PlayStation 5 release date update: Upcoming system capable of cloud and VR gaming?

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Although fans may not see a console follow-up from Sony anytime soon, some observers are already speculating on what the tech giant plans to feature in its next gaming system. It is said that the so-called PlayStation 5 may have VR and cloud gaming features.

According to Yibada, Sony filed for a patent for a glove-based controller. While this idea is not a new one – after Nintendo's previous PowerGlove accessory – the documents indicate that Sony's accessory will have a "cloud-based gaming" feature. Although it is unclear if the glove accessory will be an add-on to the current-gen PlayStation 4, it may be expected that Sony will integrate the same gaming peripherals into its upcoming gaming systems.

The industry follower added that rumors also say that the PlayStation 5 will not be a gaming-focused console, but will rather work as a content and media streaming device.

Meanwhile, Value Walk says that prevailing speculations mention that the PS5 will have two editions and each version will cater to different gaming content. According to the industry observer, Sony will come out with a disc-driven console, with Blu-Ray HD disc game features and 4K options, for players who wants graphics-intensive playing. In addition, there will also be a disc-less version that can stream gaming content straight to SSD storage, which will give faster loading and processing times, suited for performance-centric gaming.

Both versions will also come with VR support and will reportedly be fully compatible with the PlayStation VR headset, as well as the rumored glove controller.

As for its release date, while 2020 may sound far in the future, fans may expect a brief mention of the PS5 later this year. According to N4BB, Sony reportedly plans to hint at the upcoming PS4 follow-up at the end of 2016, in time for the PlayStation VR's release.