The last two console generations from Microsoft and Sony — spanning from the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 all the way to the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X — have been transformative in terms of audio quality. Consumers have been able to move away from high-fidelity tuners and sprawling surround-sound speaker systems to relatively inexpensive and high-quality headphones. That means many consumers, myself included, have laid out some serious coin for new cans. But will your audio investment pay off with the next generation of consoles? We talked to four major manufacturers to get some answers.
Turns out, things are still a little bit up in the air.
“We’re dependent upon [Microsoft and Sony] to kind of tell us that [our] products are forward-compatible,” said John Moore, head of marketing and sales for growth peripherals at Razer, in an interview with Polygon last week. That’s because his company, like every other manufacturer we’ve spoken with, still hasn’t gotten final console hardware yet. SteelSeries’ Brian Fallon, senior product manager for audio, told a similar story.
“Obviously we’ve been waiting with bated breath to figure out all the final details of everything,” Fallon told Polygon. He said that Microsoft has so far been the most forthcoming.
Kington’s HyperX Cloud Mix will work with both next-generation consoles, since it attaches via 3.5 mm audio jack into the controller.Kingston
“We found out a couple months back that everything that we had [on the market] was just going to work [with the new Xbox],” Fallon continued. “That was amazing news to us, and to our customers. […] And it’s all just plug and play. No firmware updates needed, none of that. It’s all just gonna function.”
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of Sony and its PlayStation 5.
PlayStation has its own wireless headphone technology, or course. There’s a new Sony-branded set of headphones on the way with the PS5. In addition, older peripherals like the Platinum and Gold wireless headsets will also be compatible. Sony has also announced that “third-party headsets that connect via USB port or audio jack” will be compatible with the PS5. Beyond that, all the third-party manufacturers we talked to said things are still up in the air.
“On the PlayStation side,” Fallon said, “it’s a little bit of a mixed bag.”
The new PS5 won’t feature an optical audio connection, commonly referred to as S/PDIF or TosLink. Manufacturers like Astro, SteelSeries, and others use that optical connection to split in-game audio off from voice chat. That allows you to have digital surround sound and low-latency, high-fidelity voice chat coming through the same speakers. It’s also what allows you to balance the levels between those two different streams.
“If we don’t have optical, obviously we don’t have a way to do that,” said Fallon. “We only have a single audio source, which will be from USB. So the SteelSeries Pro Wireless [Polygon’s top headphone choice for the PlayStation 4 in last year’s round-up] will still work on the PS5. By just plugging in the USB and you’ll be able to get get your full audio from that. The the one thing you won’t be able to do is adjust your your mix between game and chat.”
Presumably a menu within the PS5 dashboard would let you do that, but no one can be sure until reviewers get their chance to boot up the device for the first time. It’s also a lot less convenient than just turning a physical dial on your headset.
The Astro A50 for Xbox and PC will require a firmware update for the next-generation Xbox consoles. For PlayStation 5, you’ll need to purchase a dongle.Logitech
Astro has made a name for itself with these kinds of high-quality physical interfaces that allow users to fiddle with their levels on the fly. Their wireless A50 headset — Polygon’s top performer for the Xbox One in last year’s roundup — will only require a firmware update to be compatible with the next-generation Xbox consoles. It’s likewise a different story for the PS5. Astro says it’s coming out with a dongle called the Astro HDMI Adapter that will solve the problem. It will be available for $39.99 through the Astro website, as well as select retailers.
“It enables game sound + voice chat mixing and features lagless 4K HDMI video passthrough while adding a TosLink optical jack,” the company said in a news release dated Sept. 1. “Registered owners of Astro products will be able to submit their serial number and receive a $15 discount online.”
The good news is that both of the next-generation console controllers still feature a 3.5 mm audio connector in them, which will enable you to connect the vast majority of products from companies like Astro, Kingston’s HyperX brand, Razer, and SteelSeries. In fact, both consoles have been designed with that kind of stereo interface in mind.
“Back in the Xbox 360 days, consoles actually didn’t decode [digital] audio for you,” Thadeus Cooper, head of brand at Astro Gaming, told Polygon in an interview. “The reason that MixAmp and the A50 was so popular with people is because [the consoles] would output that signal over optical or over HDMI, but you had to have a device that does Dolby decoding.”
In the current generation, only Microsoft’s console was capable of decoding that digital audio and outputting surround sound via stereo output on its own, in the form of either Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos. Now, with the PlayStation 5, Sony is bringing its own new technology to bear. Its Tempest 3D AudioTech solution should be able to do similar things with positional audio. Manufacturers tell us that means de facto audio parity between the two console brands.
It also means that the next generation of third-party headsets will need to differentiate themselves in a whole different way. No longer will they be able to depend on bells and whistles like adjustable in-game audio levels and custom sound profiles to set themselves apart. Instead, expect them to try to compete on things like sound quality, comfort, cross-platform compatibility, and price.
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.
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