Sony Spills Details on PS5 Specs and Possible Launch Window

After the months of rumors, Sony has finally revealed big details about the next generation of PlayStation. The lead system architect for the PS5, Mark Cerny unveiled the details for the next-gen console via an interview with Wired. The system will tote a high-spec solid state drive, PS4 backwards compatibility, and much more.

The PS5 (which still has yet to be officially confirmed as the name of the next PlayStation) still takes physical media instead of being a download/stream-only version that’s been speculated. Current PSVR models are also compatible, but there isn’t any word yet if PS1-3 will be supported.

For the tech nerds, the GPU will also feature ray tracing. Enough said. Now, while the techies change their pants, let’s simplify what that does. This procedure will allow graphics to look even more realistic, showcasing more details in environments and characters.

Another major console spec is that the PS5 will run off an AMD chip. This CPU is based on the third generation of AMD’s Ryzen line and holds eight cores of the brand’s new 7nm Zen 2 microarchitecture.

This means bigger & faster system memory, higher graphical feats, better visual effects, and larger game files.

Show ’em The Goods

Cerny went on to demonstrate the significant cut to load times on the PS5 using Spider-Man. Fast-traveling between locations takes about 15 seconds on the PS4 Pro. Meanwhile, on a PS5 devkit, it only took o.8 seconds.

This speed is thanks to the system’s new SSD and a GPU variant of Radeon’s Navi products. PS5 will also support 8K displays to ensure that everything is running smoothly under the hood.

Cerny, who is also the PS4’s lead system architect, confirmed rumors from earlier this week. One being that the console won’t be dropping anytime this year, so everyone can still blow their tax refund on 20 more editions of Skyrim.

While there is no digital-only version of the PS5, Sony has tangled with digital-specific formats like the PSP Go. Creating alternate or updated consoles is the industry norm. So, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a digital-only version in the future.

What do you think about the official PS5 specs and the possible 2020 launch date? Let us know in the comments below!

Damian Gordon

You’ll either see me writing or adventuring around the city, planet or whatever. Not just in video games but in real life where things are HD! The life of a journalist/gamer gets no sleep, add being a 20-something in Miami and you got yourself a spicy recipe for insomnia. I’m always up for a good story; shoot me an email at [email protected]