The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a home video game console created by Sony Interactive Entertainment as the fifth version of their PlayStation brand. It was announced in April 2019 as the next version after the PlayStation 4. The PS5 was released on November 12, 2020, in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, North America, and South Korea, and became available worldwide the following week. The PS5 is part of the ninth generation of video game consoles, which also includes Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S consoles, released in the same month.
The base model includes an optical disc drive that works with Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. The Digital Edition does not have this drive and is designed for buying games only through downloads. Both models were released at the same time. Slimmer versions of both models replaced the original models in November 2023. A PlayStation 5 Pro model was released on November 7, 2024, and includes a faster GPU, improved ray tracing, and AI-driven upscaling technology.
The PS5’s main features include a special solid-state drive that helps games load quickly, an AMD GPU capable of displaying 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second, hardware-accelerated ray tracing for realistic lighting and reflections, and the Tempest Engine for advanced 3D audio effects. Other features include the DualSense controller with haptic feedback, backward compatibility with most PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR games, and the PlayStation VR2 headset.
History
Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PlayStation console line, started a two-year feedback process after the PlayStation 4 launched. This process involved visiting Sony's first-party developers every two years to learn about their concerns with Sony's hardware and how it could be improved for future consoles. This feedback helped shape the priorities of the development team. During the development of the PlayStation 5, a major challenge was reducing game loading times. Cerny reported that developers, including Epic Games' Tim Sweeney, said the speed of hard disk drives limited game development. Slow data rates restricted the size of data loaded into games, the placement of data on storage, and the duplication of data to reduce load times. A key goal was finding ways to shorten loading times, especially in games that stream or dynamically load new areas as players move through the game world.
Jim Ryan, then CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, said Sony studied the possibility of creating a lower-cost, less powerful version of the PlayStation 5, similar to Microsoft's Xbox Series S. Sony concluded that such consoles often become outdated quickly and did not proceed with this plan.
Cerny first described the new console in an April 2019 interview with Wired magazine. In early 2019, Sony's financial report confirmed that next-generation hardware was being developed and would launch no earlier than April 2020. In October 2019, Sony stated it planned to release the next-generation console globally by the end of 2020. The hardware specifications were revealed in October 2019. At CES 2020, Sony introduced the official logo for the platform, which followed the minimalist design of previous PlayStation consoles. Full specifications were shared in an online presentation by Cerny and published by Sony and Digital Foundry on March 18, 2020. Digital Foundry conducted a detailed interview with Cerny and released a "deep dive" on April 2.
A major game library showcase was planned for June 4, 2020, but was delayed until June 11 due to the George Floyd protests. This event also marked the first public display of the PS5's external design. Sony planned to launch the PlayStation 5 during the 2020 holiday season.
The release date and pricing were confirmed during a game showcase on September 16, 2020. The console was scheduled to launch on November 12, 2020, in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, North America, and South Korea, and on November 19, 2020, in most other regions. The console launched in the Philippines on December 11, 2020.
The PlayStation 5's release in India was delayed, leading to speculation about a trademark dispute. The name "PS5" had briefly been trademarked by another person, but the issue was resolved, and the system launched in India on February 2, 2021. The console launched in Indonesia on January 22, 2021, and in China on May 15, 2021.
The console launched with two models: a base version with an Ultra HD Blu-ray compatible optical disc drive for retail game support and online distribution via the PlayStation Store, and a lower-cost model without the disc drive but with digital download support.
After the September 16, 2020, presentation, Sony announced that pre-orders would open at various retailers the following day. However, some retailers in the United States and United Kingdom launched pre-orders the same evening, causing a rush and confusion as inventories sold out quickly. Sony apologized for the situation on September 19, 2020, and promised to increase pre-order deliveries and ensure stock availability through the end of the year.
Global supply of the console remained low due to a global chip shortage from 2020 to 2023. Sony expected limited retail stock until 2023 and stated that supply chain issues had been resolved. In August 2022, Sony announced a price increase of up to 20% in most markets, except the United States, due to global economic, inflationary, and supply chain pressures. A price increase in the United States, raising the cost of all units by $50, took effect in August 2025, citing a "challenging economic environment." Accessories were not affected. A global price increase occurred on April 2, 2026, further raising the cost of the Slim model by $50 and the Pro model by $150, with Sony attributing the increase to the "global economic landscape."
Hardware
The PlayStation 5 uses a custom system on a chip (SoC) made by AMD and Sony together. This chip combines the CPU and GPU. The CPU has eight cores based on AMD’s Zen 2 design and is built using a 7 nm process. It can run up to 3.5 GHz. The GPU uses AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture and has 36 compute units that operate at up to 2.23 GHz. It can perform up to 10.28 teraFLOPS. The GPU supports real-time ray tracing, which creates realistic lighting and shadows by simulating how light interacts with objects. Sony created a new graphics API called AGC to program the GPU. The console also has a "boost" system based on AMD’s SmartShift technology. This system changes the CPU and GPU speeds depending on what the game or app needs, balancing performance and power use.
