It has been confirmed that Sony’s next-gen console – the PlayStation 5 – will not have a dedicated internet browser, despite both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 having the feature. In addition, the PlayStation 5 will also be missing 1440p resolution support. Both announcements were confirmed during an interview with Hideaki Nishino, Sony’s Senior Vice President of Platform Planning and Management.
The PlayStation 5 will be releasing this week but both intricate details have just been revealed today. In the last couple of weeks, the weak points of the PlayStation 5 have been documented from its supposed overheating problem to its low SSD storage space. Both problems have gotten their fair share of criticism from the gaming community and now it appears the problems are continuing with this latest interview.
In a Japanese language interview shared and transcribed by Nibellion on Twitter, Hideaki Nishino revealed:
“Currently, we do not intend to install a web browser on PS5. Of course, I use it as a component to use various network functions, but I have doubts about whether a web browser is required for game consoles as an application,”
While the PlayStation head sounded like the developers are open to maybe adding an internet browser in the near future, he also added that:
“Since it is necessary to take measures against child switches, it will take some man-hours to install a web browser.”
In the same interview, Nishino detailed intricately about the console’s beginning and why particular things were altered and other features removed altogether, like its support for 1440p resolution. When questioned, Nishino replied that he wanted to give top priority to TV support.
Nishino on PSVR compatibility on PlayStation 5
"I believe that […] the PS5 will improve the experience"
"I would like to expect the PS5 to have a VR experience that is appropriate for the PS5. I can't comment any further, but I'm looking forward to it (laughs)" pic.twitter.com/eZC2ADFCP2
— Nibel (@Nibellion) November 10, 2020
Nishino didn’t explain further about the reasoning behind pulling out the internet browser from the next-gen console, although it seems that not too many players are disappointed by the news. However, several Twitter users indicated that the PlayStation 4’s internet browser is an exploitable weak point that hackers can take advantage of. By taking out the browser, it is possible that Sony has made the PlayStation 5 at least a bit safer.
Although, if this is really the case, then it is peculiar that Nishino would state his comments in a way that makes it appear as if the developers are open to someday adding an internet browser back. Of course, his response could simply be a way to tell fans that the browser is not returning, without deliberately saying no, as he has previously been unclear about the future of the PSVR on the PlayStation 5.
Regardless, players will be able to determine if the internet browser application will be missed later this week as the PlayStation 5 will be released in select regions on November 12.
