The Final Chapter of Console War: PlayStation 6

Since November 2020, the PS5 has been impressing gamers with outstanding performance, and for good reasons: its unique RDNA 2 GPU and innovative design. However, some questions have popped up along the road, touching on design decisions that have stirred debates within the gaming fraternity.

The hottest topic of debate has been the liquid metal used by Sony to cool the processor in the PS5. This revolutionary decision has allowed the console to bear extreme thermal loads and perform better with increased longevity.

However, this revolutionary approach has not been totally free of risks either. There were rumors and reports regarding the possibility of liquid metal escaping, especially if the console was kept vertical for a long period. While these incidents were few and usually with modified or refurbished units, the idea of bricking a console was unsettling for many gamers.

The PlayStation 5's GPU can operate at 2.23 gigahertz. To deal with all of that heat, Sony used liquid metal over traditional thermal paste. Liquid metal conducts heat far better than thermal paste. But there is a catch. If that liquid metal seeps out of its cage, it will short the motherboard and permanently damage your console.

Back in early 2023, there were rumors that if you left your PS5 standing vertically for too long, this could occur. Naturally, people freaked out. Now, here's where things get better. It turns out that this issue primarily affected used PS5s that had been opened and tampered with for repairs.

It was not a large danger, but Sony didn't take any chances. The PS5 Pro features some ingenious design changes to prevent liquid metal leaks. According to a YouTube channel that disassembled the PS5 Pro, its heat sink now features surface ridges. The ridges disseminate liquid metal uniformly on the chip, reducing the likelihood of pooling and causing difficulties. In contrast, the PS5 Slim's heat sink has a flat surface. So, it's evident that Sony put a lot of effort into the Pro's design, but that's not all.

Before the Pro was even released, we discovered that it includes an easy-access bay for the CMOS battery. If the battery ever fails, you can simply pop it out and replace it—no fuss. Here's the problem, though: Most PS5 owners have never experienced liquid metal difficulties. Sony's improvements to the PS5 Pro's heat sink demonstrate that they are aware of the issue, albeit some still question its existence. They aren't waiting for these issues to escalate. They are mending them ahead of time. It's sort of reassuring.

Moreover, Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, has released information about the PlayStation 5's life cycle. Here's the big takeaway. Even when the next-generation console arrives, the PS5 will continue to exist. As a result, communities are already abuzz with anticipation for the new PlayStation system.

However, the PS5 is only now hitting its stride. Plenty of intriguing new games are planned for the coming years, and it feels like we've merely scratched the surface of this console's capabilities. However, the rumor mill is already in full flow.

The PS5 Pro has just fueled the flames, leaving fans wondering what the PlayStation 6 will bring to the table. Nishino also mentioned that many people are still playing PS4 games today, while material for the PS5 continues to expand. It's a strong indication that the PS5 will continue to receive support even when the PlayStation 6 is released and begins to push the boundaries.

So, when will we see the PlayStation 6? Nishino did not reveal any specifics, but based on previous console release dates, the next system might be available as early as 2027. This disparity is comparable to that seen between the PS4 and PS5. But this is when things get tough. The Pro models change things up a little.

The PS4 Pro debuted in 2016, four years before the PS5, yet the PS5 Pro was only released in 2024. This might push the PlayStation 6 delivery date to 2028. Still, Nishino made it plain that Sony isn't rushing things. When the hardware warrants a new console, gamers will get it. For the time being, the PlayStation 5 is a permanent fixture. So sit tight, enjoy the journey, and let's see what this beast of a console can do.