Gamers have been eager for the launch of PlayStation 5 (PS5) despite Sony making no clear pronouncements that the console is being developed. There are speculations the tech company might be doing a soft launch of PS5 in late 2016, and word has it that it will be the first virtual streaming console.
What's the real score about PlayStation 5's development? Below are five facts we know so far:
1) No PS5?
Sony's biggest product launch will be the PlayStation VR (Virtual Reality) headset that's slated to be unveiled later in the year. Because of this, it is believed that Sony hasn't been actively working on the PS5, and Sony's PlayStation France head confirmed that it does not exist, per a Twitter video release.
.@Yacoubs_04 la PS5 n'existe pas ! #AskShuhei pic.twitter.com/2sDaHUoVhD
— PlayStation France (@PlayStationFR) October 28, 2015
2) First Virtual Streaming Console
Despite the pronouncement above, analysts say that Sony will be "secretly" launching PS5 along with the PSVR, per Daily Star. However, what gamers might get is a "gimmicky add-on" that will essentially introduce cloud gaming and virtual streaming. This might eventually be developed into the first virtual streaming console, otherwise known as PlayStation 5.
3) Target 2020 Release Date
In a previous Parent Herald, it was believed that the PS5 console could be in stores by 2020. Sony might still push through with this timeline, pending feedback that will come out with the release of the PSVR. From there, the tech company could make improvements to its virtual device and it might become a standalone gadget that won't require console connections.
4) Cloud-Based Specification
With that in mind, the next PS5 or virtual device should be able to fully utilize 4K gaming functionality, which is still non-existent in PS4. Earlier reports also indicate that the PS5 could do away with the disc drive feature since games will now be streamed in a cloud. However, Value Walk reports, Sony might still keep disc drives in the next console to support game developers.
5) More Interactive PS5
A statement made by developer Paul Ross is boosting reports that the PS5 will be virtual device. He revealed his expectations about the console in a Video Gamer interview. "So what does a PS5 game look like? With PS4 we've seen some fidelity put into the worlds, but PS5's going to be about more dynamic worlds, far more interactive worlds that are more believable in the way they behave," he said.
