The PlayStation 5 does not have a web browser, but does anyone care?

The PlayStation 5 launches tomorrow, but like most releases, it won’t have everything you could wish for right out of the gate. That includes a web browser if anyone really cares about that anyway.

[shadowT]

I am using my mobile phone browser. I stream rarely to my HDTV, using my Chromecast. No need for a PS5 web browser.

[Sonic-and-Crash]

agree....never used PS4 or PS3 fro web browsing ....no need PS5 to have one ..it is a hardcore console and thats good.

[solideagle]

I didn't even know PS4 had web browser until today lol

[bouzebbal]

I don't, all I care about is games..
Last time I used Web browser on a console was psp.. Thought was cool back then

[kneon]

I remember trying the PS3 browser, and it was awful. I assume the PS4 has a browser, I've never needed it and so have never noticed.

[blackblades]

I can't 100% say the same. I dont use it cause I have a phone but the tournments puts me on the web when looking at the standings and thats about it.

[dantesparda]

"620°
The PlayStation 5 does not have a web browser, but does anyone care?"

Sh!t! I do! And F-Sony if they are not gonna put one in. To many steps backwards. No archiving PS5 games on the external drive, no VRR, no folders, no 1440p, slower load times on BC games. And now no browser?
The XsX is starting to sound better all the time now.

[where-eagles-dare]

The PS3 web browser was brilliant & way ahead for it's time. It even made me a few extra quid while I was at university. I used to download movies from sites like Stagevu and stick them onto a usb stick and sell them down my local pub to the regulars.

I haven't used my PS3 since it gave up the ghost about 6 years ago, but as memory serves me, it was = Triangle = Right click = Scroll down & save target.

It was also top notch for, cough, splutter ahem, perusing gentleman's websites with scantily clad flibbertigibbets. I used the PS3 web browser so much that Popeye would have been proud of my wrists.

So I'm disappointed that a browser is not included with PS5, perhaps in the future, if there's a demand from professional w@nker$ like me.

[REDGUM]

Ps4 does have a web browser but it runs soooo damn slow.

[NotoriousWhiz]

These days it really doesn't make sense to have a web browser on a console.

[Imalwaysright]

Why?

[NotoriousWhiz]

1) Having a browser would increase the console's exposure to hacking. Potentially inhibiting online play for others.
2) Console browsers are not Firefox, Chrome, or Safari, and tend to be non-standards compliant anyway.
3) Everyone has a phone or laptop that is better for quick searching for information anyway given that it has a keyboard.
4) Using a browser on a large TV is usually a very clunky experience. Text may be too small to read, or comically huge, scrolling is a pain.

[Imalwaysright]

1) Has that ever happened on consoles?

2) And?

3) We're not talking about other devices, we're talking about consoles.

4) Text? What about websites like youtube or streaming websites like 123 movies that allow us to watch movies for free on our big TVs?

[NotoriousWhiz]

1) Yes, literally took me < 10 seconds to find this:
https://wololo.net/2017/11/...

2) Sorry, that was my web developer hat. Websites don't behave as expected on poor browsers.

3) We're talking about why consoles don't need a browser, because other devices that we already own have them. We don't need every device to do everything.

4) Most streaming services have apps that can be installed.

[CaptainHenry916]

I have a PC and smart phone right next to my PS4. I have plenty of web browser's

[Dir_en_grey]

I constantly use the browser on PS4 cuz I might be doing something else on my phone at the same time.
Sometimes I just want to browse the web on the big screen.
Wish they add it later, does not hurt to have options.

[NeoGamer232]

I remember the PS3 being the first console with a browser and Sony bragging about it. Times have really changed.

Personally, a browser is not a good user interface on a TV. Much prefer my PC, Tablet or phone.

[Livingthedream]

Nope do care. Why remove it, used it all the time in the past, mainly for streaming directly from certain websites. Use it on xbox too

[StoneyYoshi]

I NEVER used it on my PS4. No plans to do it again. Why use a slow clunky browser when I can just pull out my phone and find what I need.

[ClayRules2012]

Yeah, same here! Always take my phone out to look up what I need. This isn’t an issue for me whatsoever.

[StoneyYoshi]

Especially now with the new help feature for some games, we wont even need to pull out our phones.

