Unlike other rumors in the world of gaming, the pending release of a PS5 is not merely speculation. It is going to happen but we just don’t know when. Until that day comes, it’s nice to remind ourselves of what we know so far.
A patent of backward compatibility
This is good news for Sony PlayStation gamers since backward compatibility means a new model can run old titles. A newer console can mimic the technology used in PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 in order to play the titles associated with those consoles.
The PS5 is rumored to feature AMD’s custom Zen 2 processor, one that can really handle the demands of the patent – if it is ever to be implemented, of course.
The system architecture of PlayStation consoles is very different. As such, titles made for one device won’t likely run in a newer edition. The patent filed by Sony Japan looks like an aim to address this issue.
The implementation of the patent will be good news for old titles in the PlayStation library. While Sony has re-released certain games, the inclusion of this patent in newer models means that those that haven’t been re-issued can now be played on a newer platform.
A confirmation of new hardware
In an interview with the Financial Times, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida mentioned the need for “next-generation hardware.” The article cited sources that mentioned the new console won’t be a radical departure from the PS4.
The PS4 is close to five years of age – that’s pretty old in the tech world. However, it’s much better to have a product that is well made rather than one that is full of mistakes. The two models that belong to the family, the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro, are still doing well in the market so that gives Sony more time to come up with a creation that is worth the wait.
A possible release date
It’s hard to give a definite answer without official word from the creators themselves. However, hints have been dropped on different occasions to indicate that a PS5 release is indeed coming. As mentioned earlier, it’s just a matter of when.
Of course, an announcement – an official one at that – needs to be made by Sony first. From there, we can all gleefully wait for the product to be finally released for gamers to enjoy. And if indeed the new model does feature backward compatibility and new hardware, then all the better.
Although nothing has technically been announced, one can speculate about PS5 being more powerful – or at par – with Microsoft’s Xbox One X. That model is certainly better than the PS4 on several levels so it would definitely make sense for Sony to, at the very least, release a model that is slightly better or much more advanced.
Pricing will also have to figure in the decision since Sony would also want to release a device that people can actually buy.
So, an upcoming PS5 is almost a guarantee but until then, we just have to wait for Sony to actually announce it.
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