PlayStation 5 release date rumor: Console to come in 2 versions?

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While Sony has yet to provide details on what it plans to change for its next-gen console, there already are rumors floating online about the much-anticipated PlayStation 5. According to speculations, Sony may be planning to make two models of the console, to be released by 2020 at the latest.

Value Walk said that with the emerging technology becoming more diverse, Sony is planning on expanding its console lineup to cater to a wide range of consumers. Reportedly, the upcoming gaming system will come out in two versions – one to offer graphics-focused content, and the other to provide improved gaming performance.

The industry follower surmised that one version for the PS5 may still use a physical disc, even with the emerging trend of digital copies of games. However, this PS5 variant will offer improved graphics by having integrated 4K support, along with Blu-Ray HD game discs.

Meanwhile, there will also be a performance- and speed-based version, with Sony allegedly ditching the HD Blu-Ray disc bay. This version will be a pure streaming and downloading game system and, to provide a seamless experience, will reportedly use SSD storage and dedicated streaming servers.

Meanwhile, with the emergence of the PlayStation VR, it can already be expected that VR gaming will also come to the PlayStation 5.

Tech Radar, meanwhile, speculated that the next PS console will be a purely streaming device, with Sony focusing more on the diversity of the gaming network instead of the gaming console itself. As per the website, the PS5 will stream content using the PlayStation Now feature, with users able to stream and play content on a variety of Sony devices like smartphones and tablets, as well as the Sony Bravia TV. Meanwhile, the PS Now will also serve as a paid subscription platform for Sony so that players can stream PlayStation content on third-party products.