[ClayRules2012]

Yeah, that’ll be so helpful. I forgot about that feature! Thanks for the reminder😉

[Kurt Russell]

It was frustrating when an in game button would lead to opening that damn web browser... I say good riddance.

[xxShadow-Shockxx]

The answer is no, the ps4 web browser was slow anyways, id rather just use my phone or laptop even if the PS5 had a web browser.

[Silly gameAr]

I used my PS4 web browser all of 2 times, so I don't really care, but that doesn't mean that others out there won't.

[SullysCigar]

Nope, I have the Internet on my phone and use it occasionally as I game, I don't need it on the TV.

If they do add it, glad for anyone that might care, I guess.

[Freshnikes]

I used the browser on ps3 ( before the smartphone was so common ) I haven’t used it on ps4, I just use my phone and if I want to watch something online on my tv I just screen share from my phone. No big deal. But in 2010 it was a HUGE DEAL .

[MarcoGT]

Most people, especially someone that buys a console is gonna have other devices that will always be better to use especially in this day and age. 10 years ago when maybe not as many people/kids had a smart phone or tablet it was a nice feature but not really needed now.

[ScootaKuH]

Pre order cancelled

[Shane Kim]

Same, how dare they not having a Web browser.

[ScootaKuH]

I mean I have a mobile, laptop and even my TV has a browser.

Does that mean my TV is more powerful than PS5?

[--Onilink--]

There is actually a functional purpose to a browser, like anyone trying to use it in a place where wifi requires validation, or when games take you to a web page for certain things.

Though like in the Switch, this can be done in a “system level browser” as opposed to having an actual application. I would assume thats what they have right now

[mkis007]

I hope they have one for that. Hotels.

[Omegasyde]

I actually didn’t think of that, and Mk that is a great point.

Usually when using a guest wifi at a hotel, you get a html based guest login page asking for authentication.

[mkis007]

Btw for anyonec interested. It seems there is a system level browser. There are settings for it. Also Genshin Impact requires one.

[SyntheticForm]

Not one damn bit.

[jznrpg]

I don’t, I only used it once on the PS4 . I am sure some will ? I generally use my cell phone or laptop for all internet . Sometimes I use my PC and I did use my TVs once too. Now for hotels it may be an issue as some require you to go to a webpage to connect (probably can use my phone as hotspot) but I’ll be waiting for a slim for travel and it could be there by then or they may have a workaround .

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

Nah my laptop, tablet, tv and phone does though. Not a big deal at all.

[IMissJimRyan]

Console hackers do.

[andy85]

It's 2020. I honestly never used it on PS4. my phone loads pages instantly, so why would i spend time typing what i wanted on the controller then waiting for pages to load

[oakshin]

Y'all fools

closed system with good built-in work around for content that won't run with ad blocker console web browser is huge

[green]

I remember when the 360 was dragged to hell and back for the lack of a web browser. Now, it is "who cares" lol.

Well, I never cared then and I don't care now.

[Ron_Danger]

No one cares now because everyone has a smart phone in their pocket with the internet. In the 360 days you’d be lucky if your phone had text based internet browsing.

[SullysCigar]

This. I'm impressed you could be bothered to type that reply. I just palmed my face out the back of my head lol

Look at all the comments. Nobody cares about a Web browser on a console for years now, but everyone's getting disagrees with nobody explaining why... Lol madness!

[RaiderNation]

The only ones who care are those who can no longer watch Pornhub on a big screen. LOL

[Bathyj]

The VR player never worked properly anyway.

[menghina]

I never used the web browser on any console not even youtube , only twitch tv.But I won't say that there are none that will not use it.I

[aaronaton]

I do, my PS4 was a porn machine, plus no google tracking nonsense

[Nacho_Z]

Me and my wife have watched a few...videos on the PS4 but not very often because of how dire the browser is. Must admit it's a little disappointing there's no browser because I figured with WiFi 6, whatever tf that is and if I've even got that right, it'd work a lot better.

[I_am_Batman]

I'd want them to add one at a later date, but it would have to be of comparable quality to internet browsers available on PC to be useful. I don't want to disable Javascript all the time just because a site stopped responding or the allocated memory volume is overflowing. If they can't make a quality browser, there is no point in adding one at all.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

I don't have a computer so I always use the PS3 and PS4 web browser for porn

[Lionsguard]

I didn't even know the PS4 had one..I did use my PS3 for one temporarily as an emergency once though.

