PlayStation reveals exciting new hardware, but GTA 6 won't benefit

PlayStation 5 users will soon be able to get their hands on several new PlayStation 5 accessories, but not in time for Grand Theft Auto VI’s launch.

The launch of the PlayStation 6 remains several years away at the very least, with Sony vowing to spend these remaining years of the PS5’s life cycle appealing to existing rather than new users.

That means the focus is going to be on improving the PS5’s subscription services, peripherals, and game line-up in order to encourage existing owners to spend more money.

One way Sony looks set to tempt consumers is with the newly revealed PlayStation Pulse Wireless Headset and Pulse Edge Wireless Headset.

These newly revealed headsets both come in black and white and are intended to be an improvement on the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset that launched alongside the console in 2020.

PlayStation followed up with the Pulse Elite, back in 2024, but the newly announced Pulse and Pulse Edge are set to become the new recommended offering for PS5 users.

The former Pulse Elite introduced planar magnetic drivers and PlayStation Link connectivity, and the Pulse and Pulse Edge will continue to build upon that superior offering.

These new headsets boast “custom studio-inspired planar magnetic drivers” to “deliver exceptional sound separation and spatial accuracy”.

What that means for users is that PlayStation’s 3D audio should be at its most immersive.

“This makes it easy for players to pinpoint directional cues, such as footsteps or reloads in competitive first-person shooters,” a PlayStation blog post reads.

The headsets also have larger planar drivers which create a deeper bass sound compared to the previous Pulse Elite.

Both headsets are fitted with mics which boast AI-enhanced noise rejection to filter out background noises.

In terms of design, the two headset varieties look pretty similar, but they’re markedly more streamlined than previous Pulse iterations.

PlayStation notes that they were designed for “lasting comfort and durability with rotating earcups that allow the headsets to lay flat for easier portability”.

That does sound like a handy feature because carting around my original Pulse 3D headphones is a bulky nightmare.

Again, both headsets will come in white and ‘midnight black’ options.

As for what makes the Pulse Edge better, it has double the magnet volume of the Pulse which results in even “richer, deeper bass”.

It also has noise cancellation, a detachable boom mic, a carry case, and is made with premium materials. You can compare the two headsets below.

The Pulse Edge won’t arrive in time for GTA VI’s launch, the Pulse is a possibility

No pricing is yet available. The Pulse is set to launch “this holiday season” while the Pulse Edge will arrive in early 2027.

It’s looking then as if gamers likely won’t be able to get their hands on either product in time for their GTA VI playthrough.

There’s a small chance the Pulse may arrive in time as “the holiday season” can refer to November; as a reminder, GTA VI launches on November 19.

The Pulse Edge though certainly is coming at a much later date.

Rockstar Games and PlayStation have teamed up to pitch GTA VI as playing “best on PS5” with the title set to make use of the console’s DualSense haptic feedback and 3D audio. It’ll also boast a PS5 Pro upgrade.

There’s a very good chance though we may have to experience that 3D audio using PlayStation’s pre-existing headsets if the Pulse isn’t dropped in time.

Even if the new Pulse headset does miss the GTA VI deadline, PlayStation’s 2027 slate is shaping up nicely.

Until Dawn 2 and God of War Laufey are both on the way early on in the year with Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet potentially launching towards the end of it.

Gamers are almost certainly going to want to experience those games with top notch audio, but it all comes down to how much the Pulse and Pulse Edge cost - and we’ll bring that news to you when it lands.