Exhaustive PlayStation 5 FAQ answers all those burning questions about the PS5 console - and yes it has an RDNA 2-based GPU and hardware-based ray tracing

The PlayStation 5 console is almost here and unsurprisingly there are still dozens of unanswered questions pertaining to Sony’s gaming hardware. Fortunately, the PlayStation blog has now posted a thorough “Ultimate FAQ” that explores the console, peripherals, user interface, and much more. For instance, for months there has been speculation of what AMD graphics architecture was involved with the PS5’s GPU. Was it going to be RDNA 2.5 or RDNA 3 even? Although AMD’s CEO Lisa Su has previously stated RDNA 2 was present, many still had doubts. But there it is in the FAQ: “AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine. Ray Tracing Acceleration. Variable frequency, up to 2.23 GHz (10.3 TFLOPS)”.

Interestingly, there is also confirmation of hardware-based ray-tracing support, not software based. Moving onto the console itself, the FAQ informs that there will be no other designs or colors for the PS5 at launch time and PS5 games cannot be stored on or played from an external USB drive - but PS4 games can. Those worried about storage space on the internal SSD will be able to take advantage of the “preferred install” feature that allows selected sections of games to be installed rather than the whole software package. The box will contain a base (so no “stand” purchase required) and there is an HDMI 2.1 compatible cable in there too.

As for televisions, PS5 owners do not need to buy a 4K set as the console supports 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 2160p. There is even support for 8K when that resolution becomes more widespread. Sony is also working on a future update that will allow users to play back 3D Audio through the connected television’s speakers. The DualSense controller features a microphone that can be muted and the haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers can have their effects reduced or even disabled. Sony claims input latency for the PS5 controller has been improved over the DualShock 4, but the DualSense cannot be used on the PS4.

Games will not be region-locked and there is no “dedicated web browser app” incorporated into the PS5’s user interface. Perhaps annoyingly for some, the hardware will require a system software update download immediately and there is no ability to go back to a previous game if you start a new game or turn off the console (no quick resume). But as the PlayStation 5 FAQ points out, the presence of a very fast SSD and I/O unit means loading times to get back to that previous game aren’t going to spoil overall enjoyment anyway.