to DualShock 4.
- The PS5 controller will have a similar battery life as DualShock 4, and up to 3 hours may be required to fully charge the peripheral.
- Sony will offer other colors of the DualSense controller in the future but has no further information to share at this time.
- PS5's Blu-ray discs store up to 100GB of game data, double that of the 50GB capacity offered by its predecessor.
- The PS5 does not support 3D Blu-ray movies.
- The new UI for the PS5 does not support folders and themes at launch.
You can head over to the dedicated Ultimate FAQ page here if you wish to take a deep dive around the upcoming console yourself. Sony says that it will keep updating this page in the future as more information is ready to be shared with the public.
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