[MetroidFREAK21]

I know I don't care about that on a game console

[FloydianAndroid]

Of course no one on this site cares, it’s Sony we’re
talking about......they didn’t care that the PS4 couldn’t play 4K blu rays or that back compact was pretty much non existent.

This site loves Sony more than Fox News loves trump

[Bathyj]

How are you going to drive the last nail in by yourself up on that cross?

PlayStation fans always complain when there's something we don't like. It's just that no one cares about this. It's Xbox gamers that don't speak up and take everything with a smile. That's why they get what they get.

Besides have people not realised yet whenever some terrible storm in a teacup issue like this comes up it soon gets patched? Spiderman game save transfers being the most recent example.

[Rhythmattic]

Sony has decided to leave the outdated concept of a browser for a gaming console....
As for not playing 4K Blu rays , that would suck, and personally , with a huge Bluray HD library, and no 4K screen, (which wasn't really the norm at the time) its somethingI haven't missed....nor will I miss a web browser.... Every one has a phone or computer generally in reach, but now I might become part of the 4K club, in the near future upgrade to a PS5 and 4 K screen, and consider buying remasters of my fave films I have on BR, but only after after researching if worth while.... But one thing that I'm confused about is Dolby ATMOS for film.... I dot care for the "Atmos Gaming" push, Tempest is by design, above and beyond DA geared for gaming.... But as for UHD support, Im not sure what Sonys considering,.... Movies need standards.... Exclusive Games, or 3rd party developed with the hardware in mind, is a totally different beast.

[FloydianAndroid]

By the way I can’t wait to play my ps5 Thursday

[Bathyj]

In one hour for me.

[fxa5209]

I used it many times to download background pictures for PS4. It was easy and straight forward. I do hope that Sony is not forcing us to buy themes and background pictures for PS5.

[ziggurcat]

No.

[jbull]

PS4 had a web browser? with smartphones it seems like a waste to bother have a web browser on a console.

[ziggurcat]

Yes, it did. The web browser on the console has never been very good. I can count on one hand how many times I've used the browser over the last 7 years - even less when I count the instances that weren't accidental.

I have my laptop right next to me usually, so I've never really needed to use the console's browser.

[purple101]

They have text to voice on dualsense . For YouTube.

This is all you want.

[purple101]

Or voice to text rather

[GoodnessGreatness]

PS4 had a web browser and I've only used it once or twice lol. Everyone got mobile phones on their hands, if you need to browse, you already have it beside you

[Challengerscatpack]

The PS4 had a web browser?? I know the PS3 did and it was exhaustingly slow and horrible to navigate.

[SharnOfTheDEAD]

What a dumb article. A lot of people use the PS4 browser. I rely on it to use apps like Fite TV that aren't officially supported. What an absolute oversight to not have this feature at launch.

[SharnOfTheDEAD]

If there's a way to access Fite TV I'd be certainly happier but this definitely sucks if the app isn't supported or acces9via browser

[TheColbertinator]

No purchase from me then

[lucian229]

Pornhub cares

[AnotherGamer]

Wait, so how are gonna log in on FFXIV?

[Welshy]

Like the Switch I guess? Switch technically doesn't have a browser but it has the ability to load web pages within games.

[Knightofelemia]

I use to use the PS4 web browser to watch Kimcartoon or Kissanime or watch the odd free movie site that was it.

[northpaws]

Yes, people who are not planning to get a PS5 would care, because that makes their console of choice seems better.

Scenario: Xbots see an article about PS5s do have something.
Step 1: Google "Does Xbox has... "
Step 2 (if yes): go back to the article, hit disagree on everyone that say it is not important, and then comment and tell you why it is the most important feature for a new console.
Step 2 (if no): hide in bushes and wait for the next chance to strike

[chaos999]

I didn't know the 4 has one

[Limitedtimestruggle]

Will not be missed.

[MrGameAndWatch]

I used it a lot for gdq replays or overwatch league stuff. Just because it was so convenient to browse for content and watch it without having to pass by the twitch or youtube app. Fortunately, xbox series still have it.

