PS5 Myths That Turned Out To Be True
The PlayStation 5 finally arrived on Nov. 12, 2020, and Sony has pulled out all the stops to ensure that this gaming console generation is one of the most revolutionary yet. Sony made some major changes to the PS5 in comparison to previous generations, both cosmetically and internally. The console's futuristic white design itself is a huge step away from the notoriously simple black design that Sony stuck to for the last three PlayStations, and it even comes with a totally-revamped controller to match, the DualSense.
In the year following the PS5's initial announcement, Sony slowly rolled out a ton of details, including the introduction of a digital-only PS5 and some PS5-exclusive games like Bugsnax. Still, the entertainment giant was fairly secretive about the console, which led to rumors and speculation. As to be expected, a few crazy PS5 rumors were almost immediately debunked, such as the PS5's alleged V-shaped design, which was only a prototype. Here are some bigger myths that, thankfully, turned out to be true.
The PS5 is already backward compatible with many PS4 games
PS4 gamers don't need to say goodbye to their game library in order to purchase a PS5. Sony confirmed that the PS5 is backward compatible with "the overwhelming majority" of PS4 games, and some titles even have the added benefit of running at a higher frame rate on the PS5. Digital PS4 games can be transferred to the new console via a WiFi data transfer, as well as a compatible USB storage drive.
It is important to note, though, that not all PS4 games are playable on the PS5. Initially, Sony released a list of 10 PS4 games that would not work on the new console: DWVR, Afro Samurai 2 Revenge of Kuma Volume One, TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 2, Just Deal With It!, Shadow Complex Remastered, Robinson: The Journey, We Sing, Hitman Go: Definitive Edition, Shadwen, and Joe's Diner.
However, as ThisGenGaming discovered, there are at least six more PS4-only games than Sony listed. Be sure to check games out on the PlayStation Store to see if they are listed as PS4-only before trying them out on the PS5.
PSVR works on the PS5 — but only with some extra gear
Yes, PSVR games do fall into the backward compatibility category. The existing PSVR headset and its corresponding PS4 games work on the PS5, but some extra equipment is needed to make it work. The PS5's HD camera is not compatible with PSVR, so players need to use a PS4 camera and a special adapter, which Sony happens to be giving to customers via a request form. Additionally, only DualShock 4 and PlayStation Move controllers will work with PSVR on PS5.
Dominic Mallinson, Sony's head of PlayStation R&D, told CNET that there were never plans to release an updated PSVR headset at the same time as the PS5's launch. However, a new headset definitely could debut later on. After all, the original PSVR came out three years following the PS4's release, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the same occurrence with the PS5.
The PS5 has crazy-fast loading times
One major feature of the PS5 is its solid-state drive (SSD), which has a speed of 5.5GB per second. The console's architect, Mark Cerny, did tell The Verge that the PS5's loading speed would be "100 times faster," but it almost seemed too good to be true. Then, when gamers finally got their hands on the PS5, they learned that it was no exaggeration.
PushSquare tested the PS5's game loading times by downloading Planet Coaster: Console Edition (18.96GB size) on both the PS5 and the PS4 Pro. The game was ready to play in 21 minutes on the new console in comparison to 44 minutes on the older generation. US Gamer conducted a similar test with Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise and found that it downloaded in only seven minutes.
The PS5 certainly showed some frustrating bugs at launch, but there's no denying that the latest generation has some awesome features that set it apart from PlayStations of the past. Once Sony gets the system's initial kinks worked out, the PS5 should be able to truly live up to its full potential.