Sony announced that it has updated the PlayStation App to give the app more features, such as remotely installing and deleting games on the PS5.

Sony’s giving you more to look forward to when you buy a PS5. The company announced updating the PlayStation App. These updates include Messages and remotely installing and deleting games on the PS5. Moreover, you can expect the new App on iOS and Android today. 

The New PlayStation App

In a blog post, Sony lists what you can expect from the new PlayStation App. Here are some of these new features:

•     A new home screen
•     PS Messages folding into PS App
•     Creating Party Groups and voice chat directly in the PS App
•     Buying games from the native PlayStation Store in the PS App
•     Remotely downloading games and add-ons to the PS4 and PS5
•     Signing in to your PS5 using the PS App
•     Launch games or manage storage for the PS5 from the PS App 

Why You Might Need the PlayStation App

Kotaku guesses that Sony’s new update would improve the App. With the update, the PlayStation App would rise to the same level as the Xbox counterpart. Once the PS App rolls out today, you could see for yourself. Sony also added a note to the PS4’s recent 8.00 firmware update. You might recall that this update gave gamers a hard time. For example, the update made joining Party Chat a lot harder. 

A Word from Sony

Sony VP Hideaki Nishino wrote that the company has started looking into gamers’ feedback around the 8.00 update and Party Chat. While the company hasn’t given updates about the 8.00 situation, it thanks gamers for voicing their concerns.

The post Sony Revamps the Playstation App first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Sony has announced a surge in revenue and profit from PlayStation 4 sales ahead of the PS5’s November launch.

As the PlayStation 4 slowly drives off to the sunset, Sony’s gaming division continues to rake in the profits. The Japanese company has posted PlayStation revenue of 507 million yen, or more or less $4.9 billion. Moreover, the company also posted an operating profit of 105 trillion yen, or more or less $1 billion. These numbers came in during the July-September quarter. 

PlayStation Profits

The Verge reports that these numbers represent an increase of 52% and 40% for Sony’s revenue and profits, respectively, over the same period in 2019. Moreover, this increase doesn’t usually happen ahead of the release of a new console. Sony is launching the PS5 in November, after all.

Sony admits that its profits and revenue took a hit. Rising costs dented its profits, while lower PS4 sales cut its income. However, this year, more people bought digital games and subscribed to PlayStation Plus. These sales made up for the gaps. 

PlayStation Releases

For the quarter, Sony released its best-selling title, Ghosts of Tsushima. The open-world samurai action-adventure sold 2.4 million copies in just three days during its July release. Moreover, the game is now Sony’s fastest-selling new PlayStation IP.

By the end of March 31, Sony expects to make 2.6 trillion yen in revenue and 300 billion yen in profit. These numbers would mark a 26% rise in both streams.  

The PlayStation 5

In the short-term, Sony might only earn limited revenue if it can’t manufacture enough PS5 units. SIE chief Jim Ryan told Reuters that the PS5 enjoys a “very considerable demand.” Ryan said that people who want to buy a PS5 might not get one on launch day.

The post Playstation Profits Surge Ahead of November PS5 Launch first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

On October 21, Sony will roll out a new PlayStation Store for web and mobile, removing gamers’ ability to buy content for the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita.

Say goodbye to Sony’s legacy content. Later this month, Sony will roll out a revamped PlayStation Store for web and mobile. The company sent out emails to gamers informing them of removed features. These features include buying legacy content and building wishlists. 

Sony’s New PlayStation Store

Kotaku reports that the new PlayStation Store will launch on October 21. Once it’s finished, gamers can no longer buy PS3, PS Vita, and PSP games. Moreover, gamers can no longer buy themes, apps, and avatars for these devices.  

Revamped PlayStation Store ditches PS3, Vita, and PSP content: https://t.co/S3KOUCTxde pic.twitter.com/I65DHYgUjF

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) October 15, 2020

Sony Phase Out Schedule

If you still want to buy legacy content, you have until October 28 before Sony removes them all. After the 28th, you’ll have to dust off your old machines to get the content you want.

