Pax Online x EGX kicks off next week with a huge slate of scheduled live streams and panels to fill out the calendar. One curious entry appears on the main PAX channel for September 18th at 3:45 pm PST/6:45 pm EST, labeled simply “Sony Holder.” There’s nothing in the description yet, and Sony hasn’t commented about participating in PAX Online. The slot reserves an hour for the Sony live stream, the last stream on the schedule for September 18th. Speculation holds that this could be where Sony finally reveals the PS5 price and release date, as well as when preorders will open up for the console expected to release in just two months.
Having “holder” slots without further descriptions isn’t unusual. The rest of the schedule has a few sprinkled throughout, including ones for CD Projekt RED and Square Enix. And now that Microsoft has lifted the lid on its next-gen plans in full, including price, release date, preorders, and even a second less powerful next-gen Xbox, the game of console chicken is over. All eyes are on Sony to make the next move. Sony set expectations that no PS5 news would be incoming this week—despite the 25th anniversary of the original PlayStation’s launch in North America—focusing instead on PSVR for the week. Which brings attention to next week.
If there are a few things that cast doubt on this slot being the PS5 price and release date reveal, one of the biggest has been Sony’s independence this year, opting to do their own live streams and events instead of making big announcements part of other events. Even before the pandemic canceled E3 (and every other in-person event), Sony had announced their intention not to attend the LA gaming expo for the second year in a row. Every PS5 reveal this year has been either via a surprise PlayStation Blog post, or a scheduled Sony stream, separate from any other events. Something as big as the PS5’s price reveal probably wouldn’t be the exception to this rule.
The past two PS5 streams have also been held on Thursdays at 1 pm Pacific/4 pm Eastern. It’s a commonly held belief that a late Friday afternoon news drop is a death slot, normally reserved for the ugly news that companies want to have just go away over the weekend before the next week’s news cycle gets underway. Revealing something as big as the PS5 price and release date doesn’t seem like something Sony wants to sweep under the weekend rug, and their tried and true Thursday live stream spot has worked out consistently well for them this year. Why change it now?
One thing is certain: Sony does have this late Friday PAX Online x EGX slot reserved for something. If not the PS5 price and release date reveal, there are two major possibilities. One is contingent on Sony releasing the PS5 release date and pricing info on their own at some point next week, perhaps in another Thursday stream on September 17th. The PAX slot could then simply be a kind of “PS5 hype” stream, gathering all of the known info so far, maybe expanding on a few points, letting Sony finally really get into the marketing swing of the PS5 now that all info is out there. The other option is that it’s unrelated to the PS5. Maybe it’s a first-party studio panel, a discussion from a developer like Insomniac about Ghost of Tsushima or something similar. While Sony=PS5 in a lot of people’s minds right now, there are a lot of things that fall under the Sony umbrella that could go here.
Of course, Sony has yet to comment, and as has been the theme this year, they’ll announce when they’re good and ready. Most guesstimates put the holiday 2020 PS5 release date in November, which means it’s pretty much guaranteed we’ll at least find out the price and release date within the next two months. But with the Xbox cat out of the proverbial bag, fans are starting to put the torch to Sony for more PS5 news, even as PlayStation keeps telling fans to relax.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