The console’s cooling system includes a 120 mm (4.7 in) diameter, 45 mm (1.8 in) thick fan and a large heat sink. Sony says the heat sink’s shape and airflow work as well as a vapor chamber. A layer of liquid metal between the chip and heat sink helps transfer heat better. The console has a 350-watt power supply and uses less energy in rest mode than the PlayStation 4.
The PlayStation 5 has 16 GB of GDDR6 SDRAM connected through a 256-bit interface, allowing up to 448 GB/s of data transfer. This memory is shared between the CPU and GPU. The console supports Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). It also includes a new audio system called the Tempest Engine, which handles hundreds of sound sources at once, compared to 50 on the PlayStation 4.
The console has 825 GB of built-in solid-state storage, with 667 GB available for games. The memory chips and controller are attached directly to the motherboard, providing 5.5 GB/s of bandwidth. A special decompression unit allows data transfer speeds of 8–9 GB/s normally, up to 22 GB/s. An M.2 SSD slot lets users install up to 8 TB of storage. This feature was added in a system update in September 2021. Older SSDs using PCI Express 3.0 or earlier M.2 formats are not supported.
Games must be installed on the built-in SSD or an M.2 SSD. Developers can let users choose which game features to install to save space. External USB drives (up to 8 TB) are supported, but only PlayStation 4 games can be played directly from them. PlayStation 5 games can be stored on external drives but need to be moved to internal or SSD storage to play.
The standard model includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive that supports Ultra HD Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, and DVD formats, but not CDs or 3D Blu-rays. PlayStation 5 game discs can hold up to 100 GB of data, double the size of PlayStation 4 game discs.
The PlayStation 5’s design was shown on June 11, 2020. The launch model has a black center with white side panels, matching the DualSense controller. Blue LEDs highlight the edges. The console can be placed vertically or horizontally. Long vents on the front allow air to flow in, while vents on the back release heat. The console is larger than previous models, which helps with cooling and reduces fan noise. Senior Art Director Yujin Morisawa designed the case to balance looks and airflow.
The side panels can be removed to access the SSD slot and the optional Blu-ray drive. Two dust channels are also accessible for cleaning. The front ports on the launch model include one USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2) and one USB-A (USB 2.0). The back has two USB-A ports (USB 3.1 Gen 2), an HDMI 2.1 port, Gigabit Ethernet, and a power port.
In vertical position, the launch model with a disc drive is 390 mm (15 in) tall, 260 mm (10 in) deep, 104 mm (4.1 in) wide, and weighs 4.5 kg (9.9 lb). The digital edition is slightly narrower at 92 mm (3.6 in) wide and initially weighed 3.9 kg (8.6 lb).
Sony released a minor hardware update in August 2021. This version, the 1100 series, had a smaller heatsink but kept cooling performance. It also removed the need for a screwdriver to attach the stand, reducing the weight to 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) for the disc drive model and 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) for the digital edition.
Another update, the 1200-series, started shipping in August 2022. This version used a smaller chip, reducing power use and allowing a redesigned heatsink. The disc drive model now weighs 3.9 kg (8.6 lb), and the digital edition weighs 3.4 kg (7.5 lb).
In October 2023, Sony announced revised models of the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, scheduled for November 2023. These models, called the "PlayStation 5 Slim," are smaller than the original. The front USB-A port was replaced with a second USB-C port, but it still works at USB 2.0 speeds. At launch, both versions had 1 TB of storage, but the digital edition was later reduced to 825 GB.
The revised digital edition cost $50 more than the original in the US. An optional Ultra HD Blu-ray drive could be bought separately for $80 and attached to the digital edition, making it look and function like the standard model. When placed vertically, the disc drive model is 358 mm (14.1 in) tall, 216 mm (8.5 in) deep, 96 mm (3.8 in) wide, and weighs 3.9 kg (8.6 lb). The digital edition is narrower at 80 mm (3.1 in) wide and weighs 2.6 kg (5.7 lb).
Sony announced the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) on September 10, 2024. The new console has a GPU about 45% faster than the original PlayStation 5, a technology called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) that improves image quality, and twice the ray tracing performance. Games optimized for the Pro are expected to support 4K at 60 frames per second. The Pro includes 2 TB of internal storage but no disc drive or vertical stand, which can be bought separately. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and 8K output. Games can be updated to use Pro features, with 50 games ready at launch. About 8,500 PS4 games will have improved resolution on the Pro
System software
The PlayStation 5's user interface is described by Sony as "accessible and informative." It shows updates about friends' activities, multiplayer games, and single-player missions and rewards. Cerny, a Sony developer, said the interface was designed so players do not need to open games repeatedly to check updates. All options are visible on the screen. Matt MacLaurin, vice president of UX design at PlayStation, called the redesigned interface a "very interesting evolution of the OS" and a "100 percent overhaul of the PS4 UI" with new ideas. He said the interface is fast and uses a new visual style.
