It's Elite controller news day with Sony lifting the lid on the new DualSense Edge wireless controller - a customisable pro-style controller for the PlayStation 5. Although local pricing hasn't been announced (the USD price is $199.99) it's set to launch globally on January 26 - with pre-orders set to open later this month.

The DualSense Edge wireless controller features a host of hardware and software-based personalization options, including button remapping, the ability to fine-tune stick sensitivity and triggers, options to swap between multiple control profiles, and a unique on-controller user interface. It also sports the signature comfort and immersive features of the DualSense wireless controller, like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

You can make the DualSense Edge wireless controller uniquely yours with the included three changeable sets of stick caps and two changeable sets of back buttons. Everything will come bundled in the included carrying case, and you can even charge the controller via USB connection while it’s stored in the case to make sure you’re always ready for your next play session.

Here’s a breakdown of everything included as well as a closer look at the carrying case:

• DualSense Edge wireless controller
  
• USB braided cable
  
• 2 Standard caps
  
• 2 High dome caps
  
• 2 Low dome caps
  
• 2 Half dome back buttons
  
• 2 Lever back buttons
  
• Connector housing
  
• Carrying case

As per above there are some very cool features, from profile swapping to software support to the ability to charge the controller when it's still in its case.

A new system software update for PlayStation 5 is currently rolling out to players globally with one of the major additions being native support for 1440p displays. A very cool move on Sony's part as a lot of PC HDMI 2.1 displays currently sit in that resolution sweet spot.

There's even a trailer for the 1440p support addition, which is pretty cool and funny in equal measure. On the account of how slick and stylish it is for what is a new resolution option.



One of the benefits of adding 1440p is the ability for games that render in that resolution to do so natively, and for 4K content to super-sample down to 1440p versus the inferior 1080p.

The system update also introduced Game Lists, a feature that will no doubt make the organising of titles a lot easier for players - especially with the expansion of the PlayStation Plus service. The feature supports up to 15 Game Lists with each being able to support up to 100 titles.

Another cool addition is the ability to compare Sony's impressive 3D Audio with regular run-of-the-mill Stereo on the same screen so you can choose which one you prefer. For the full list of features be sure to check out this post.

In a move that is very cool to see, Sony has announced that the PlayStation 5 is getting native 1440p support - which is currently being tested right now as part of a system software beta. Even though 1440p is mostly associated with the PC space, sitting in-between 1080p and 4K as a sort of sweet-spot resolution, this will open up native PS5 support to a wider range of displays.

Very cool news for those that have their consoles and gaming PC connected up to a 1440p screen. 1440p support will be available over HDMI - and the move will ensure games that render in 1440p will output in 1440p. For those games in 4K (the bulk of the PS5 library), 1440p displays will benefit from "improved anti-aliasing through supersampling down to 1440p".

The software update also includes another non-resolution-based feature called Gamelists. Which will let players create folders to make organising games a lot easier. This is another great addition, especially as the new PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe tiers add hundreds of downloadable titles to check out.

Although you can just as easily put one of these in a capable motherboard for blazing-fast PC action, we’re approaching this review of the new Seagate FireCuda 530 as an expandable option for the PlayStation 5.

A snippet.

Thanks to the latest firmware update, all PlayStation 5 owners are now capable of expanding the available storage inside their consoles for running the latest games. There are a few caveats, Sony recommends a minimum speed spec of 5,500 MB/s to match the internal drive in addition to recommending a heatsink for cooling. On that front the Seagate FireCuda 530 ticks both boxes as an all-in-one solution, with this review covering the Heatsink model.

Here you get faster than the minimum spec performance outlined by Sony thanks to the on-paper up to 7,300 MB/s read speed. Which makes this, again, one of the fastest drives on the market. Plus you get robust cooling without having to worry about overheating or trying to install a third-party heatsink.

