PlayStation State of Play 2024: A Look into 2026 and Beyond

The new year has brought with it a flurry of excitement for gamers, as major video game publishers unveiled their roadmaps for the upcoming years. In February, Sony Interactive Entertainment hosted the PlayStation State of Play event, where they shed light on the future of gaming on their console platform.

PlayStation 5 and PSVR2 Hardware

One of the most significant announcements from the State of Play was the release date for the PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2) headset. The company confirmed that the PSVR2 will launch in early 2026, with a price point of $299.99. Additionally, the event revealed that the new headset will feature improved graphics capabilities and motion tracking.

Exclusive Games

Several highly anticipated exclusive titles for the PlayStation 5 were announced during the State of Play. Some of the most notable games include:

• Godfall 2: The Next Chapter: An action RPG with a focus on high-fantasy settings and fast-paced combat.
• Horizon Forbidden West's Companion Game: A new title set in the Horizon series' universe, which is currently in development for the PSVR2 headset.
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart 2: A sequel to the critically acclaimed platformer, with improved graphics and a fresh storyline.

PlayStation Plus and Online Gaming

The State of Play also touched upon Sony's plans for PlayStation Plus (PS+), including the upcoming expansion of its subscription model. Starting in early 2026, PS+ will offer more free games each month, as well as additional perks such as cloud storage and exclusive discounts.

Gaming Hardware and Accessories

In addition to the PSVR2 headset, Sony announced several other gaming hardware and accessories that will be available in 2026. These include:

• DualSense Edge Controller: An updated version of the DualSense controller, featuring improved ergonomics and haptic feedback.
• PS5 Charging Station: A new charging station designed to keep the PS5's power supply organized and clutter-free.

Games and Entertainment

The State of Play event also highlighted several upcoming games and entertainment titles that will be available on the PlayStation platform. Some notable announcements include:

• Gran Turismo 7's Post-Launch Support: A series of free updates and DLC packs will extend the life of Polyphony Digital's critically acclaimed racing simulator.
• Horizon Forbidden West's Story DLC: A new storyline expansion for the popular action-adventure game, set to release in early 2026.
• Axiom Verge 3: The Lost City: A sequel to Thomas Happ Games' hit Metroidvania series, featuring a fresh setting and gameplay mechanics.

PS4 and PS5 backwards Compatibility

In a move aimed at increasing accessibility for new players, Sony announced that they will be expanding the PS4's backwards compatibility with PS5. This means that select PS4 titles will be playable on both platforms, allowing gamers to play their favorite games across multiple generations of consoles.

PSN Store and Game Preservation

Finally, the State of Play touched upon Sony's efforts to preserve classic PlayStation content through the PSN store. The company confirmed that they will be adding new features to the service, including a "Rewind" button for replaying previously played games and a "Discovery" feature for finding hidden gems.

By investing in these initiatives, Sony aims to establish themselves as a leader in the gaming industry for years to come. As 2026 approaches, gamers can look forward to an exciting year of new games, hardware upgrades, and enhanced online features.