Sony is also phasing out wishlists. With wishlists, you can bookmark games to buy them later.  

How Do I Buy OId Sony Games?

Sony had focused all its attention on the PS4 before it came out. As a result, the company didn’t optimize the PlayStation Store for older platforms. In 2016, Sony also closed down the PSP’s built-in Store, making it harder for gamers to buy legacy content for the handheld. 

As Sony phases out legacy content, gamers can no longer use the Store’s web version to grab old games. They will have to use their PS3 or Vita to purchase PSP content. Even then, you can only get a handful of PSP games.

The post Sony Is Removing Legacy Content From Revamped Playstation Store first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Sony responds to gamer backlash against the new 8.00 PS4 software update by stressing it’s not spying on voice chat parties.

After releasing the 8.00 software update for the PS4, Sony can once again record your PS4 parties. This news may upset you, like several gamers. If you’re worried that Sony might spy on your PS4 parties, the company says not to worry. 

Recording PlayStation 4 Parties

Kotaku says that the 8.00 update will help the PS4 talk with the PS5. Moreover, Sony says that party recording feature refers to a new PS5 ability. When the update went live, gamers got new pop-up messages upon joining or starting a PS4 voice chat party. The messages told them that Sony might record their chats for moderation.

The gamers also had other problems with the update. Some of them include network issues, freezing, and slow menus. Right away, the backlash against Sony spread on the internet. 

Sony’s Response

In a blog post, Sony said that they did not record any party. Instead, Sony would only review recordings sent by PS5 players. The company just wanted to inform PS4 users about the new PS5 feature before its November launch.

Hello! The notification advises you that other users may be recording your voice conversation. We do no record party chats. ^PS

— Ask PlayStation UK (@AskPS_UK) October 14, 2020

Moreover, the AskPlayStation UK Twitter account said Sony does not record any voice chat party. 

What’s the Point of the Pop-up Messages?

Kotaku guesses Sony sent out the messages because it wants to protect itself from legal issues. Moreover, the backlash would worsen if gamers just learned the feature upon buying the PS5 in November.

Some countries would also ask consent from all parties before recording. In this case, these messages might work like automated messages that play before customer service.

The post Sony Confirms Not Spying on PS4 Voice Chat Parties first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

If you’re curious about what the PS5’s insides look like, look no further. Sony has released a video of a PS5 teardown. During the seven-minute teardown, Sony’s Yasuhiro Ootori guides you through the new hardware.  

What’s Inside the PS5?

The Verge reports that the PS5 has removable sides. Moreover, the console could expel air through the console’s entire rear. If you want to sit your on its side, you can remove the screw at the console’s base. Then, just turn your console over and clip the screw on the side.  

Sony’s PS5 teardown video reveals removable sides, dust catchers, and storage expansion https://t.co/lP9dEz7vGf pic.twitter.com/t9t1EVw4KW

— The Verge (@verge) October 8, 2020

You can also slide off the white panels on both sides of the console. If you do, you’ll see the main cooling fan, sitting at the top. This fan draws air from either side. If you’re afraid of dust getting into your machine, the PS5 has two dust catchers. Just vacuum out the dust through a pair of holes.

Expandable Storage

The teardown also gives you a look at the expandable storage. Once you remove the side panels, you’ll see the M.2 slot for extra storage. If you buy a PS5, you can get PCI3 4.0 drives to get extra storage.

A lot of the PS5’s parts are removable. You can remove the Blu-ray drive and the 350-watt power supply. You also have easy access to the console’s processor, memory, and SSD sections. For cooling, you can watch these first videos to check out the PS5’s cooling system. 

Should I Buy the PS5?

If all this excites you, then head to your nearest store on November 12 to buy the PS5 for $499. If you want to know more about the PS5, watch the full teardown here.

The post New Teardown Reveals PS5 Hardware first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

With Sony announcing a November PS5 release, the company has also begun pre-orders for the new console. However, the pre-orders quickly became chaotic. Global retailers accepted pre-orders at different times, causing a massive mess for gamers racing for the PS5.

