But before we get to what games you can enjoy on the new PS5, here’s a brief overview of its biggest features. Then make sure to check out our clickable infographic on the complete PlayStation timeline…

Not one, but two versions…

There are actually two versions of the PS5 available to play. The base model is the Ultra HD Blu-ray compatible version which, like previous iterations, utilises a disc drive. Alternatively, however, gamers can choose to buy a slightly lighter variant that comes without a disc drive, and solely supports digital downloads.

Both, however, are as powerful as the other, so there’s no need to worry about any differences in performance!

Graphics for daaays…

While PC gamers have been able to tweak the level of graphical performance their systems allow each game to offer for donkey’s years, the PS5 finally brings such a feature into the console realm.

With Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, for example, players can opt to either play the game in “Fidelity” mode, featuring ray tracing (super fancy, eerily realistic lighting effects) and a number of other effects, all of which can run in 4K at 30fps; or in “Performance” mode, which ditches the effects in favour of a faster frame rate of 60fps.

Loading times? What loading times?

Loading times are now quicker than ever when compared to previous generations. Blink and you can quite literally miss them, at times. Though nothing will ever be as satisfying as the original PS1 loading screen, a near eradication of them altogether comes very, very close.

Backwards compatibility

PS4 players considering making the jump over to the PS5 will be pleased to hear that their catalogue of games will be playable on the new console, with 99% of PS4 titles available to play on the PS5 at launch.

Tighter controls

The Dualshock controller has been given a game-changing overhaul. Dual actuators turn your every in-game action into a tangible sensation in your hands. The pressure needed to press each trigger can also change from one moment to the next, depending on what’s happening onscreen.

Oh, and the controller itself is patterned with lots of Xs (we refuse to call it a “cross”… just, no), squares, circles and triangles which, though not remotely related to performance, are pretty cool.

Launch titles worth shouting about

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales looks to be the launch title for the PS5, and for good reason. Sackboy: A Big Adventure and Astro’s Playroom (the pre-installed title that comes with the PS5) are also two cute, charming-looking platformers which really showcase the PS5’s performance.

And though both are unfortunately unavailable at launch, it is absolutely worth keeping an eye out for Cyberpunk 2077, available to play next month, and Horizon Forbidden West, which is set to be released in 2021.

Now click on the infographic below to follow the history of the PlayStation!