Our Full Seagate FireCuda 530 with Heatsink for PlayStation 5 Review

Sony is rolling out the second major system software update for the PlayStation 5 today and it's perhaps the most important to date -- namely because it sees the arrival of M.2 SSD Storage expansion support. And with that players will be able to expand the space they have to fire up PS5 games using the system's blazingly fast SSD speeds.

As per our previous report, due to the system specs of the PS5 being on the high end when it comes to storage, only certain drives will be supported. With the Seagate FireCuda 530 (link here) being one -- and one we will be testing in full in the coming days so stay tuned on that front. Plus, it solves the issue of what drive to get right out of the gate.

Here's a breakdown of the updates coming, including expanded 3D audio support and new social features.

PlayStation 5 September System Software Update Features

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PlayStation 5 UX enhancements - new UX enhancements make it easier than ever for players to view, personalise and manage their game content and console experience

New gaming and social experience customisations - players can enjoy new tools, trackers, personal best capture and accolades to enhance their gaming experience

3D audio support for built-in speakers - the update adds support for players to experience 3D audio through their built-in TV speakers, once enabled the feature transforms standard two-channel TV speaker audio into three-dimensional sound

M.2 SSD storage expansion - players can expand their storage capacity with an M.2 SSD, once installed it can be used to download, copy and launch PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games, as well as media apps

PS Remote Play App and PS App Enhancements

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PlayStation Remote Play App over mobile networks - players using the mobile app for iOS and Android now have the option of using a mobile data connection when WiFi is not available

View Share Screen broadcasts on PlayStation app - starting next Thursday, 23 September a PlayStation update will give users the ability to view their friends’ Share Screen broadcasts together

PlayStation 4 Console Enhancements:

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View PlayStation 5 trophies on PlayStation 4 - players can now view their PlayStation 5 trophies on their PlayStation 4 console as well as viewing other players’ PlayStation 5 trophies on PlayStation 4

In that there are a number of restrictions and recommendations as to what drives can be used, meaning there might only be one or two you can get off the shelf in the entirety of Australia. Plus, it'll require a heatsink. Yeah, Sony has entered hardcore PC-builder territory here.

Currently, access to additional M.2 SSD storage is limited to the new PlayStation 5 Beta Software program (not available in Australia).

Still, this is technically good news. As of now there's no internal or external expandable storage solution for the PlayStation 5. Expandable Storage has been something fans have been waiting to hear about, especially with Microsoft offering an all-in-one solution for the Xbox Series X. Which we reviewed back in November 2020.


And with only 667GB of internal storage available for PS5 games internally, adding 1 or 2TB will do wonders for the ever expanding library of games coming to the console. Not to mention the monthly offerings available for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Naturally this all goes back to the super fast SSD inside the PS5 itself, which is rated at 5.5 GB per second or a sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s - the fastest available in a home console.

And faster than the majority of PC M.2 SSD storage drives. It's one of the reasons Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is as impressive as it is. And why most PS5 games load in a matter of seconds.

As per the new PS5 Software Beta Program (which is limited to the U.S., Canada, Japan, U.K., Germany and France) "M.2 SSDs can be used to expand your PS5 console storage space".

M.2 SSD Requirements for the PS5 Console

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If you're looking to add an M.2 SSD to your PlayStation 5 it needs to meet the following requirements.

Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
Capacity: 250GB – 4TB
Cooling Structure: Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink. You can attach one to your M.2 SSD yourself, either in a single-sided format, or double-sided format. There are also M.2 SSDs that have cooling structures (such as heatsinks) built in.
Sequential read speed: 5,500MB/s or faster is recommended
Module width: 22mm width (25mm width is not supported)
Form Factor: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110

Requiring a heatsink is a big blow for those looking to shop around and try and find a good deal on an M.2 drive, as is the requirements placed on the overall size of the total drive; 110mm (L) x 25mm (W) x 11.25mm (H) -- which by our calculation rules out a few options right off the bat. Installing your own heatsink is an option, but by the sounds of it this is all going to require a lot of testing by people willing to tinker with their console.

