Everything you want to know about PlayStation 5, all in one place.Welcome! It’s time to share in-depth details about the PlayStation 5 hardware, the DualSense wireless controller, system features, software details, and much, much, much more.
This list of frequently asked questions is a work in progress, and we’ll continue to chase questions and update information here as we get ready for launch later this month.
If you have additional questions, be sure to leave them in the comments below. But for now – please enjoy.
The Console HardwareWhat is PlayStation 5’s release date, and what is its retail price?PlayStation 5 will launch worldwide on the following dates, with the local suggested retail price:
What’s the difference between the PS5 console and the PS5 Digital Edition console?The only difference between the PS5 console and the PS5 Digital Edition console is the inclusion of an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive in the PS5 console. The PS5 Digital Edition console does not feature a disc drive.
The PS5 console features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive that will allow you to play PS5 Blu-ray disc games and PS4 Blu-ray disc games, as well as play video from 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs, standard Blu-ray discs, and DVDs.
The PS5 Digital Edition console does not have an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive. PS5 Digital Edition console owners will be able to buy PS5 and PS4 games from PlayStation Store or access games via PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now (an ongoing paid subscription is required for each, sold separately).
And more than 99% of the 4,000+ PS4 games can also be played on either the PS5 console or the PS5 Digital Edition console, though with the PS5 Digital Edition console these games will need to be downloaded from PlayStation Store while the P
Note: Blu-ray discs cannot be used with the PS5 Digital Edition console. If you own PS4 Blu-ray Discs, you will not be able to use them with a PS5 Digital Edition console.
Are there any performance differences between the PS5 console and the PS5 Digital Edition console?No. The consoles’ performance is identical, outside the existence of a disc drive.
What are the physical dimensions of the PS5 console and the PS5 Digital Edition console? How much do they weigh?The PS5 console is approximately 390mm x 104mm x 260mm (width x height x depth), excluding the Base, and weighs in at around 4.5kg.
The PS5 Digital Edition console is approximately 390mm x 92mm x 260mm (width x height x depth), weighing in at around 3.9kg.
Can I use both PS5 console models in either horizontal or vertical orientation?Yes, both PS5 models include a Base that allows users to adjust the console for vertical or horizontal placement. Watch our
PS5 teardown video to see how it works.
Will PS5 be available in other color schemes?There won’t be additional colors or designs available for either of the PS5 models at launch.
What input/output ports and connectivity features do PS5 support?
Does PS5 use an external ‘power brick’?No, PS5 is designed with an internal power supply.
What is included in the PS5 box at launch?Whichever model you choose, you’ll get:
• The PS5 console or PS5 Digital Edition console
• One DualSense wireless controller
• USB Type-C to Type-A charging cable for the DualSense wireless controller
• HDMI cable (compatible with Ultra High Speed defined by HDMI v2.1)
• AC power cord
• Base that allows you to orient the console either vertically or horizontally
• Quick Start and Safety guide.
Additionally, both PS5 models come with a free game pre-installed. Astro’s Playroom is a brand-new platformer that allows PS5 players to explore four worlds, each one showcasing innovative gameplay using the new and versatile features of the DualSense wireless controller.
The Ultra High-Speed SSDWhat’s special about PS5’s SSD?PS5’s ultra-high-speed SSD and integrated custom I/O system was developed with the goal of removing barriers to play – specifically loading screens. Developers are able to stream assets into PS5 games at an incredibly fast rate, so PS5 play experiences can be seamless and dynamic, with near-instantaneous fast travel through large game worlds. This enhanced speed will enable game developers to create larger, richer worlds without traditional limitations, such as load times, and also allows gamers to spend more time gaming than waiting.
What’s the difference between the PS5’s ultra-high-speed SSD and other SSDs?The 5.5GB/s (raw) read bandwidth of PS5’s ultra-high-speed SSD is on the cutting edge thanks to its advanced, highly customized design and integrated I/O, including a custom decompressor. We developed it with the specific goal of reducing load times and maximizing the developer’s ability to access game data at super-fast speeds.
