SONY finally announced the launch date for the PlayStation 5 this week, leading excited fans to ponder what games they’ll play following the console’s November release.
Alongside a sterling roster of next-gen launch titles, the PS5 will also run a number of top PS4 games you may have otherwise missed.
The powerful machine will be “99 per cent backwards compatible” with PS4 games, according to PlayStation boss Jim Ryan.
Sony has assured fans they’ll be able to play all of the top 100 PS4 games, ranked by playtime, at launch.
That means games like GTA 5 and Fortnite will be almost certainly be available to play from day one.
You’ll be free to either download them if they’re linked to your PlayStation account, or stick in your old disc.
Unfortunately for gamers, Sony hasn’t published a confirmed list of backwards compatible games yet.
What we do know is that PS5 owners will be able to download and play a classic collection of PS4 games with a PlayStation Plus subscription.
“PS5 owners with PS Plus will be able to download and play a curated library of PS4 games that defined the generation, like Batman Arkham Knight, Bloodborne, Fallout 4, God of War, Monster Hunter: World, Persona 5 and many more,” according to a PlayStation blog post.
“The PS Plus Collection will be an added benefit to the existing PS4 benefits that PS Plus members receive for a single subscription price.”
The tech titan will know that fans are keen to play their old games on the new console if possible.
The company drew harsh criticism from gamers after it was revealed the PS4 was not backwards compatible, rendering PS3 discs largely useless.
Microsoft, Sony’s biggest rival, has bet big on backwards compatibility.
Its upcoming Xbox Series X, also due out just before Christmas, will be able to play Xbox One, Xbox 360 and original Xbox games, according to the company.
The Xbox One is compatible with a raft of Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles.
What is the PS5?
The PS5 is Sony’s latest and greatest gaming console.
It’s the successor to the PS4 and PS4 Pro, and will be available in two distinct versions.
Those are the pricey PS5 proper with all the bells and whistles, and the digital edition, which is cheaper but with lower specs and no disc tray.
Both consoles will be out in time for Christmas 2020 with an impressive roster of launch games.
And they’ll be going head-to-head with Microsoft’s next-gen consoles, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
Like Sony, Microsoft has opted to launch two machines: A full-works console with a higher price tag and a cheaper one without a disc tray.
When is the PS5 out and how much does it cost?
The PS5 release date has been set for November 12, but not everywhere.
That date only stands for the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
In the UK, you won’t be able to get it until November 19.
The PS5 proper will cost £449.99/$499.99, while the digital edition comes in at $399/£359.
So how does that compare to the PS5’s biggest rival, the Xbox?
Microsoft’s pair of next-gen consoles will be out a little earlier, landing on November 10.
The cheaper disc-free Xbox Series S will cost £249/$299, while the Xbox Series X comes in at £449/$499.
In other news, a PlayStation fan has created an “all black” PS5 that disappointed gamers think looks much better than the real thing.
Here are some great Warzone tips and tricks.
And check out this crazy £450 “gaming bed”.
Are you excited for the PS5? Let us know in the comments!
