5 things we want to see on PlayStation in 2021 – Android Authority

The biggest event in the PlayStation world in 2020 was the long-awaited arrival of the PS5. Trying to find the stock of the thing always turns out to be a frustrating exercise for many, but the lucky few with Sony’s latest console are already enjoying the benefits of next-gen gaming.

It wasn’t just shiny new material. PlayStation fans have had a pretty busy year with tons of well-received games. Even handing out PS5 exclusives only like the phenomenal Demon’s Souls remake, PS4 players were able to enjoy titles like The Last of Us Part 2, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Persona 5 Royal, and Ghost of Tsushima.

Still, the highlight undoubtedly was the launch of the PlayStation 5, with its innovative DualSense controller, super-fast load times and impressive raw power. It’s far from a job done for Sony, however. There is a lot to do for the PlayStation brand.

Here’s what we want to see on PlayStation in 2021. And before we start, yes the biggest wish is more stock. Sort it out, Sony!

Our verdict: Sony PlayStation 5 review

1. A real rival for Xbox Game Pass

The PlayStation vs Xbox debate will rage forever. For the ninth generation of consoles, one of the essentials that separates one brand from the other is their respective subscription ecosystem – and it’s Microsoft leading the way here, with Sony limping behind.

There is no competition when comparing Xbox Game Pass to what is to all intents and purposes Sony’s rival service – PlayStation Now. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier, in particular, is the best gaming deal right now.

For just under $ 15, you get instant access to a Netflix-style library with hundreds of games. This includes first-party day one exclusives, additional library for playing on Windows PCs, Xbox Live Gold (typically $ 9.99 per month), cloud streaming on Android devices, access to EA Play games at no additional cost and other perks too.

See also: PS5 vs. Xbox Series X – Which Next Generation Gaming Console Should You Buy?

Compare that to $ 9.99 PS now. It offers a decent library of games from the PS2, PS3, and PS4 eras that can be streamed to your console or Windows PC through the cloud. You can also download PS4 and PS2 games directly to your PS4 or PS5. While it looks good on paper, the variety of games on offer is pale compared to Game Pass, and you have to wait months, if not years, for the newly released titles to be available. You will also need to purchase PS Plus separately to play online.

The PS Plus collection, only for the PS5, has responded lip service to the abysmal divide between Sony’s subscriptions and those found on Xbox platforms, but it’s PS Now that is in dire need of an overhaul. New PS5 exclusive releases on PS Now would be a perfect place to start. But whatever the first step, Sony has to do something in 2021 if it is to compete in the growing game subscription market.

2. Fresh exclusive franchises

The game’s release schedule for the PS5 (and in some cases the PS4 as well) already looks stacked for 2021. This includes console exclusives like Horizon Forbidden West, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and potentially a sequel. to god of war 2018.

These are all highly anticipated games, but they all have one thing in common: they’re sequels. A new generation is the perfect time for new ideas and new franchises. As an example, the PS4 era saw Guerrilla Games shift from producing endless mediocre titles from Killzone to the open world hit, Horizon Zero Dawn.

The new generations of consoles are the perfect time for the birth of new franchises.

The biggest new exclusive IP so far is Returnal from the stupidly talented folks at Housemarque, but we’re hoping to see more. One of the biggest gems in Sony’s collection of proprietary studios is Naughty Dog. However, the creator of Uncharted hasn’t introduced any new IP addresses since The Last of Us on the PS3 in 2013.

While we don’t really hear about any new series this year, we’ve had our fingers crossed that the next generation of blockbusters get the green light behind the scenes in 2021.

3. A big studio purchase

Microsoft rocked the gaming industry with the shocking announcement last year that it was buying Bethesda Softworks and with it the entire ZeniMax family. The Xbox brand had already started building an all-star studio roster for the ninth generation, but the addition of the Fallout and Elder Scrolls team (as well as Arkane Studios and id Software) made Xbox Game Studios a division of incredibly formidable edition. .

Sony’s own developer collection has a proven track record, but adding another to the mix would be a strong statement of intent.

Also read: PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition – which console is best for you?

Of course, we are not comparing apples to apples here. Microsoft’s financial influence far outweighs Sony’s, so I don’t know … buy Activision Blizzard? It will not arrive.

Instead, we would like to see Sony build on its strengths and acquire independent talent that could thrive under its watch with a bigger budget and less financial pressure. Alternatively, he could instead take his other big Xbox advantage and invest in the Japanese development scene. Maybe FromSoftware is open to offers?

4. PS5 storage solution

This is really simple. The PS5 is a machine with impressive specs, but if it has a major sore point it’s storage capacity.

The PS5’s SSD is a crucial part of the PlayStation 5 experience, as it allows for super-fast load times. However, SSDs are also expensive. To keep the price low, Sony limited the size of its custom SSD to just 825GB with only 667GB actually usable after setup.

Related: Got a new PS5 at last? Here are 7 things to do first

With some games well over 100GB, those 667GB won’t last long for gamers who like to keep a few titles in constant rotation. While a new model with more storage would be great, it’s something for a long-term wish list. Instead, we really want to see Sony roll out compatible storage expansion options.

The PS5 technically supports M.2 keys to add additional SSD storage, but this is currently not supported. You can use an SSD or an external hard drive to store PS5 games or to play and store PS4 games, but all PS5-only titles must consume this 667 GB to be playable. We hope that this whole situation will change very soon in 2021.

5.PSVR 2

It’s far, but we can dream.

Virtual reality has a niche appeal, but it’s also an area where Sony has a big lead over Microsoft almost by default. That’s not to say the original PlayStation VR wasn’t great, it was. However, even though the PSVR is technically compatible with the PS5, the mount is far from elegant.

To play VR games on the PS5, you not only need the headset, but also the PS4 camera (the PS5 camera is not compatible) and a free adapter that Sony can provide on request.

The PSVR is technically compatible with PS5, but it calls for new hardware.

It is far from ideal. The deeper problem, however, is that PSVR technology is simply outdated. The HMD itself is getting long when it comes to VR specs, especially display resolution. The similarly priced Oculus Quest 2 offers 1920 x 1832 pixels per eye, while the PSVR measures just 1080 x 960.

Worse still, the follow-up with motion controllers. The PSVR is compatible with PS Move controllers. It’s staggering to say, but these are based on technology that is now over a decade old, having been originally released as peripherals for the PS3 to battle the Nintendo Wii in 2010.

Put simply, if Sony is to keep up with the pace of virtual reality, it needs new hardware. Imagine what an upgraded HMD could look like with motion controls powered by DualSense. Hoping for an ad or even a tease in 2021.

You tell us: what do you want to see on PlayStation in 2021?

Do you agree with our list? Which entry on our wishlist would you most like to see come true? Vote in the poll below or let us know your hopes in the comments.

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