Now Loading...Will There Be a PS5?

Just yesterday, we posted a report wherein Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida commented that he’s not sure if there will even be a PlayStation 5. While Yoshida made that comment way back in February of 2015, it’s still an interesting scenario.

With that in mind, we’ve decided to tackle the question head-on in this latest Now Loading entry. Now, some might be wondering why this is even a discussion since, y’know, the PS4 has been selling like it’s going out style. But with the recent PS4K rumors cropping up non-stop, the PS5 question is now more important than ever.

Will Sony develop a PlayStation 5 or will the company start to release upgrades to its existing consoles and re-brand it in some way, which it seems to be doing with the PS4K — assuming what we’ve heard so far is true, of course. Do bear in mind though that what we know of PS4K (or NEO) is all based on reports and rumors, which Sony has yet to address. There’s a chance that it could be a redesigned PS4 with just the ability to play 4K videos, and be given a slight power boost to be able to output all games at 1080p resolution and 60 frames-per-second (highly likely), or it could be the start of a new generation of the PlayStation brand — one where mid-generation upgrades are now a thing.

What do we think about it? Check the gallery below for the staff responses.

What do you think? Will we see a PS5 at some point or is this PS4K the start of something different? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s discuss it.

Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).

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Now Loading...Will There Be a PS5?
Chandler Wood

@FinchStrife

It's all PR speak. Why advertise next year's model when you are still trying to sell this year's? As soon as you confirm a PS5 in any official capacity, you hemorrhage potential sales of the PS4, as there will always be people apt to wait instead of buying the current console.

In addition, if Yoshida knew about the potential of a PS4.5 at that time, he definitely wouldn't want to confirm a full blown next console as it would take away from the potential sales of the rumored PS4 upgrade. It's basic marketing. That's why timing of product announcements is so carefully monitored planned, in order to maximize sales numbers.

With how well the PS4 is selling and the surge of console success this generation, it's a half-baked notion to believe that there won't be a full blown successor at some point down the line.

Now, whether or not that successor will be called the PlayStation 5? Perhaps that's the "if" that Shuhei was referring to.
Zarmena Khan

@Zarmena

The problem with industry leaks is exactly what we're seeing right now. We all love us some rumors and reports but they come with a heavy price sometimes for companies that aren't ready to either confirm or deny anything. As a result, people take every single statement and remark out of context and over analyze it. I do believe that there will be something along the lines of a "PS4K" considering the amount of sources claiming that the rumors are true, but I don't know whether the successor to PS4 will be a PS5 or not. And that's probably what Yoshida is referring to. For all we know, the PS4K or whatever the heck it's called could be what we're calling the PS5 here.
Mack Ashworth

@GamingWithMack

I think it's all about the name, too. Will there be a fifth PlayStation console? Well, of course! Will it be called the "PlayStation 5"? Maybe, maybe not.

I doubt we'll be hearing about a "PS5" anytime soon, what with the PS4K rumors likely being true.
Heath Hindman

@TheHeathHindman

If they start talking about PS5 already, they're going to remove all the (already minimal) interest in PS4K. They're not that stupid. They'll play dumb and give us the "no plans" routine until they're good and ready to move into a new generation.
Michael Briers

@briersytweets

Yeah, Sony has kind of put themselves in a tricky situation with these PS4.5 rumors, and the fact that they haven't issued a response has only made matters worse.

Questions about the PS5 will always be inevitable, but it feels as though these reports of a mid-generation hardware upgrade have forced Sony's hand way earlier than schedule. Maybe plans are in place for Sony to shake up its console production plan, iterating on hardware every three to four years. If that is the case, the console audience will need a re-education at an event such as E3, particularly now that the PS4.5 have caused a bit of a kerfuffle.
Cameron Teague

@Cameron_PSLS

There will be a PS5 at some point, though if rumors of the PS4 Neo are true, it could definitely delay the need for a PS5 for awhile.
Alex Co

@excaliburps

Given how the PlayStation brand is Sony's bread and butter these days, I think a PS5 is an inevitability. That said, it can be under a different kind of name so in effect, it won't be the "PS5," but rather, something keeping up with it in spirit.

And I echo the replies of the staff. This PS4K, NEO, or whatever Sony wants to call it is kind of a step-up to a PS4.5, which could mean a ton of things. Does this mean Sony will release upgraded consoles every few years from now on? Will this just be a revision like the PS3 Slim that's blown out of proportion? Is this Sony's way of slowly integrating PC-like incremental upgrades to its PlayStation platform? Your guess is as good as mine at this point.

Logically, a PS5 is a no-brainer given how strong the PS4 is selling so far, and how entrenched the PlayStation brand is with gamers. But who knows, though? Sometimes companies make the damnest things, but I hope this isn't one of those instances.