Details on how to install the M.2 can be found here.

Sony really needs to come out and provide a list of supported drives.

Off the Shelf M.2 SSDs That Are Suitable For PS5 Consoles

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By Sony's spec limits it looks like there's two - the brand-new Seagate FireCuda 530 (link here) and the WD_BLACK SN850 NVMe SSD (link here). That is only the versions that come with a heatsink built in. Priced as follows:

• Seagate 530 (Heatsink) 500GB – $239 AUD
  
• Seagate 530 (Heatsink) 1TB – $399 AUD
  
• Seagate 530 (Heatsink) – $819 AUD
  
• Seagate 530 (Heatsink) 4TB -$1,499 AUD

• WD_BLACK SN850 (Heatsink) 500GB - $215 AUD
  
• WD_BLACK SN850 (Heatsink) 1TB - $366 AUD
  
• WD_BLACK SN850 (Heatsink) 500GB - $766 AUD

Cheaper non-heatsink versions are available though Sony has stipulated that you'll need to install your own heatsink as to avoid overheating of the drive. Which, if happens, will result in it being throttled and slowed down. To the point where this will affect game performance.

So yeah, it's strange that Sony itself hasn't offered up a list of compatible drives or heatsinks that will work. If nothing else, when this update goes public Sony will need to ensure it has a PS5 Compatible sticker or label on a number of SSD drives otherwise it's going to be as confusing as this.



The easy-to-follow instructions on installing your own heatsink while adhering to measurements in the fractions of millimetres.

The PlayStation 5 had its global launch last November, but you might not know that if you walk into a JB hoping to find one. The global chip shortage that emerged last year has meant that PS5 consoles are still selling out as soon as they appear. But that hasn't stopped Sony reaching an important milestone earlier this month.

That being, 10 million PS5 sales as of mid-July -- eclipsing the PS4's nine-months that it took to reach the same milestone.

“We’ve built more PlayStations faster than we ever have before which makes me happy," Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan told Reuters. "But on the other hand, we’re some time from being able to meet all the demand that’s out there, which makes me feel bad.”

On that note the current shortages are affecting everyone from Microsoft to Apple to NVIDIA and AMD -- with no real end in sight. That said hitting this impressive sales milestone means that there are a lot of PS5's out there. On the software front Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales has apparently sold over 6.5 million copies, with lat month's debut of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart selling over 1 million too.

As much as we love the new DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5, there's no denying that the white and black colour scheme might not be for some. That said there's always room for more controller colours, something both Sony and Microsoft embraced with the PS4 and Xbox One generation.

So yeah, two new DualSense colours are on the way -- Midnight Black and Cosmic Red. Check them out.



Midnight Black is basically the all-black style PS4 fans will know well, though the description makes it sound otherwise. "Two subtly different shades of black with light grey detailing to reflect the vision of space through the night sky", and how. Cosmic Red on the other hand... looks very cool and was apparently inspired by the "vivid shades of red found throughout the cosmos".

Overly verbose descriptions and colours aside, the DualSense controller has been something of a standout feature for the PS5 -- with developers already taking advantage of the adaptive triggers and other premium features like HD rumble.

And by USB External Storage support this now means that PlayStation 5 owners now have the option to back-up or move installed PS5 titles to an external drive connected via USB. With its ultra-fast internal drive though these games wont be playable but ready to transfer back over to the internal drive -- which would be faster than having to re-download the game in question.


A welcome update but one that further highlights the next-gen storage problem when it comes to the PlayStation 5. Unlike the Xbox Series X there's no current way to expand the internal storage or utilised the included M.2 slot to add an additional SSD. On this front, Sony adds "we’re currently working on this feature and will keep you posted with any updates on PlayStation Blog". On the Xbox Series X front, Microsoft's partnership with Seagate has seen in the inclusion of a proprietary but extremely convenient storage upgrade system.

