Yesterday’s PS5 showcase was a well paced, exciting show with some good looks at upcoming games for the PS5 and other platforms. However, what occurred afterwards was a flurry of new information, contrasting details, a messy pre-order situation, and more. So instead of rushing to recap the event for you as we typically do, we’ve waited for the dust to clear to ensure we can provide you with the full details of the system, games, and compatibility. Let’s dive in:
The Console Details
Launch Date:
- Thursday November 13th in U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea
- Thursday November 19th in the rest of the world
Pricing:
- The Digital Edition will be available for a recommended retail price (RRP) of $399.99 USD/$499 CAD/¥39,980/€399.99/£359.99 (MSRP)
- The standard PS5 with an ultra-HD blu-ray drive will be available for an RRP of $499.99 USD/$629 CAD/¥49,980/€499.99/£449.99 (MSRP)
Accessories and Games Pricing:
Both first-party games and controllers are rising in price for the PS5. Also be aware, PlayStation 5 titles require the DualSense PS5 controller.
- DualSense™ Wireless Controller (standalone) – US$69.99/CAD$89.99/¥6,980/€69.99 (RRP)
- PULSE 3D™ wireless headset – with 3D audio support and dual noise-cancelling microphones US$99.99/CAD$129.99/¥9,980/€99.99 (RRP)
- HD Camera – with dual 1080p lenses for gamers to broadcast themselves along with their epic gameplay moments US$59.99/CAD$79.99/¥5,980/€59.99 (RRP)
- Media Remote – to navigate movies and streaming services with ease US$29.99/CAD$39.99/¥2,980/€29.99 (RRP)
- DualSense™ Charging Station – to conveniently charge two DualSense Wireless Controllers US$29.99/CAD$39.99/¥2,980/€29.99 (RRP)
Pre-Orders:
Quite frankly, this was a mess. We’re not sure exactly what happened but while Sony’s original plan was to begin pre-orders on Friday after they had contacted the customers who signed up on PlayStation.com, it seems WalMart and some retailers jumped the gun which caused a mad rush among consumers. In short, nearly all major retailers are currently showing as sold out already. However, with what we’ve learned of PS5 production supply, we fully expect these to be replenished prior to launch. If you weren’t able to get a pre-order in yesterday, don’t panic just yet. If their production numbers are true (big if), then there will plenty to go around this holiday. We will certainly keep you posted on this aspect over the next several weeks.
Game Details and The Showcase Highlights
Perhaps the biggest and most surprising news of the night was Sony suddenly announcing that the majority of their first party titles will be cross-generational. While previously they pushed the “generations” narrative and alluded to titles like Spider-Man only being available on the PS5, this is not the case. Spider-Man Miles Morales, Sackboy A Big Adventure, and the forthcoming Horizon Forbidden West will all be available on the PS4 as well, while enhanced for the PS5.
Additionally, we know that the PS4 community will transition to PS5 at different times, and we’re happy to announce PS4 versions of some of our exclusives. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy A Big Adventure, and Horizon Forbidden West will also launch on PS4. While these three games were designed to take advantage of PS5 and its unique next-gen features like the ultra-high-speed SSD and DualSense controller, PS4 owners will also be able to enjoy these experiences when they launch. The PS4 digital versions of launch games include a free upgrade on both PS5 consoles, while the PS4 disc versions of these games include a free upgrade on the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive. – Jim Ryan SIE President and CEO
While the showcase didn’t show a large number of games, it had a few heavy hitters. The first big announcement, was that Final Fantasy 16 is coming (which was rumored before the show).
- No release date.
- Timed console exclusive to the PS5. Likely similar to the deal on Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
- Demo was said to be running on a PC – not the PS5.
We also finally got the first look at the upcoming Harry Potter RPG. Titled “Hogwart’s Legacy” you look to be placed in the shoes as a new student to Hogwarts which leads you to a wealth of adventures.
- Planned for 2021 release.
- Arriving on nearly every platform including PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series consoles, and PC.
- Demo said to be running on PS5.
We finally got to see some gameplay from Spider-Man Miles Morales in an extended look at the game.
- Will launch with the console on November 12th.
- Contrary to prior reports, it is confirmed to be on the PS4 as well. It is simply being upgraded for the PS5. The enhancements include:
- Improved details & facial animations
- Ray-tracing, optional 60FPS mode
- Instant loading, more crowd density
- Two versions are available. The PS5 version is $49.99 or the “Ultimate” edition which includes original game “remastered” for the PS5 is $69.99.
Perhaps the most striking gameplay showcase was of Demon’s Souls. We finally got to see true gameplay, it was extended, and if you’re a fan of Soulsborne titles, it looks incredible!
- Will launch with the console on November 12th.
- It will be only on PS5 at launch. A mistake was made in an earlier video saying it was PC as well. While that may come later, at launch it is PS5 only.
The newest Oddworld game is coming to the PS5 and we got a new look at it as well. It is titled “Soulstorm”.
- Planned for 2021 release.
- Currently only announced for the PS5 but no further details have been provided.
The newest trailer for Call of Duty Black Ops : Cold War was shared.
- Releases on November 13th.
- Releases on all major platforms including the PS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, and PC.
- An Alpha for the multiplayer was announced for PS4 players this weekend.
We also received the newest trailer for Resident Evil 8 (Village).
- Planned release in 2021
- Releases on all major platforms including the PS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, and PC.
PS Plus subscribers will be treated to several PS4 titles for free as part of the PS5 launch.
Lastly, they teased the next God of War entry which is titled Ragnarok.
- Planned release according to the teaser is 2021.
- No further details were shared. Speculation includes:
- If it is truly launching in 2021, is this an off-shoot title similar to Spider-Man Miles Morales?
- Will it also be available on PS4?
Apologies for the Gamespot video – the official PlayStation channel never uploaded the teaser (as of this posting).
Our Take
Yesterday was an exciting but exhausting day for fans. While the showcase showed some great titles, it was followed by confusing information and a disaster with regard to pre-orders. There are also still a large number of questions that have been left unanswered by Sony to date such as enhancements for existing PS4 titles, a full teardown of the hardware and analysis of its potential performance, how additional storage will be handled as PS5 games require third-party SSDs, details on items like USB support for webcams (which PS4 doesn’t allow), and a lot more. We hope that Sony has plans to be more transparent in the coming weeks but with what we’ve seen to date, we’re not holding our breath. Despite all of that, we’re of course excited that the PS5 is now less than two months away and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.
At the end of the day, it’s an amazing time to be a gamer.