Sony has apologized for the confusion. 

Sony PS5 Pre-order Fiasco

Kotaku reports that the mess began on September 16, right after Sony played its PS5 showcase video. First, Sony said that pre-orders would start as early as September 17. However, Walmart and other stores had different ideas.

These stores activated pre-orders as soon as Sony’s showcase ended. Seeing this opening, thousands of people flocked to these stores. Stocks quickly ran out, which sent people scurrying to other online stores. Moreover, Sony stayed quiet about what was going on.

Up to now, people are still looking to pre-order a PS5. 

Sony’s Apology

On September 20, Sony finally issued an apology. In a tweet, Sony admitted that they could have done a better job with the pre-orders. Sony said it would give more PS5 stocks to retailers for pre-order. 

Sony apologizes for PS5 pre-order fiasco:https://t.co/AwXDkN3Bq4 pic.twitter.com/4A5zmL4tMW

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) September 20, 2020

Through the end of this year, Sony adds that it will continue to offer PS5s for sale.  

Other Next-Gen Consoles

In response to the Sony fiasco, Microsoft said they would start pre-orders for the Xbox Series X and S at an exact time. The consoles would launch on November 20.

Meanwhile, the PS5 is launching on November 12, in two editions. One is the main edition, with a disc drive, which should cost $499. The other model is the digital-only version, costing $299.

The post PS5 Pre-Order: Sony Says Sorry for Pre-Order Chaos first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Sony has confirmed a November 12 US launch of the PS5. Now, here’s a list of the games available on launch day. On launch day, you can choose between the base PS5 model at $500 and the digital-only model at $400. 

The PS5 Launch Library

Sony has revealed important details about the PS5 at an online event Wednesday. Among those details is the console’s potential launch library. Earlier, delays and incomplete information have muddied the waters.

Here's the PS5 launch lineup. https://t.co/dfnA1khOk3 pic.twitter.com/KRkqUM2F38

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) September 16, 2020

Buy the PS5 at launch and play these games right away:

•     Astro’s Playroom (pre-loaded on the PS5)
•     Sackboy: A Big Adventure
•     Fortnite
•     Destruction All Stars
•     Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
•     Spider-Man: Miles Morales (which also comes to the PS4)
•     Demons’ Souls Remake
•     Godfall 

The PS Plus Collection

If you buy the PS5 at launch, you also get day-one access to the PS Plus Collection. The PS Plus allows you to download and play the PS4’s hit games whenever you want. Get the PS Plus Collection, and you can play God of War, Uncharted 4, Battlefield 1, Until Dawn, and Final Fantasy XV. 

People who’ve skipped the PS4 can now play the console’s biggest games on a more powerful next-gen console. 

What About Cross-Gen Games?

Some current PS4 games are also coming to the PS5. If you own the PS4 version of Marvel’s Avengers, you’ll get a launch upgrade when you buy the PS5. 

You can also grab the new Assassin’s Creed, Valhalla, two days before the PS5’s US launch. However, other big PS5 games, like Watchdogs: Legion, still don’t have definite release dates. 

The post Check Out the PS5’s Launch Library first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Finally, Sony has broken its silence on the PS5. Yesterday, the company announced the US release of the PS5 on November 12 and the global release on November 19. Moreover, Sony said it would release two editions of the PS5. One edition will have a disc drive, which costs $500. The other model would be a digital-only edition, which costs $400. 

The Sony PS5

Gizmodo reports that the digital-only PS5 might be cheaper, but it’s still the same console as the main edition. Compared to Microsoft’s new console, both PS5s are equally powerful.

It's official: Sony's PS5 will launch November 12 and start at $400 https://t.co/mmnzdPA7hU pic.twitter.com/OwmsWXxSIH

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) September 16, 2020

Industry people don’t expect the cheaper Microsoft Series to be as powerful as the main Xbox, the Series X.

Sony PS5 Specs

For the specs, the PS5s will run on a “custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 GPU architectures.” The consoles also support 4K graphics. Meanwhile, Microsoft wants to push the Xbox to support 8K.

