PS5 streaming is already a reality (Picture: Sony)
PlayStation exclusives like God Of War Ragnarök are available to stream at up to 4K for those lucky enough to be involved in the PS5 beta.
Although it’s Microsoft that current has the advantage in terms of streaming games – so much so that it was the main point of contention when investigators were considering whether to allow the Activision Blizzard acquisition – Sony’s experiments with the concept dates back all the way to 2012.
That’s when they bought the company Gaikai, whose technology was used to power PlayStation Now. Strangely, they never pushed their advantage and now it’s Microsoft, who can afford to run their own data centres, that has taken the lead.
Both companies are limited by current broadband speeds but it’s clear that over the next few years streaming is going to become more and more important, which is why Sony has just begun a closed beta for their new service.
Officially, Sony is not saying much about the beta and there’s little chance you can join it now it’s started, with those involved having seemingly been picked at random.
As ever, some of them aren’t being as secretive as they’re supposed to be and have revealed that the service runs games at up to 4K resolution, which is an option the Xbox service currently doesn’t offer.
Various PlayStation 5 owners on the ResetEra forum have posted screenshots showing resolution options that range from 720p and 1080p to 1440p and 4K.
Although Sony hasn’t revealed that information publicly, they have stated that when the service goes public it will be part of the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
Unlike PS Plus Extra, the highest tier of PlayStation Plus has been the subject of much mockery for its feeble range of classic games, but if the streaming service works as intended it could suddenly become much more worthwhile.
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Sony has already claimed that the service will allow you to stream PlayStation 3, 4, and 5 games, with those on the beta reporting that first party titles such as God Of War Ragnarök, Horizon Forbidden West, and Returnal are all available.
A number of third party titles are also included, such as Fortnite, Destiny 2, Fall Guys, and a demo for Resident Evil Village.
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PlayStation exclusives like God Of War Ragnarök are available to stream at up to 4K for those lucky enough to be involved in the PS5 beta.