Earlier today, Sony dropped a bomb when it said that it would reveal the PS5 to the world tomorrow, March 18. Despite rumblings of a PS5 reveal event happening as early as the start of February, it still came as a surprise, especially since Microsoft revealed new Xbox Series X specs just yesterday. Nonetheless, it is finally happening, but there's the question of what will be revealed at the event.
It's worth mentioning that fans should be very conservative when it comes to PS5 expectations; after all, Sony has shown that it is holding, thus far, a lot to its chest. Tomorrow could be the big dam breaker with a flood of info, but it's not likely to give hopeful fans all the answers. Ergo, here's what is and isn't a reasonable expectation.
PS5 Design and Specs
Perhaps the most likely thing to be revealed is the overall design as well as the more detailed specs of the PS5. Many see it as Sony currently needing to play catch up with Microsoft, so this would be a good chance to somewhat level the playing field. On the other hand, many see it as a vote of confidence that Sony isn't seemingly rushing to reveal content. It's uncertain what tomorrow is, but expecting a glance at the box and what's inside is a reasonable assumption.
PS5 Features, PS5 Controller
Chances are, certain capstone features will also be revealed, though what that could be at the moment is anyone's guess. Microsoft has impressed with smart delivery, velocity architecture, increased loading times, and far more. It's uncertain, at this time, what Sony could be showing off, but there's at least a good chance that some of these new functionalities are detailed.
There's also a good chance that, alongside the PS5 design, players get a good look at the PS5 controller (presumably the DualShock 5). There have been several details for the PS5 controller revealed, as opposed to the actual console, so it seems like a safe bet. Besides some upgrades, it sounds like the core design of the controller is, more or less, the same. As the old saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Unlikely: PS5 Price, PS5 Release Date
There's two big things that many fans of the PS5 will be wanting to do, aside from the details mentioned above, and that's the PS5's price and release date. However, for a multitude of reasons, there's almost no way that Sony is prepared to share those details. There's a good chance that a PS5 release date is in mind, but with the current on-goings of the coronavirus, there could be some sort of internal delay. Not to mention, it doesn't want to pick a date that puts it at some sort of disadvantage with its competition, and it's clear that the PS5 price will be influenced by the Xbox Series X. That said, barring any major unknown delays, sometime in November and somewhere around the $500 dollar range seem like safe bet.
Games? Assassin's Creed Ragnarok
There's a good chance that the entirety of this is focused on tech, that this entire thing is smaller than many want to expect, and that the details aren't as forthcoming as many want. That said, there's at least a decent chance that a game or two will appear, as rumors have seemingly indicated this for some time, and the Xbox Series X has shown off as many games as well. Aside from any first-party reveals, it's possible (but not the likeliest, keep that in mind) Assassin's Creed Ragnarok will appear at the show.
This is based on the rumor that it would appear at the PS5 reveal event, which for reasons unknown, fell through or was completely fabricated and corroborated by multiple rumormongers. Still, while it should be near the bottom of the expectation list, it would be a bold move for Ubisoft and beneficial for next-gen sales if it were used to push next-gen consoles (sort of like Assassin's Creed Black Flag).
Games? Grand Theft Auto 6
Slap this one at the bottom of an expectation list, perhaps even under the PS5 Price and PS5 release date, but a lot of rumors have indicated a Grand Theft Auto 6 reveal is coming this month. As such, if these rumors do have any merit, then there's not a better time than this PS5 reveal. It wouldn't be much, as GTA 5 is still going strong, but there were inklings that it would be at the PS5 reveal event before, so it's still possible.
Ultimately, the best thing to do though is to keep expectations in check, as this event could be smaller or even bigger than it's letting on. Finally getting a detailed look at the PS5, though, is plenty for many.
The PS5 reveal event is schedule for March 18 at 9 AM PT/12 PM ET.