The PlayStation 5, PS5, or whatever Sony calls its next console could have a 2018 release date. According to a report from SemiAccurate (paid subscription) via popular gaming forum ResetEra, the PS5 could release in 2018 due to the number of developer kits given out. In addition to this, the report suggests that the PS5 could double down on Sony's virtual reality efforts by having VR-related tech to be baked in at the silicon level. Furthermore, information regarding the PS5's specifications has trickled out as well. The PS5 GPU seems to be based on AMD's Navi architecture while the PS5 CPU could very well be a custom variant of AMD's Zen line.
As for the credibility of these claims, SemiAccurate has a fairly decent track record. The site had the correct information regarding Nintendo partnering Nvidia for the Nintendo Switch and listed PS4 specifications back in 2012 which were true as well.
That said, we can’t help but feel that this would be a bit premature. Reason being the PS4 Pro just released in 2016 — launching a new console, belonging to the same generation as the PS4 or otherwise seems unwise. More so considering how well the PS4 is selling, tracking in line with Sony’s most successful console, the PS2. Plus with the likes of God of War, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us Part II slated for release this year, a new console in the PS5 is just too much.
This isn't the first time the PS5 has been suggested to have a 2018 release date. Macquarie Capital Securities analyst Damian Thong suggested the PS5 could be out before the end of 2018. In the past, Thong correctly stated that Sony would release the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro, which lends some credence to his statements.
Others such as NPD analyst Mat Piscatella think otherwise. He stated that Sony’s PS4 and PS4 Pro successor isn’t due till 2020.
“2020 is what I have in my forecast. The data suggest there’s no need to do it earlier. But I’ve been surprised before so I’m as interested in this as anyone,” Piscatella said in conversation with Gamingbolt.
In addition to this, Piscatella believes that PS4 sales — which now have passed 75 million — will slow down.
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