Sony has big plans for its PlayStation 5 console in 2023, which will include brand-new hardware releases, new video games, and much more. It will be difficult for Sony to top the incredible 2022 that the PS5 had, but it will definitely be coming out swinging.

2022 saw the release of some major PlayStation 5 games, albeit in the form of cross-gen titles that were also available for the PS4, like Horizon Forbidden West and God of War Ragnarok. In 2023, PS5 gamers can expect more games to be developed specifically with the new console in mind, as Sony should begin to finally start transitioning away from the PS4 in a significant way.

RELATED: New DualSense Edge Video Reveals How Sony Designed the Controller

Here is what PlayStation 5 gamers can expect from Sony's latest console in 2023 in terms of new hardware and video game releases.

DualSense Edge Controller

DualSense Edge Controller for PS5

Microsoft introduced its Xbox Elite Controller years ago to rave reviews, with many fans saying the upgrades provided by the premium controller were well worth the investment. Microsoft's success with the Elite Controller meant it was only a matter of time before Sony would follow suit with a controller of its own. Starting January 26, PlayStation gamers can get their hands on the new DualSense Edge controller. The PlayStation-equivalent of the Xbox Elite Controller, DualSense Edge features a wide range of enhancements that should make it the definitive controller for PS5 gamers. These enhancements do come with a premium price tag, but anyone willing to part with $199.99 should be able to upgrade their PS5 gaming experience considerably.

Major Third-Party Releases

final fantasy 16 trailer confirms release date clive

While Sony has certainly built an incredibly impressive library of first-party exclusive games, the PlayStation brand has largely been defined by third-party releases over the years. Whether it was Final Fantasy 7 jumping ship from Nintendo to the PlayStation 1 or the PS2 securing timed exclusivity to the original Grand Theft Auto trilogy, third party franchises have often made PlayStation their home. Fans can expect that to continue in 2023, with many huge third-party games on the horizon.

Some of the big third-party games coming to PlayStation 5 in 2023 include Hogwarts Legacy on February 10, which is launching with PlayStation-exclusive content, and the console exclusive Final Fantasy 16, set to drop on June 22. The Resident Evil franchise, which made a name for itself on PlayStation, will also have a presence in 2023, as the highly-anticipated Resident Evil 4 remake is scheduled to release on March 24.

There are rumors that Sony could acquire more video game studios in 2023 as well, which would potentially turn some third-party releases into first-party exclusives. Time will tell on that front, but it's safe to say that PlayStation 5 gamers will have no shortage of games to play in the new year.

PlayStation VR2 Launch

PlayStation VR2 Key Image

New game releases will take up most gamers' time in 2023, but they also have some new hardware to look forward to as well. Virtual reality fans will soon have a new headset to check out as Sony is preparing to launch the PlayStation VR2 headset for $549.99 on February 22. Compatible only with the PS5, the PlayStation VR2 is building an impressive library of launch titles for gamers to play right out of the gate, including Horizon Call of the West. PlayStation VR2 will not be compatible with PS4-era VR games, which is disappointing for sure, but hopefully the new games will be enough to keep VR fans occupied.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Marvel's Spider-Man Peter/Miles

In 2022, Sony released Horizon Forbidden West and God of War Ragnarok, meaning that many of its previously-announced exclusive games have already been launched. Sony almost certainly has more PlayStation exclusives on deck for 2023 that haven't been revealed yet, but there is at least one major new release that fans can count on. It's been confirmed that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac Games will launch exclusively for the PS5 in fall 2023. Insomniac and Sony have yet to reveal too much about the highly-anticipated open world superhero game, but fans can count on learning a lot more about it in the months leading up to its fall 2022 release.

State of Play Events

playstation state of play logo

Sony will have many opportunities to reveal more details about its upcoming 2023 games. It may make appearance at events like Summer Game Fest, and it may relegate some reveals to the PlayStation Blog. Other times, it will host its own special State of Play showcases, where new information on previously-announced games will be revealed, and huge announcements will be made. The last time Sony aired a State of Play presentation was in September, so PlayStation gamers are certainly due for a new one. It seems likely one will take place in January or February of 2023, but fans should certainly wait for official word from Sony before getting too excited.

MORE: PlayStation and Xbox Console Launch Prices Adjusted for Inflation