2020 is poised to be a big year for gamers. Not only are there several important release dates for new titles, but this year marks the start of the next generation of game consoles. One of the most anticipated consoles set to make its debut is the PlayStation 5.
The PlayStation 4 has managed to sell over 100 million units since its launch in 2013, so there's no doubt that fans across the globe are clamouring to get their hands on the new iteration.
With all that said, should you upgrade to the PS5 when it comes out later this year? While the console has been confirmed to come out just in time for the 2020 holiday season, not a lot is known about this console. We don't even know what the hardware looks like yet!
One thing is sure, PS5 will have much better graphics. With that in mind, you could also look into some high-quality 240 Hz monitors if you decide to upgrade.
To help you decide if the PS5 is worth the upgrade, let's take a look at how the new hardware compares to the PS4.
Native Resolution
Around the time of the PS4's launch, achieving a 4K resolution was relatively expensive. It required specialized gear and expensive televisions. Needless to say, a lot has changed in the 7 years since then. Today, 4K content is mainstream. You can view it on popular streaming services and even record it on your smartphone!
To keep up with the times, Sony released the PS4 Pro. It's able to output 4K resolution. However, only a small collection of titles can do so natively. Most are upscaled to 4K. With the PS5, Sony is reportedly going to blow the PS4 Pro out of the water.
One of the new system's architects revealed in an interview that the PS5 will be able to support up to 8K resolution! It's speculated that the system will output 4K natively and use similar techniques that the PS4 Pro did to upscale to 8K.
CPU and GPU
Sony's most powerful current console, the PS4 Pro is already a powerhouse. However, the rumour mill is saying that the PS5 is going to be the most powerful console in history. The new console is reportedly going to be using a custom Zen 2 CPU from AMD. It's allegedly going to be paired alongside Radeon Navi graphics architecture.
These two critical components are going to be custom for the PS5, allowing developers to use it creatively for their games. Not only will the console produce crisp and smooth graphics, but it'll be able to achieve PC-level quality. Things like ray tracing will be possible. With ray tracing, developers can manipulate how light moves across various simulated environments, adding a touch of realism that has never been seen before in console gaming. It's certainly something to get excited about.
Backward Compatibility
One of the biggest faults of the PS4 is a lack of backward compatibility. Sure, Sony offered older titles on the PlayStation Store. But, they required a new purchase. You couldn't just download old titles or insert a disc to play your favourite titles from the past. It was an issue that caused ire among many fans.
Luckily, it seems that Sony has gotten the message. It's being reported that the new PS5 will be backward compatible with PS4 titles. There's not much information about compatibility beyond the PS4 or even how the system will handle older discs. However, it's been rumoured that the new console is built on the same architecture that the PS4 is, making backward compatibility easier for the new system.
Xbox recently announced that their new console will be backward compatible as well. However, the key difference is that many titles from previous generations will be compatible as well. We'll have to wait and see if Sony decides to follow that same route and make PS3, PS2, or PS1 titles playable on the new console.
Controller
Sony's DualShock controller has been a massive hit since its very first iteration. It's a comfortable controller that has only continued to get better with each new console. The latest version used for the PS4 is considered to be one of the best. It has been so popular that the design has been replicated many times by third-party accessory makers looking to create alternatives to the standard DualShock.
There have been rumors swirling about possible updates to the DualShock with the launch of the PS5. Recent patent leaks showed that the controller's core shape is to remain largely unchanged. Slight differences in size and button placement are to be expected. The biggest change can be found on the back of the new DualShock. Sony is apparently planning on introducing back paddles, which could be an interesting addition for first-person shooters.
Games Library
Ask any PlayStation fan and they'll tell you the best thing about the console is the games library. Sony has done a fantastic job of building up a collection of exclusives that can't be played anywhere else. This is especially true for this last generation.
Many games have already been confirmed for the new console. There is a ton of speculation about the brand's biggest franchises, too. We already know that The Last of Us: Part 2 is coming out in 2020. While it will arrive before the launch of the PS5, there's no doubt that Sony will release a higher-resolution version for its new flagship console.
Another big name title that fans are waiting for is the Final Fantasy VII remake. Originally announced years ago, it was recently confirmed to be a timed exclusive for PlayStation, so we fully expect to see it on the PS5.
Of course, you never know what Sony is hiding up their sleeve. If history has anything to show for it, there's a good chance that the PS5 is going to launch with a few unannounced exclusives.
Conclusion
As you can see, the new PS5 is certainly an enticing buy. It's poised to be the most powerful console in history. With its rumoured hardware, it'll be able to produce the highest quality graphics we've ever seen on a home console. While there's still a lot to learn about the upcoming console, there are certainly enough reasons already to want to upgrade.