Eurogamer reported the interface was created to be responsive, easy to use, clear, and simple. It displays content in 4K resolution and high dynamic range. Users see a new boot-up animation and login screen. The PS4's central design ideas were redesigned into a new home screen. The top of the screen has a row of apps and tabs to switch between games or media apps. Choosing a game shows details like specific levels or multiplayer modes. The PlayStation Store is now part of the home screen, not a separate app.
The biggest change from the PS4 interface is the Control Center, accessed by pressing the PS button at the bottom of the screen. The Control Center has two sections. The top shows cards with suggestions based on current games or recent actions, such as group chats. Game-related cards may show progress reports or challenges. PlayStation Plus members see tips, screenshots, or videos for activities. System-level cards show options like store sales or recent screenshots. The bottom of the Control Center has a row of customizable icons for notifications, friends lists, and settings. Sony designed this activity-focused interface to help players manage time for games, especially single-player games, which are popular on PlayStation.
The PlayStation 5 supports streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, with more services planned. Sony Pictures Core was added in 2023. The system supports PlayStation Now, a cloud gaming service, while it was available. Sony's Remote Play app, available on PlayStation 4, Windows, iOS, and Android devices, was updated before the PS5 launched to allow remote gameplay over a local network.
In April 2021, Sony released a software update to transfer downloaded PS5 games to external USB drives. In June 2021, Sony launched a beta program for early access to software updates, similar to Xbox's Insider program. One early feature was support for expanding internal storage using an M.2 port, added in July 2021.
In September 2021, a software update added a new trophy tracker, Control Center customization, 3D audio support for TV speakers, internal SSD expansion, and UX improvements. In October 2021, Sony introduced Game Trials, allowing users to download and play full versions of games for a limited time before purchasing them.
In March 2022, software update 5.00 improved accessibility with features like an improved screen reader, mono audio support, and additional language options. Voice commands were added for users in the U.S. and U.K., allowing control with "Hey, PlayStation." Support for the Ukrainian language was also added, along with updates to Game Base, trophies, child accounts, and other features.
On March 8, 2023, software update 7.00 added VRR support for 1440p resolution, data transfer between PS5 consoles, Discord voice chat, and voice-activated gameplay clip saving (available in English for the U.S. and U.K.).
On September 13, 2023, software update 8.00 added Dolby Atmos support, M.2 SSDs up to 8 TB, and the ability to mute the start-up beep.
On March 13, 2024, software update 9.00 allowed adjusting the brightness of the PS5's power indicator, added features in Parties and Share Screen, and improved DualSense and DualSense Edge controller microphone quality with AI.
On September 12, 2024, software update 10.00 added a Welcome hub, Party Share, personalized 3D audio profiles, adaptive controller charging, and remote play for individual users.
On March 25, 2025, software update 11.00 included full details on activity cards, Unicode 16.0 emojis, parental control changes, system performance improvements, and usability updates.
On September 17, 2025, software update 12.00 added a power saver for supported games and the ability to pair wireless controllers with multiple devices at once.
On March 24, 2026, software update 13.00 added enhanced PSSR on PS5 Pro, Unicode 17.0 emojis, and new features for the Welcome hub.
Games
Each PlayStation 5 console includes a game called Astro's Playroom, which shows how the DualSense controller works. Games are not locked to specific regions, meaning a game bought in one area can be played on any PlayStation 5 console worldwide.
Sony shared its plans to support PlayStation 4 players while introducing the PlayStation 5 as a major technological step forward. In an interview, Sony’s president, Jim Ryan, said, “We believe that new consoles should have features that older ones do not. Games should use these new features to create better experiences.” When talking about the DualSense controller, Sony’s general manager, Eric Lempel, said, “To fully use the new features, players need new hardware and devices.” A game called Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was highlighted as an example of a game that requires the PlayStation 5’s power and cannot run on older consoles. Lempel also said that PlayStation 4 games will continue to be supported for some time, with more updates coming.
Sony’s focus on new console generations has sometimes been seen as a move toward making games that only work on the PlayStation 5. Ryan explained that PlayStation 5 versions of games will use the console’s advanced features, and PlayStation 4 versions can be upgraded for free. Some major games, like Horizon Forbidden West, were released for both consoles at the same time. Sony also allows publishers to offer improved versions of PlayStation 4 games for free. However, in May 2021, Sony changed its plan, making games like Gran Turismo 7 and God of War Ragnarök available for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. This change was partly due to the global shortage of microchips caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sony initially planned to charge PlayStation 4 users for upgrades to PlayStation 5 versions of Horizon Forbidden West, but after feedback from players, it changed its mind and made the upgrade free. From then on, future upgrades for PlayStation 4 games will cost money.
