Sony has been busy making headlines recently with a mix of old and new. From innovative console rental programs to surprise updates for classic hardware, and the latest graphics cards, there's a lot to unpack.
PS5 Rental Service Launches in the UK
Sony has partnered with Raylo to launch an official PlayStation 5 rental service in the UK. This service, available through PlayStation Direct, offers various leasing options for the PS5 Digital Edition, the standard disc drive version, and even the rumored PS5 Pro. Think of it as a subscription service for your gaming console.
Lease agreements are available in 12-, 24-, or 36-month terms, as well as a rolling monthly contract. The longer the term, the lower the monthly payment. For example, a 36-month agreement for a PS5 Digital Edition costs just £11 (around $14) per month. However, a rolling contract for the PS5 Pro could set you back £35.59 (nearly $46) per month. Options are also available for accessories like the PlayStation Portal and PS VR2 headset.
The rental service includes a lifetime warranty covering minor damage like dents, scratches, or discoloration. While there are benefits, like making the PS5 accessible to those who can't afford the upfront cost, remember that leasing can potentially cost more than buying the console outright. Unlike Xbox's monthly payment plans, which lead to ownership, you won't own the PS5 at the end of the lease unless you choose to buy it.
Surprise PS3 System Update
In a blast from the past, Sony has released a surprise system update (version 4.92) for the PlayStation 3 – 19 years after its initial launch! This update improves overall system performance and, crucially, updates the Blu-ray player encryption key. This ensures that the PS3 remains a viable option for those who still use it as a Blu-ray player.
It's a reminder that even older consoles can still receive support, keeping them relevant for years to come.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Review: A Stagnant Upgrade?
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 has arrived, and the reviews are in. While it delivers very good 1440p gaming performance and benefits from DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation, it's being called a "stagnant upgrade" by some.
The main criticism is that its performance is virtually identical to the RTX 4070 Super. Furthermore, the 12GB memory capacity is considered insufficient for a $550 GPU in 2025, especially for 4K gaming. DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation offers impressive visual smoothness in supported games, but the limited memory could hamper future performance. The upcoming AMD Radeon RX 9070 series, with its 16GB of memory, might be a more compelling option for some.
"Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 offers no performance increase over its predecessor, and the 12GB memory capacity is too skimpy for a $550 graphics card in 2025."
Ultimately, the RTX 5070 is a solid 1440p card, but potential buyers should weigh their options carefully, especially with AMD's new offerings on the horizon.
