Following up Microsoft’s exciting launch of the Xbox Series X/S is the equally exciting launch of Sony’s new console launch, the PlayStation 5.

Like the new Xbox, the PlayStation 5 is available in two different versions. The standard version ($499) includes an ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, ultra high-speed SSD, Tempest 3D AudioTech. The CPU is x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 2 8 cores, up to 3.5 GHz, with an AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based GPU up to 2.23 GHz and 16Gb of GDDR6 RAM.

The Digital Edition features the exact same stats, minus the disc drive, meaning it only supports games purchased via the PlayStation Store. Both systems include the new DualSense wireless controller and backwards compatibility with over 4,000 PlayStation 4 games (though the Digital Edition won’t support discs).

Both PlayStation 5 consoles include the digital game, Astro’s Playroom. Astro’s Playroom is a 3D platformer designed to show off the PS5 and the haptic feedback controller.

“We never wavered in our vision for delivering a truly next-generation console that was built to excite both gamers and developers,” writes Jim Ryan, president and CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment. “We also knew that it would be nearly impossible for gamers and press to experience next-generation features like the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback, or our immersive 3D Audio, in a socially-distanced world.

“PS5 represents a true generational leap, and the games you will experience over the coming years are sure to change gaming forever. Thank you, and here’s to the dawn of a new generation of gaming. ”

For more details on the PlayStation 5, go to Sony’s PS5 FAQ.


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Eric has been writing for over nine years with bylines at Dicebreaker, Pixelkin, Polygon, PC Gamer, Tabletop Gaming magazine, and more covering movies, TV shows, video games, tabletop games, and tech. He reviews and live streams D&D adventures every week on his YouTube channel. He also makes a mean tuna quesadilla.