External storage support comes as part of the first major system update for the PS5 console -- which also sees the inclusion of a cross-gen share screen option, so friends on either a PS4 or PS5 can watch your game. Which Discord fans on PC will know, is an awesome feature to have on hand. Other social features include a 'Request to Join Game Session' service plus some updates to the UI, the ability to adjust chat player chat volumes, and more.

For the full rundown -- head here.

And its impressive to say the least. Vietnamese creator Nhenhophac spent over two months breaking down the PlayStation 5 to create custom plates and a water cooling system that replaces just about everything apart from the board and silicon that makes up Sony's next-gen console. And you can see it all in this video.

Check it out.



The people behind the custom build are apparently prepping for a commercial version of a water cooled PS5 too -- though no doubt it'll be the sort of kit that will require a lot of PC-build experience. No doubt this voids any and all warranties for the console and is not something that Sony would ever condone. That said, based on what we see above the custom mod runs pretty cool (sitting in the 40-50 degree range) and looks pretty slick too.

The launch of the PlayStation 5 in terms of sales puts it on par with the launch of the PlayStation 4 -- 4.5 million units in the launch quarter. Though with production delays and increased demand that figure could very easily have been a lot higher if more stock was available. As of now PlayStation 5 consoles are selling as fast as they can reach shelves. Well, they're selling out before that bit actually happens.

Interestingly though, as per the latest financial report from Sony -- each PlayStation 5 is currently being sold at a loss. Meaning that the price point of $749 AUD is below the manufacturing cost. As per the report this was the "strategic price point for PS5 hardware set lower than the manufacturing costs". This is also in-line with how new console launches traditionally go -- hardware sold at a loss with the shortfall made up by software.

For those lucky enough to have a PS5 connected to their 4K TV it's not hard to see that value. High-end visuals powered by AMD technology across the CPU and GPU, cutting edge SSD storage, and a groundbreaking new controller in the form of the DualSense. As per our launch review of the PlayStation 5:

The Zen 2 CPU architecture found here is several generations more impressive that the base-PS4 processor. Something that also applies to the RDNA graphics which will bring ray-tracing to consoles for the very first time. Something seen in Insomniac’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

Now, the issue with stock isn't directly related to the consoles being sold at a loss -- as 2020 has seen shortages across all new game-related hardware from AMD's new Ryzen CPUs and Radeon graphics for PC to NVIDIA's latest GeForce RTX 30 series line-up. More stock is coming, but for the foreseeable future it seems that all PS5 consoles will be sold at a loss.

As a launch title for Sony's next-gen PlayStation 5 - our full in-depth review of the console here - Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales presents a continuation of 2018's stellar comic book adaption with an eye towards next-gen visuals. From improved detail, better lighting, and even some impressive ray-tracing its a visual feast. And it plays great too.

Developer Insomniac has also included a 60fps performance mode for those looking to add a layer of unmatched smoothness to their web-slinging but the following gameplay - sans commentary - was captured using the 4K visuals mode.



And as per above is a great showcase for the PS5 and a taste of first-party goodies to come. Oh, and stay tuned for our full review!

Yesterday we gave you an in-depth review of the Xbox Series X, and today it’s Sony’s turn with the PlayStation 5. We’ve had both consoles for awhile now and are confident we’ve gotten as much out of them ahead of “out in the wild updates” yet to be applied, but if you’re looking for definitive information on both, hit the link above, or continue on with this after the jump.

We look at everything from the PlayStation as a console brand and each iteration’s beginnings, to how the PS5 shapes against its heritage as well as what’s under the hood, what that horsepower really means, its size and shape, as well as what the future holds in store. And yes, we get deep on the DualSense controller as well.

Here’s a snippet:

Additionally, a new “cards” system tops the access bar which includes an Official News Feed not too unlike the Nintendo Switch News Feed. You can see Recent Captures, Trophies earned within the game you’re playing as well as Activity and Challenge cards that track progress in certain games, while also giving you a percentage of what’s left to do.

