PS5 3D audio will work with many current headsets but not TV speakers at launch

Pulse 3D wireless headset
(Image credit: Sony)

PS5 3D audio will only be available on headsets at launch, but Sony says it's working on supporting built-in TV speakers for an update after launch.

The PlayStation Blog confirms that PS5's Tempest 3D AudioTech will work with many existing PS4 headsets at launch, including those connected to the console via USB or to the gamepad via 3.5mm jack. Naturally, that includes the new Pulse 3D wireless headset, which "has been engineered to take full advantage of PS5’s 3D audio capabilities" - Sony even shared the new image of the headset at the top of this story along with this update - but you won't need that headset specifically to enjoy 3D audio.

Sony isn't saying how much longer we may need to wait for 3D audio support to be expanded to built-in TV speakers. It also isn't saying whether that work will apply to other audio setups like 2.1 soundbar setups; presumably you wouldn't have much need for 3D audio software if you already have a physical surround sound system.

Along with the update on PS5 3D audio, Sony also shared a list of PS5 games that will support the feature. This list is not exhaustive, but it is a good start for folks who already know they want to give their ears a treat on the next generation.

  • Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
  • Astro’s Playroom
  • Gran Turismo 7
  • Returnal
  • Destruction AllStars
  • Demon’s Souls
  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
  • Sackboy: A Big Adventure
  • Horizon Forbidden West
  • Resident Evil Village

Many of those picks are PS5 launch games - see what else is coming as soon as Sony's new console arrives. We're also rounding up the best PS5 headsets from a bunch of high-end forward-compatible models from some of the top gaming audio brands.

Connor Sheridan

I got a BA in journalism from Central Michigan University - though the best education I received there was from CM Life, its student-run newspaper. Long before that, I started pursuing my degree in video games by bugging my older brother to let me play Zelda on the Super Nintendo. I've previously been a news intern for GameSpot, a news writer for CVG, and now I'm a staff writer here at GamesRadar.