We believe it represents a true generational leap in data access and will unleash game developers to create larger, richer, and more seamless play experiences than ever before.
Does PS5 improve my ability to download and store games?Similar to PS4, PS5 games can offer a feature called “Preferred Install” that allows players to choose which part of a game to install first. This can allow a player to prioritize access to a particular mode or feature. An example could be prioritizing the installation of the single-player or multiplayer component of a game.
In supported PS5 games, players can also choose to remove specific modes or content they no longer want in order to free up storage space. Developers will ultimately determine the level of support offered for these features, but the goal is to maximize storage flexibility.
Downloading and applying game software updates on PS5 should work more quickly than on the PS4 console in general, as the data size of updates and patches is managed more effectively.
Additionally, a feature on the updated PlayStation App for mobile devices will allow players to remotely manage their PS5’s storage if they run out of space when queuing a game to download to their console via the app.
Can I store or play PS5 games from a USB drive?No, players cannot transfer PS5 games to a USB drive. PS5 games must be stored on the console’s internal ultra-high-speed SSD for gameplay. Explorations for allowing players to store (but not play) PS5 games on a USB drive in a future update are underway.
You can, however, store and play PS4 games from a compatible USB drive connected to PS5. For more details, keep reading.
Can I expand PS5’s ultra-high-speed SSD storage?PS5 features an expansion port that will, in the future, enable players to add M.2 SSD storage to be used for installing and playing PS5 games.
This M.2 SSD storage upgrade functionality will come to PS5 after launch as part of a system software update. We’ll share more details in the future, including which type of M.2 SSD storage drive will be compatible with PS5.
On day one, you’ll be able to connect a compatible USB drive and use it to store and play your PS4 games. You’ll be able to play PS4 games while they remain stored on the external device. PS5 games need to reside on PS5’s internal SSD before play.
What’s an M.2 SSD drive?M.2 SSD drives are a high-speed SSD medium that you can use to upgrade storage capacity in supported devices. Both PS5 models will support M.2 SSD storage expansion following a future system software update coming after launch.
Will I need to use a specific type or speed of M.2 SSD drive with my PS5?Yes, a minimum performance level for the M.2 SSD drive will be required, and we’ll share more details in the future.
Should I buy an M.2 SSD drive for my PS5 at launch?No. For now, we recommend that you hold off on purchasing any M.2 SSD drives intended for use with PS5. We will share more details on recommended drives in the future. M.2 SSD storage functionality will come to PS5 after launch with an upcoming system software update.
3D Audio What is Tempest 3D AudioTech?Tempest 3D AudioTech is PS5’s custom engine for 3D Audio. It will provide high-quality audio and allow games to offer a much deeper sense of immersion via the custom 3D Audio implementation with a PS5-compatible headset.
How does PS5’s 3D Audio benefit gameplay?Games will tap into PS5’s advanced 3D Audio capabilities in different ways based on the goals of the development team. Among other advanced audio features, PS5’s 3D Audio supports highly accurate audio positioning.
Examples could be hearing an arrow zip past the player’s head, or hearing footsteps in another room and detecting the enemy’s location.
Will every PS5 game benefit from 3D Audio?Yes. Even simple channel-based audio will have additional dimensionality thanks to PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech. The exact 3D Audio effects may vary title by title, and developer optimization will provide the best experience
More broadly, PS5’s audio processing capabilities are considerably more advanced than PS4’s, so PS5 game developers will have powerful new tools to create great in-game audio.
What types of headsets can I use to enjoy 3D Audio?The PULSE 3D wireless headset has been engineered to take full advantage of PS5’s 3D Audio capabilities. With a refined design, dual noise-canceling microphones, and an array of easy-access controls, the PULSE 3D wireless headset offers a seamless experience.