In some games, clicking on a specific challenge will jump you straight into that section and can even offer an estimated time of completion if it’s a contained challenge. This all happens very quickly, and you can jump in and out of up to three games through the Switcher tab -- though there’s no equivalent to the Xbox Series X “Quick Resume”, as each game loads from its title screen.

Click here for our in-depth PlayStation 5 review.

Ray-tracing has been slowly evolving and turning heads in the PC space for a while now -- since NVIDIA introduced the first range of GeForce RTX cards back in 2018. But even back then there was the assumption that whatever Sony or Microsoft had planned for PlayStation and Xbox, that it might just adopt the cutting edge visual effect.

Ray-tracing, at its core is the process of using light (measured in rays) bounding around to accurately render or calculate things like shadows, lighting, and even reflections. It's a costly measure -- hence its absence from the PS4 and Xbox One -- but when implemented it brings a sense of realism to scenes that developers would otherwise have to fake.

One of the most immediately noticeable forms of ray-tracing, the use of real-time reflections is present in PlayStation 5 launch-title Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Which adds realistic reflections on quite a few surfaces, including all the windows Miles swings by or walks past -- with ray-tracing you can even see a Spidey reflection as you get close.

To demonstrate the effect -- which is presented as part of the game's visual mode the runs in 4K at 30fps with advanced lighting and other effects far superior to the PS4 original -- this short sequence shows a highly reflective cinematic exterior followed by an interior shot with a reflective floor.



For comparison you can see the same room in Spider-Man: Miles Morales' performance mode -- which targets a smooth 60fps but turns off high-end effects like ray-tracing -- and see the difference beteen screens-space reflections, cube maps, and other techniques developers have been using for years to present reflections in games.

Ray-tracing isn't the only next-gen bit of visual detail to be found in Miles Morales as the more powerful PS5 hardware also leads to greater draw-distances, crisper textures, improved lighting, and even better depth of field effects to make it all look even more cinematic.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a PlayStation 5 launch title -- stay tuned for our full review.

With Sony confirming this bit of news over at The Verge, noting that the SSD expansion slot in the PlayStation 5 (located when you take off the lid) will be inactive at launch.

The PS5's 825GB M.2 SSD is currently one of the fastest - if not fastest - storage solutions seen in an enthusiast product so the big question as to what drive to buy and put in remains a mystery.


One that will no doubt become something of a juggling act for PS5 owners until Sony releases the required firmware update. With Spider-Man: Miles Morales sitting at 50GB, Demon’s Souls at 66GB, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War at 133GB it wont take long for the usable space to fill up.

In terms of spec the potential M.2 SSD would need to maintain at least 5.5GB/sec of bandwidth via a PCIe Gen4 connection - something that companies like Seagate, Western Digital, and Samsung are starting to bring to the PC market. On that note when Sony makes expansion possible it will probably be limited to certain brands and models that have been tested and white-listed.

Until then though players will need to shuffle games to and from an external USB back-up drive when storage capacity becomes an issue. On the other hand Microsoft's solution for the Xbox Series X - as seen in our review - is proprietary, memory-card in nature, and completely user friendly and will be available on day one.

With Sony confirming the above via IGN Italy, noting that just like the PS4 and PS4 Pro the PlayStation 5 will not support 1440p as a native resolution.

For those with 1440p displays designed for PC gaming this means that unlike the Xbox Series X and S (which fully support 1440p) the next-gen console can only output at either 1080p or 4K. Also, unlike the Xbox Series X and S it's being reported that the PlayStation 5 does not support the FreeSync standard for its VRS (variable refresh rate) solution.

In terms of PS5 players connected to a TV, aka the overwhelming majority, it's an omission that would go unnoticed much like VRS - but it does hamper the versatility of the console, especially when you factor in streaming, capture, or putting the console within a PC environment.

An environment where 1440p is considered the sweet spot. This also means that games on the PS5 wont be able to include a 1440p mode, one that favours both performance and image quality. Here's hoping that the support is a simple firmware update.

