Sony
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Sony.
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After ditching discs, PlayStation continues replicating Xbox's very bad 2013 by going all in on TV
Sony has launched a "Live TV on PS5" app, drawing comparisons to Microsoft's initial Xbox One strategy of focusing on entertainment over gaming. The app offers a variety of channels and content, but the move has sparked controversy and negative public opinion, reminiscent of the Xbox One's past missteps with DRM and an all-in-one entertainment focus.
Developers And Publishers Are “Largely Very Upset” Over Sony Killing PlayStation Discs
Sony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs by 2028 has reportedly caused significant frustration among game developers and publishers. This move signals a major shift away from physical media in the gaming industry.
Sony is adding free TV channels to PS5
Sony is adding free, ad-supported streaming channels to the PlayStation 5 in the United States starting today. This move expands the console's entertainment offerings beyond gaming.
Sony lawyers argue that nobody is stupid enough to believe they actually own digital games, because then only one person…
Sony's lawyers are arguing in a legal filing that consumers do not actually own their digital games and are unlikely to believe they do. This argument is part of their defense against a class-action lawsuit alleging the company violates consumer protection laws by not clearly disclosing that purchases are licenses, not ownership.
PS5 Adds Free Live And On-Demand Movie And TV Channels, In Exchange For Watching Ads
Sony has launched a new free, ad-supported live TV service on PlayStation 5, offering over 100 channels of movies, TV shows, news, sports, and anime. Users can access the content by signing in with their PlayStation account, with the trade-off being the inclusion of advertisements. This move by Sony follows similar offerings from competitors like Roku, Tubi, and Pluto.
2 Back-to-Back PlayStation State of Play September Events Confirmed
Sony will host two back-to-back State of Play events in September, starting September 3, 2026. The first will feature updates from PlayStation Studios and third-party partners, including an extended look at Final Fantasy VII Revelation. The second, State of Play Japan, will showcase upcoming projects from Japanese and Asian studios.
“Aggressively” Selling PS5s Isn’t Needed, As Sony Focuses On Making More From Existing Owners
Sony's president and CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that the company does not need to aggressively sell PlayStation 5 consoles as it is in the latter half of its lifecycle. Instead, Sony is focusing on increasing recurring revenue from its existing user base, particularly through PlayStation Plus subscriptions and digital game sales, with plans to phase out disc production by January 2028.
Sony Confirms 2 PlayStation State of Play Presentations for This Week
Sony has confirmed that two PlayStation State of Play presentations are scheduled to air this week. The announcement indicates multiple showcases are planned.
Back-To-Back PlayStation State Of Plays Are Coming This Week
Sony has announced two PlayStation State of Play events will take place this week. The first event will showcase updates from Sony's internal studios and third-party partners, including an extended look at Final Fantasy VII: Revelation. A second event, hosted by Yuki Kaji, will focus on games from Japanese and Asian developers.
Xbox CEO Says “A Family of Devices for Project Helix” is Planned
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that Microsoft is planning a "family of devices" for its next-generation Project Helix, indicating more than just a single console. Sharma emphasized performance and the integration of PC gaming on consoles, while also acknowledging the ongoing component shortages and the need for innovation in affordability and efficiency. The company is rethinking the console model to offer more flexibility and choice for consumers.
Netflix weekend watchlist: 3 films to queue up (Aug. 29-30)
This weekend's Netflix watchlist features three films: the crime thriller 'The Whisper Man' starring Robert De Niro, the acclaimed animated superhero film 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' featuring Miles Morales, and the horror hit 'M3GAN'. 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is also mentioned as a recent box office success.
Sony and Warner sue Anthropic for 'blatant violation' of copyright law
Sony and Warner Music Group are suing AI company Anthropic, alleging thousands of instances of copyright infringement. The music publishing groups claim Anthropic's AI models have violated copyright law.
PS5 Pros all but vanish after GTA 6 reveal, going for up to $1,300 at the few stores with stock
The reveal of Grand Theft Auto 6 has caused a surge in demand for the PlayStation 5 Pro, leading to stock shortages at major retailers and inflated prices from third-party sellers, with some consoles listed for up to $1,300. While PlayStation Direct still offers the console at its $899 MSRP, availability is limited. This heightened demand suggests players are willing to pay a premium for the best possible experience for Rockstar's upcoming title, despite uncertainties about its performance on the Pro model.
Xbox’s Disc-To-Digital Program Means Microsoft Is Probably Done With Discs Too
Microsoft has introduced a "Disc-to-Digital" program for Xbox, allowing users to convert physical game licenses into perpetual digital ones usable across Xbox, PC, and cloud gaming. This move, alongside Sony's earlier announcement to cease physical disc production for PlayStation games after 2028, strongly suggests that both companies are phasing out physical media for future console generations. The program aims to help players maintain access to their game libraries in a digital-first future.
PSA: PlayStation 5’s Hottest New Accessory Is Out Now
Sony has released a new 27-inch gaming monitor for the PlayStation 5, featuring a QHD screen, up to 240 Hz refresh rate with VRR, and a built-in DualSense charging hook. The accessory, priced at $349, is currently in limited supply and has already sold out at several retailers, with a restock expected in September.
Saber Boss Reacts To The Death Of Physical Games And Rising Console Prices
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits shared his thoughts on the decline of physical games and the rising cost of consoles. While acknowledging the convenience of digital titles and his personal shift away from physical media, Willits noted that Saber still profits from physical game sales, particularly in Europe. He also speculated about a future "AI box" for games and expressed concern over current console prices, suggesting it will be interesting to see how Sony and Microsoft navigate this trend with future hardware.
Games Inbox: Was the GTA 6 Netflix show a disappointment?
Readers express mixed feelings about the Grand Theft Auto 6 extended preview, with some finding it dull and others impressed by the graphics. Discussions also touch upon the decline of physical media, digital refund policies, and the overall direction of the games industry.
Sony's Reon wearable air conditioner saved my sanity through multiple heatwaves
The Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus wearable air conditioner is described as an unusual device that attaches to the user's back. Despite its alien appearance, the article suggests it effectively combats high temperatures, having saved the author's sanity during multiple heatwaves.
Xbox discs will now grant digital access to games as part of Microsoft's self-proclaimed 'broader commitment…
Microsoft is launching a new program for Xbox Insiders that allows physical game discs to grant digital access to titles, enabling play without the disc in the tray. This initiative is framed as a commitment to game preservation and aims to help players transition their libraries. The feature will initially support thousands of titles and offers access via Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming.
If You Thought Console Prices Were Too High, Things Could Get Even Worse
The US administration is reportedly considering new tariffs on imported computer chips, which could lead to increased prices for gaming consoles, laptops, and servers. This potential move aims to encourage foreign tech companies to build manufacturing plants within the US. Previous tariffs have impacted console prices, with companies like Sony and Nintendo benefiting from tariff refunds, though these were not passed on to consumers.