[Einhander1971]

NO!! I bought my PS5 to play games nothing else.

[isarai]

I would a bit if i didn't have a smart tv with a web browser. Even then i barely used it, but i certainly get being bummed about it

[Starman69]

Nope. Not me . I have a phone lol

[Smok91]

Why would they when we’re surrounded by more efficient browsers

[Ratchet75]

Won't be missed.
Most video players were outdated on it.
It was like having a 2005 version of Google.

[Black-Helghast]

um... i use my ps4 web browser for movies, monday night raw, fridaynight smackdown and um PPV events. I've yet to understand why they left this out

[tombfan]

The few times I did use the browser was when i didn't have a smart tv and wanted to see porn in my tv screen :V

[Elda]

I wonder if the PS5 will have the PlayStation Live app like the PS4? I like watching folks acting crazy & cutting up in their homes.

[Hawk198666]

Use mine on PS4 all the time to watch movies, tv shows, and when getting collectables in a game, just simply double tap the ps button and it quickly changes between the browser and game without the page reloading.

[Rebel_Scum]

I use it when i'm a bit over gaming and just wanna watch some music videos when I'm loaded lol.

[cyclindk]

Option should be there along with mouse and keyboard support, seriously, how difficult would it be... just do it.

And no I don’t use it often, but if it were reliable, functional and usable with mouse and keyboard maybe I would...

[FreeFallFrenzy]

As long as they have a work around to log into public ISPs, the browser isn't necessary

[ILostMyMind]

Seems like many xbox users care a lot.

[chrisoadamson]

I use the web browser on my xbox to stream football games... soccerstreams.info. your welcome

[Ninver]

It'll come in a future patch. No need to panic.

[PCgamer98]

Makes me wonder if they ditched it because web browsers played a huge part in hacking the ps3/ps4.

[gunfan]

Guess I have to say goodbye to pornhub on my 4k 55 inch tv. Is a sad day for the gaming and internet porn industry. /S but maybe not.

[ArthriticPowers]

I'll put my tin foil hat on and say they are trying to prevent future gamepass filtration....jkn

[chiefJohn117]

It's not that big a deal as i rarely use web browsing on console but ofc you prefer to have it than not. But not a deal breaker for me

[RosweeSon]

Nope never used a browser on the consoles for more than 5 minutes ps3 and Wii ones were pretty awful. I mean they connected to the internet but reminded me of being on the Dreamcast and that was dial up 😅😂 I’ll just use my phone as always nothing new and non essential for me. I’m buying a games consoles not multimedia set top box.

[Smclaren1985]

Still though this is basic features Sony come on

[AuraAbjure]

I love a web browser for the big screen.

[Nodoze]

With space at a premium - WHO CARES?

[hiawa23]

I never use the browser in any of my consoles so, so what..

[Good-Smurf]

Really the only console that I regularly use its internet browser is the PS4.
But that was during when I don't have my own laptop when I do have laptop then I barely use it again.
Now I do almost all my web browsing on used Vaio FW laptop.

[crazyafrican100]

I mean it’s always nice to have the option but I doubt people buying any new console are racing to use the browser 😂

[lio_convoy]

No. I have a smartphone with a web browser. I'm using it now.

[dumahim]

I've had a laptop on my coffee table for like a decade. I can't imagine trying to use the console browser.
Hell, a couple years ago when I spilled lemonade and killed the laptop, I'd use my phone instead.

[Darthpaul84]

I’m sure someone will complain

[Sunny_D]

I used the PS3 browser extensively ;) but this was before I had a smart phone. I barely if at all touched my PS4's browser.

[frostypants]

Good riddance. This will stop lazy devs from linking in-game documents/announcements to the web. I never use console browsers otherwise.

[Games1st]

There's more important stuff to add to UI.

[forevercloud3000]

I use my PS4 web browser to stream pornhub all the time. This is very dissappointing. The Xbox Series still has a browser. Hope they patch it in.

I honestly feel like it's absence has more to do with it conflicting with the Gamer Help functionality they implemented into PS Plus.

[Mandingo2020]

When you at a hotel you'll care 😂

[FanboySpotter]

People do, you might not care but people going into next gen seeing missing stuff from ps4 gen is a disappointing. Also according to data ps was #1 in (P)opc(orn) searches so ofcourse some will dislike this.