Players can also experience 3D Audio on PS5 with a PS5-compatible headset that you may already own, either through the console’s USB connection or by plugging an analog headset into the DualSense wireless controller’s 3.5mm headset jack.
Is 3D Audio available through TV speakers?TV speaker virtual surround sound won’t be available on launch day for PS5 but is planned for a future update.
How do I get the best 3D Audio experience on PS5?Using a PS5-compatible stereo headset offers the best 3D Audio experience due to the ability to deliver audio to each ear separately. In addition, since everyone’s ears are a little bit different, PS5 provides a set of built-in user profiles that players can choose from to get the best sound for them.
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GPU, CPU, and RAMWhat are the specs of the AMD CPU and GPU?
What exactly is ray tracing, and how will it make PS5 games look better?
Hardware-based ray tracing acceleration is integrated into PS5’s graphics processing unit (GPU), and developers have many ways to tap into these capabilities.
In a nutshell, ray tracing in graphics simulates the way light interacts with objects and surfaces, with a goal of generating more in-game visual detail. PS5 game developers can take advantage of ray tracing to make the effects of water, glass, light refraction, shadows, and surfaces look more realistic or striking, depending on their goals for their game.
Broader benefits, such as unified lighting models or other advanced effects, are also possible depending on the developer’s goals for their PS5 title.
Additional InformationWhat buttons are featured on PS5?The PS5 console has a Power button and an Eject button for Blu-ray Discs. The PS5 Digital Edition console only has a Power button.
How loud will PS5 be when I’m playing games?Our goal is for PS5 to be quieter than PS4. This is due to changes in the power delivery and cooling systems, as well as custom engineering work including a custom heatsink and a liquid metal-based thermal interface material.
Does PS5 feature a rest mode? What functions are possible while in rest mode?Yes. When the system is placed in rest mode, the screen will turn off, the status indicator will shift to orange, and PS5 will enter a low-power state. You can set the system to perform actions such as downloading files or charging the DualSense wireless controller from a USB port while it’s in rest mode.
Rest mode for PS5 will be enabled by default in all markets.
What are the best practices when setting up my PS5 at home?To maintain good ventilation, follow these guidelines below:
• Place the console at least 10 cm (4 in) away from a wall surface.
• Do not place on a carpet or rug with long fibers.
• Do not place in a narrow or cramped space.
• Do not cover with a cloth.
• Do not allow dust to build upon the vents. Use a cleaning tool such as a vacuum cleaner to remove dust
buildup.
Will PS5 require a 4K TV? What resolutions are supported?No, PS5 does not require a 4K TV. Supported resolutions are 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 2160p. PS5 can output resolutions up to 2160p (4K UHD) when connected to a 4K display.
PS5 is compatible with 8K displays at launch, and after a future system software update will be able to output resolutions up to 8K when content is available, with supported software.
Does PS5 support HDR?Yes, PS5 will support the HDR10 specification.
Can I connect my PS5 to my surround sound system or soundbar?Yes, players can use PS5’s HDMI OUT port to connect to your TV or sound system.
Which audio output formats do PS5 support?PS5 will support the following audio formats:
• Dolby Digital (max 5.1ch)
• Dolby Digital Plus (max 7.1ch)
• Dolby TrueHD (max 7.1ch)
• DTS (max 5.1ch)
• DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio (max 7.1ch)
• DTS-HD Master Audio (max 7.1ch)
• AAC (max 5.1ch)
• Linear PCM (max 7.1ch)
What kind of HDMI cable should I use to connect the PS5 to my TV or receiver?The included HDMI cable is recommended, but in general, use an Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable that supports HDMI 2.1.
Will PS5 support 4K at 120Hz modes?Yes, PS5 supports the HDMI 2.1 specification. HDMI 2.1 supports 4K 120Hz, but HDMI 2.1-compatible 4K TVs have not yet fully penetrated the market.