As of May 2020, Sony required all new PlayStation 4 games to work on the PlayStation 5 without needing extra changes. Sony’s senior vice president, Hideaki Nishino, said the PlayStation 5 can play more than 99% of the over 4,000 PlayStation 4 games available. It is also compatible with PlayStation VR. Because the PlayStation 5 has a fast SSD and more powerful hardware, many PlayStation 4 games run faster, with better loading times and smoother gameplay. Players can save their game progress in the cloud or transfer it using a USB drive. Backward compatibility works partly because the PlayStation 5’s hardware is similar to the PlayStation 4’s. However, some PlayStation 4 games may have issues on the PlayStation 5, and older PlayStation games (like those from the PlayStation 3 or earlier) are not supported. Some older games are available through PlayStation Plus streaming. The PlayStation 4’s Share menu is not supported on the PlayStation 5, but the Create menu can be used to take screenshots or record videos.
All PlayStation 4 games that are compatible with the PlayStation 5 appear in the PlayStation 5’s game library and can be downloaded. They can also be copied using a USB drive or Wi-Fi. Save data can be copied the same way or stored in the cloud. On October 9, 2020, Sony listed ten PlayStation 4 games that did not work on the PlayStation 5, but some developers later fixed these issues. As of December 16, 2021, six PlayStation 4 games still do not work on the PlayStation 5: Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma Volume One, Hitman Go: Definitive Edition, Just Deal With It!, Robinson: The Journey, Shadwen, and We Sing. The PlayStation 4 version of The Playroom is also not supported.
Reception
The PlayStation 5 was generally well received when it was first released. Many praised the DualSense controller’s improved haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Astro's Playroom, a game that comes preinstalled on every PS5 and is designed to show the controller’s features, was described by Laptop Mag as "deceptively cute." The exclusive games available at launch, such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon's Souls, were highly praised. However, some reviewers, like TechRadar, noted that more launch games would have been better. The console’s user interface was generally praised for being fast and easy to use.
Many reviewers had mixed opinions about the console’s design. CNET called the black and white color scheme "clearly meant to be a sculptural conversation piece." Some critics, like Tom's Guide, said the large size was "inelegant" and made it difficult to fit into home entertainment setups. Others acknowledged that the size helped with cooling and made the console run more quietly. The relatively small 667 GB of usable SSD storage was criticized by some reviewers.
Technical reviews, such as those by Digital Foundry, noted that features like variable refresh rate and 8K video output were not available at launch. However, they praised the console’s ray tracing capabilities, SSD speed, and support for 120 Hz output.
Like the Xbox Series X/S, the PlayStation 5 faced limited supply at launch and throughout 2021 due to a global shortage of computer chips and increased demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sony expected supply to remain limited until at least 2022. Scalpers, who sold the console for much higher prices, took advantage of the shortage. To help consumers, Sony expanded its PlayStation Direct program to sell consoles directly to customers in Europe in November 2021.
Two weeks after its release, Sony reported the largest launch in PlayStation history, surpassing the PlayStation 4’s 2.1 million units sold in its first two weeks in 2013. In Japan, the PS5 sold 103,901 standard consoles and 14,181 Digital Editions in its first week, totaling 118,082 units. This made it the best-selling console in the country for that week. By September 2021, Sony reported over a million PS5 sales in Japan. In comparison, the PlayStation 4 did not reach a million units sold until a year after its release. In the UK, the PS5 was the best-selling console in November. In Spain, the PS5 sold over 43,000 units in its first week.
Sony reported that 4.5 million PS5 units were shipped by the end of December 31, 2020, similar to the PS4’s launch shipments. By March 31, 2021, total shipments reached 7.8 million units, surpassing the 7.6 million units shipped by the PS4 in its first two quarters. Sony confirmed that 10 million PS5 units had been sold by July 18, 2021, making it the fastest-selling PlayStation console to date. By June 30, 2021, Sony had shipped 10.1 million units, indicating that most consoles were sold immediately upon release. Shipments reached 13.4 million units by September 30, 2021. Sony initially expected to ship over 22 million units by March 2022 but later revised the goal to 15 million. Despite this, sales for the 2022 fiscal year were expected to reach 22.6 million units. Bloomberg News reported in January 2022 that Sony continued producing the PS4 to help reduce PS5 shortages. By September 2024, total PS5 shipments reached 65 million units. Sony’s quarterly financial results for Q2 2025 stated that the PlayStation 5 had shipped 84.2 million units.
Sales of the PS5 reached 20 million units by May 2022, 40 million units by July 2023, 50 million units by December 2023, and 75 million units by February 2025.