There is still little information known about the PlayStation 5, including its official release date and price, despite Sony’s promise that the next-gen console will debut in time for this holiday season. Details for its competitor, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X, on the other hand, were released earlier this month. The Series X is priced at $499, while it’s less powerful, more compact counterpart the Xbox Series S is slightly cheaper at $299, and both are set to debut November 10th, though pre-orders start September 22nd.
While it’s expected the PS5 Digital Edition will be less costly than the standard PS5, it still remains anyone’s best guess where the price will be set. A report by analysis firm Ampere Analysis estimated that the console could be priced anywhere between $450-500, and considering the Xbox Series X is going for $499, it’s likely the cost of the PS5 will be set around a similar price point. Otherwise, it runs the risk of the Xbox Series X appearing as a more attractive next-gen console option.
Although many details surrounding the PS5 are unclear, consumers were recently given a sneak peek into what the contents of the PS5 console’s box will include. Daniel Ahmad, a senior analyst at Niko partners, who has already made headlines before for sharing breaking news in the video game industry, posted an image from a distributor that gives insight into what accessories and hardware players can expect upon purchasing the console when it’s available later this year.
What Do The PS5 Box Contents Include?
The box contents for the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition are the exact same. They’ll each come with a DualSense controller, a base, HDMI cable, AC power cord, USB cable, and of course, and instruction manual. Interestingly, the box contents are lacking an audio device, whether it be a headset or earbuds. The PS5’s new 3D Audio Technology promises to work best with a headset, as existing TV and audio hardware isn’t compatible with the Tempest Engine needed to power the deliverance of the 3D audio. To get the best audio experience possible, it’s been recommended that players use Sony’s official PS5 gaming headphones, which have been “fine-tuned” for the new audio technology. But, of course, this means consumers will incur additional costs aside from the initial expense of the next-gen console.
Additionally, both consoles will also come with Astro’s Playroom, a pre-installed game whose inclusion was announced back in the summer. During the Summer Game Fest, for instance, the game was used to show what the DualSense is capable of, and will help players learn about and get comfortable with the new controller upon purchasing their new console. Astro’s Playroom isn’t just a mini-game, either, as it’s a full, multi-hour game that promises to entertain gamers as much as it will teach them.
In the Twitter thread, David Ahmed pointed out that the image is from a Hong Kong distributor, so it’s possible the PS5 box contents will vary depending on region. But as the holiday season is quickly approaching, gamers can certainly expect more details regarding the PlayStation 5 to be revealed, namely regarding its price and release date, likely later today at the PS5 Showcase.