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Why the PS5 does not have a web browser

As the local launch of the PS5 draws ever closer, more information as to the decisions taken by Sony for this next-gen console are being revealed.

Recently, for example, Sony addressed many of those questions in a lengthly FAQ, confirming the supported resolutions of the console, as well as whether it will have a web browser.

Regarding the latter, the answer was rather emphatic.

Does PS5 feature a web browser?

No, the PS5 system doesn’t include a dedicated web browser app,” the aforementioned FAQ noted.

While that clears up whether a web browser is present, it does not explain the decision as to why. Luckily in a recent interview with two Sony execs by Japanese publication AV Watch provides some insight.

According to Sony EVP Masayasu Ito and SVP Hideaki Nishino, the simple reason as to why there’s no web browser, is that it was not used enough on the previous generations of PlayStation.

“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,” said Nishino via a Google Translated response.

Speaking anecdotally for a moment, his reasoning does make sense, as we have only used the web browser app on our own PS4 system a handful of times over the past seven years.

Whether the lack of a dedicated web browser app on the PS5 will prove a sticking point for other users though, remains to be seen, especially as the rivalling Xbox Series X|S do have native browsers.

If the PS5 is going to transition into a home entertainment hub, and not just be used for next-gen gaming, perhaps a web browser is something that should be considered in future?

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