Everything You Need to Know About the PlayStation 5

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) launched the PlayStation 5 console (PS5) release date on November 12, 2020. Here, we’ll bring together all the evolutions and information about the console over the course of the generation.

Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to the Sony PS5, including release date, pricing, availability and games.

Sony PS5 Release Date Australia

In an event in September 2020, Sony revealed that the PS5 would be coming mid-November, confirming the ‘holiday period’ timeframe offered earlier this year. The brand initially outlined November 12 as the PS5 launch date for seven key markets, including Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan and South Korea. This was to be followed by the final roll-out to remaining markets on November 19, with areas such as Europe, Middle East, South America, Asia and South Africa to score the console from that point.

“Since we first announced our next generation console last year, we have received astounding support from developers and gaming fans all around the world, and it’s truly humbling,” said Jim Ryan, former president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment.

“Now we are just a couple of months away from launching PS5, which will offer a new generation of experiences that go beyond players’ expectations of how games can look, feel, sound, and play. We can’t wait for our fans to experience for themselves the incredible speed, the heightened immersion and the breathtaking games on PS5 when we launch”.

Sony PS5 Price Australia

With the announcement that the PS5 was incoming, Sony went on to drop some further details about the long-awaited console. There would be two variations of the console, a PS5 Digital Edition and a PS5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive.

We also got confirmation of the console’s launch pricing: the PS5 Digital Edition was available for a recommended retail price of AUD$599.95, while the PS5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive sold for AUD$749.95.

However, since the console’s launch Sony has increased the price of PlayStation 5 twice – once in 2022, and once again in 2025. Now, the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition is priced at AUD$750, while the slim console with a disc drive is being sold for AUD$830.

The console manufacturer has cited the “global economic environment”, including high inflation rates as the reason behind the increase in the price of PlayStation 5s.

“The global economic environment is a challenge that many of you around the world are no doubt experiencing,” Ryan said. “We’re seeing high global inflation rates, as well as adverse currency trends, impacting consumers and creating pressure on many industries. Based on these challenging economic conditions, SIE has made the difficult decision to increase the recommended retail price (RRP) of PlayStation 5 in select markets.”

From the statement, it’s evident that Sony and PlayStation are holding “high global inflation rates, as well as adverse currency trends, impacting consumers and creating pressure on many industries” accountable for this recent increase in prices.

The good news is that both PS5 models use the same custom processor with integrated CPU and GPU, meaning you can enjoy the high-fidelity graphics up to 4K either way. Additionally, both score the same ultra-high-speed SSD with integrated I/O that Sony claims will deliver lightning-fast loading.

PS5 Accessories Prices Australia

The 2020 PS5 design reveal and new game announcements, also came with some accessory updates. Jim Ryan, president and CEO of SIE also unveiled a slate of new PS5 accessories set to elevate the overall gaming experience. Among them was a PULSE 3D wireless headset that offers 3D audio support and dual noise-cancelling microphones and an HD Camera that features dual 1080p lenses for gamers to broadcast themselves along with their gameplay. Further, Sony also dropped a new media remote with built-in microphone and a DualSense Charging Station for convenient charging of two DualSense Wireless Controllers. Pricing for the PS5 accessories is below:

• DualSense Wireless Controller – AUD$109.95
• PULSE 3D wireless headset – AUD$159.95.
• HD Camera with dual 1080p lenses – AUD$99.95
• Media Remote – AUD$49.95
• DualSense Charging Station – AUD$49.95

PS5 Hardware

In June 2020, the first official images of the sleek white system confirmed suspicions that Sony would transfer to a more palatable tone, following the release of the DualSense controller. What’s more, Sony announced that two variations of the PS5 would be on offer; a PlayStation 5 console with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive and a PlayStation 5 Digital Edition without a disc drive.

“The PS5 gameplay experience will be the same, so the choice is all yours,” Sid Shuman from SIE content communications said. “While there are some slight differences in the look of each model, for the overall design, we wanted to deliver a console that’s bold, stunning, and unlike any previous generation of PlayStation.”

Sony PS5 Games Revealed

In addition to the PS5 design reveal, Sony also served up a bevy of first-look game announcements, kicking off with Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales. Eight further titles from SIE and second-party partners were also unveiled in the PS5 showcase, including a long-awaited addition to the Ratchet & Clank franchise, a new Gran Turismo instalment and the latest release for Guerilla Games, Horizon Forbidden West. The showcase also featured reveals from third-party publishers, which gave fans even more to cheer about.

“With PlayStation 5, we are making a significant leap to deliver a truly new generation of transformative play experiences that will redefine expectations for what games can be,” said Jim Ryan, president and CEO of SIE. “Worlds will be richer and more beautiful, they’ll captivate your senses in ways you didn’t think possible, and you’ll be able to experience them much more seamlessly, with lightning fast loading. Today’s showcase is just a glimpse of what’s to come in the next generation, and we want to thank our community for taking this journey to PS5’s launch with us.”

Where to Buy a PS5

While there were a few years following the PlayStation 5’s launch that the console was quite difficult to get your hands on, Sony seems to have largely dealt with its supply issues. You can easily go into most electronics retailers, online or not, and find a brand new console ready to go.

Still, here are the best places to pick up a PS5 if you’re in the market for Sony’s latest and greatest.

Retailer
Amazon	Click Here
Sony Store	Click Here
JB Hi-Fi	Click Here
EB Games	Click Here
Big W	Click Here
Target	Click Here
Harvey Norman	Click Here

Scroll horizontally to view full table