After getting our first, mind-blowing hands on with the PS5's controller and Astro's Playroom, we sat down with Nicholas Doucet, Studio Director at SIE Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio. The topics of discussion: Grade-A geek level nostalgia, the pressures of making a “built-in” game and becoming a bold explorer of a whole new way to play.

With our own Adam 'GrizGaming' Mathew likening the experience to putting on a VR helmet for the first-time.

AG: While I have you, I'm wondering if you might be able to provide some insight in terms of design document language about haptics. Because the critic in me realised early on that the phrase, “you do action X in the game and the controller will RUMBLE” doesn't even come close to encapsulating the experience to somebody else. You mentioned “haptics expression” back there – do you and your team have more nuanced terms or phrases to better explain what's being felt through the DualSense?

ND: Expression is definitely a term we use a lot. You're trying to get either a texture across to the player or a situation. For example: we have a sandstorm section in our game and a moment elsewhere where rain starts. In the first you feel buffeted by the wind and in the other you feel the pitter patter of droplets “on” the DualSense. You can close your eyes – and this is a good test that we do – to feel that haptic expression of rain.

Obviously “feeling” is a very strong word we use here as well. You would have experienced it in the demo when you're running on the various different surfaces, transitioning across them. That's something we want you to feel a lot in Astro's Playroom.

Head Here For Our Full Interview with Sony

With Sony noting that Destruction AllStars has seen its original November 2020 launch pushed back to February 2021. The multiplayer vehicle arena title will also debut as a part of PlayStation Plus where it will be included as a free download for two months.

Here's the Destruction AllStars trailer from the big PlayStation 5 reveal event from earlier this year.



Sony is expected to announce more details on the game in the coming weeks.

Overnight Sony lifted the lid (well, it did exactly that with the recent PS5 console teardown) on the PlayStation 5 User Experience - i.e. the UI, OS, thing you see when you power-up the console. In terms of look the Home Screen expands on what arrived with the PS4 but thanks to new integration that leverages the PS5's horsepower the new Control Center offers intuitive access to social features and more.

Like being able to jump into specific levels and points of interest with added Trophy/completionist integration along the lines of "Yo my dude, you've only completed 68% of this bit". Thanks to the new super-fast SSD storage and data wizardry one press of a button and you'll jump to that in-game section in seconds.

Here's the full User Experience presentation.



"Activities are displayed via on-screen cards in the Control Center, which enables you to discover new gameplay opportunities, go back to things you missed, jump directly into levels or challenges you want to play, and much more," writes Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President, Platform Planning & Management for PlayStation. "Some Activity cards can be put in picture-in-picture mode, so you can view them without having to leave the game."

That picture-in-picture mode extends to parties where you can now share your screen ala Discord. The key thing here is that the Control Center serves as a fast and seamless overlay for all the big features without ever having to head back to the Home Screen. In terms of the Home Screen the presentation buries the lead a bit, with the new 4K UI for that showcased deep into the PS5 UI deep-dive.

For those that collect trophies like some sort of track and field star the Control Center can also display hints and video-guides too - an interesting feature that developers can tap into.

Finally, the PlayStation Store is no longer a dedicated app so you can jump into and browse all the new stuff and PS Plus goodies without waiting on log-ins and loading. No doubt it's a slick and quick UI and OS with a design that feels quintessentially PlayStation.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a stand-alone title set to debut on PlayStation 5 (with a PS5 version also coming) as a launch title. As a follow-up or off-shoot to the excellent original no doubt this will be many a PS5 owner's first foray into next-gen gaming. Thanks to Game Informer we've now got a crisp (albeit brief) look at the first boss in stunning 4K.

Check it out. And as a cool bonus we get to see multiple Spideys (care of the multi-verse) with both Peter Parker and Miles Morales present.



What's very cool is that you can see the difference in each Spidey based purely on how they move. Spider-Man: Miles Morales is out November 12 alongside the PlayStation 5.