[akurtz]

I used it alot for watching football games off streaming websites. I hope they patch it in soon

[DivineHand125]

it will be missed as some games such as Warframe uses the web browser to provide news updates and also uses some aspect of it to sign into their service.

[BrainSyphoned]

.

[Mister_G]

Nah. Doesn't need one. My TV, phone and Android tablet all have browsers. If that new PS5 help system works well then I won't need to be searching much during playtime anyway.

[SamTheGamer]

I'll use only if they add Google Chrome. 🙄

[SmokinAces]

Its not a massive issue but I did use it from time to time for looking up stuff for games when doing Platinum Trophy runs but I have a feeling the new systems Sony has put in place on PS5 will negate the need for that and a web browser is never that far away anyway so really no big loss but it would have been nice to still have it for the added convenience.

[BioShockGX]

I did. Sad face.mkv

[QuePasa87]

I can't remember the last time I used a web browser on any game console. It's been a few years at least.

[vivid83]

Pornhub viewership is gonna decline dramatically lol

[GordyNYC]

I use the browser regularly to stream online shows on my tv. Works great most times

[Knushwood Butt]

No.

[supes_24]

Came here just to get negative comments because I never used the web browser on PS3/4. Games man, I don't turn on my PS to browse the internet.

[LucidIllusion]

It's overall useless for today but we need something to complain about

[ActualWhiteMan]

Its 100% for hacking reasons. The webkit on the PS4 has been the entry point for all the hacks to date.

[TheTony316]

Probably some Xbox fanboys :D

[FyBy]

I never understood, why there are web browsers in consoles. I tried to use it few times, but it was clumsy.

[LEVONZZZ]

used it a lot, like every noon

[Nineball2112]

I care. I used the web browser extensively in both my PS3 and PS4.

[Spartacus10]

I'd happily buy another PS4 for my parents to use as a nettop if the browser was half decent but its not so I understand why they didn't bother wasting time bringing it to the PS5.

[Positivelypositive]

I remember trying to use the web browser to have the walk through for the game up and switch back and forth and it did not function well at all. After that I never used it again because I could have it up on my phone while playing if I really needed it. I am not really surprised either way. I am sure there is a niche group somewhere that is disappointed.

[Jpinter]

Yeah, the web browser was never really a spotlight feature for any of the PlayStation consoles. It's not really a big deal that the PS5 doesn't really have one.

[zarbor]

Console web browsers are useless. Smart TVs, phone stream to TV, PC to TV.....The PS web browser was one of the worst. Glad they killed it.

[swifty1]

PS4 web browser = porn viewer

[Jon_Targaryen]

Dammit... how are we gonna HEN it now in the future?!?!?!

[chobit_A5HL3Y]

i can count the number of times i used the browser on both my ps3 and ps4 combined on one hand lol people will downvote because “console wars”, but literally everyone has a phone or computer that they have easier access to than their gaming console. not only that, but it’s not even easy to navigate with the controller.

[Locutus_of_borg]

I always found the web browser on Xbox was crap anyway so never bothered with it ...

[Profchaos]

Nope even before smartphone phones were commonplace there have been browsers on consoles and all of them were cumbersome and had unpatched security exploits.

The PSP, vita, PS3, 360, x1 and PS4 all had one and they all sucked a don't know a single person that actively used them they weren't really capable of video streaming and it's always been quicker to just pull out your phone (after around 2008 when phones became common).

I won't miss a console browser.

But I do find it funny that there are options in the menu to clear the browser cache

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

Not a deal breaker by any stretch, but I'll miss this feature... I pretty much only use my phone for calls, and outside the house at that, I still have, use and prefer a landline. For internet stuff I rather use the notebook or desktop (if I'm on the study) than my phone if it can be helped, don't know why, just never adapted to it (maybe related, never quite got into portable gaming either, not for lack of trying).

So yeah, I find it practical to have the option when gaming for the eventual lookup at a guide or check some setup in my router or whatever little task I need while gaming, even with the poor performance of the browser (I'm not there for long, do I don't really mind it)... But I see so little use must make the memory allocation hard to justify for Sony too.