In a quiet move, Sony has scrubbed references to 8K capabilities from the packaging of its flagship PlayStation 5 console. The once-prominent “8K” label, which adorned the front of PS5 boxes since the console’s launch in 2020, has been removed, leaving only mentions of 4K/120fps and HDR support.
The change comes as Sony appears to be backing away from its earlier claims of 8K support for the PlayStation 5. At launch, the company had stated that the PS5 would be “compatible with 8K displays” and would receive a future software update to enable 8K output “when content is available, with supported software.”
However, in the nearly three years since the PS5’s release, true 8K support has been virtually non-existent. Aside from a single game, “The Touryst,” which rendered natively in 8K, no other titles have taken advantage of the console’s promised 8K capabilities. The adoption of 8K displays has also been sluggish, with the technology still considered niche and prohibitively expensive for most consumers.
So they apparently removed the 8K from the box on PS5s? Ha ha, that's pretty funny and should have been done years ago. It's pretty obvious that not only is 8K not suitable for these machines (aside from The Touryst) but 8K displays are not desirable. I wouldn't want one. pic.twitter.com/XgFpPx0FWi
— John Linneman @dark1x.bsky.social (@dark1x) June 5, 2024
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Sony’s decision to remove the 8K labeling from PS5 boxes seems to acknowledge the lack of progress in delivering on its 8K promises. The move aligns with comments made by industry leaders, such as Xbox head Phil Spencer, who cautioned that 8K is an “aspirational technology” and that widespread adoption in video games could be “years away, if ever.”
While the removal of the 8K tag may disappoint some early adopters who anticipated 8K gaming on the PS5, it reflects a more realistic approach from Sony. By shifting the focus back to the console’s proven 4K and high frame rate capabilities, the company can better manage consumer expectations and concentrate on delivering high-quality gaming experiences within the constraints of current display technology.
As the console generation progresses, speculation continues to mount about a potential “PlayStation 5 Pro” model, which could reignite the 8K conversation with more powerful hardware. However, for the time being, Sony appears content to let the 8K dreams of the base PS5 fade, opting for a more grounded marketing approach that aligns with the console’s actual capabilities.