Instead of graphics, Sony has focused on speeding up loading times and expanding storage through a custom 825GB SSD. The PS5’s new Dualsense controller also offers new haptic experiences for gamers.  

What Games Can We Play on the PS5?

At launch, Sony will offer a variety of exclusive games, including Spiderman: Miles Morales. Moreover, if you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you can play hit PS4 games on the PS5 through the PlayStation Plus Collection. The PlayStation Plus subscription plan costs $10/month and $60/year.

You can pre-order the PS5 starting September 18.

The post Sony Confirms PS5 Release on November 12 first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

If you’re a fan of older Playstation games and you hope to play them on the PS5, prepare for some bad news. Your brand new PS5 can only support PS4 games, according to the Ubisoft website. This news means you’ll have to get creative to play your favorite PS3, PS2, and PS1 games on your new console.  

The PS5 and Backwards Compatibility

According to Ubisoft’s support page, the PS5 can only support PS4 titles, and not games on the PS3, PS2, and PS1. Kotaku adds that Sony has never confirmed whether gamers can play these non-PS4 titles on the PS5. 

PS5 will only be backward compatible with PS4 games, according to Ubisoft https://t.co/ziv6C6AGPZ pic.twitter.com/B7HM14fsTj

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) August 31, 2020

In 2019, the Japanese company had also confirmed that the PS5 could only play PS4 games. After that, Sony only released vague details about the subject. Hardware designer Mark Cerny only said in March that the PS5 can boost PS4 games. For example, the PS5 can speed up loading times for PS4 games. 

So I Can’t Play Many Games on the PS5?

In a blog post, Sony also said that the PS5 should support “almost all” of the most popular PS4 games. Sony then updated the post to say that majority of the over 4,000 existing PS4 games should run on the PS5. 

Similarly, you also couldn’t play PS3, PS2, and PS1 games on the PS4. The PS4 was also the first console to stop supporting older games. However, you can use PS Now to stream some PS3 games to your PS4. It’s still unclear whether you can do the same on PS5.  

What About Microsoft?

Meanwhile, Microsoft had also confirmed in May that gamers could play thousands of Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games on the new Xbox Series X.

The post Retro Gamers Beware: PS5 Can Only Support PS4 Games first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Are you worried that COVID-19 delayed your next-gen console? If you’re a Sony fan, you can relax. In a new interview, Sony said that it’s still releasing the PS5 later this year. The company stressed that COVID-19 didn’t change their release schedule. 

Sony PS5 Release Date

In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Sony exec Eric Lempel said the company would make sure to launch the new console this year. He said Sony knows that gamers expect a lot from the company and its consoles. Despite the challenge of COVID-19, Sony commits to meeting the expectations of its fans. 

Sony says PS5 is definitely still launching this year https://t.co/HhSpRwOVb4 pic.twitter.com/UBB5RkCkwt

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) August 20, 2020

Other Next-Gen Gaming Delays

COVID-19 has delayed the launch of games, not just for Sony, but also for Microsoft. For example, Arkane has delayed Deathloop, its PS5-exclusive title, to 2021. Last week, Microsoft also announced that they would not launch Halo: Infinite together with the Xbox Series X. Halo is Microsoft’s flagship Xbox franchise, so any launch delay is a big deal. 

With these delays, one would expect a lot of other companies to hit the pause button on their launches. This pause might stretch to the new next-gen gaming consoles as well. Employees at gaming companies also have to adjust to the new normal under the pandemic. 

Sony and Microsoft Still Ready to Launch

With the pandemic still going on, you might feel that it’s not worth paying hundreds of dollars for a new gaming console this year. However, both Sony and Microsoft still want gamers to get their new systems. 

Echoing Lempel’s remarks, Microsoft remains committed to launching the Xbox Series X this November. Likewise, Xbox exec Phil Spencer stressed that there would be no launch delays for the new Xbox.

The post Sony Commits to a 2020 PS5 Launch first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold