Sony is probably freaking out about the supply chain issues which keep battering Playstation production. Want a Playstation 5? Take a number, or buy an older version – that’s the way things continue to play out as major chip producers lag behind in production.
In what’s likely a result of growing concern over Playstation production, Sony is fast-tracking it’s PC gaming gear initiatives.
On Wednesday, Sony launched a new product line which features monitors and headphones that work with PC gaming. The move is not both strategic and brilliant when we consider that Sony’s known for its display units and headphones. With a lagging Playstation production issue having no foreseeable remedy, pushing out new gear that doesn’t need a chip and allows gamers to game is a wise move forward.
Sony plans to release more PC games as well in hopes that it can broaden its audience.
Sony calls the new product line, Inzone, and it is overseen by a non-gaming infrastructure that traditionally focuses on display technology. Given Sony’s prowess in the display arena, expectations are set high for Inzone.
The new Sony gaming headphones are likely to be pretty dope, allowing futuristic in game sound that can let you know where other people are moving around. The headphones will range $99 to $299, depending on whether or not you choose wired, or bluetooth / noise canceling. Monitors will cost a steep $529 to $899, with 4K resolution residing at the latter cost.
And yes, both items should work with a Playstation 5 for those of you fortunate enough to have one.
What can we expect from Inzone?
This is a brand new product, not an extension on legacy gaming gear. This means we are in for a new, maybe revolutionary, gaming experience.
Both the headphones and display units aim to beautify, or brighten, your senses throughout the PC gaming experience. Both units should maximize your gaming potential.
The Inzone products focus on hearing and visual experiences. The end goal is complete immersion, but on a PC game. These units should accelerate virtual reality gaming experiences with potential implications for metaverse exploration.
The total Inzone product line consists of two monitors and three headsets.
For Inzone headphones, we have:
- Inzone H7 – Wireless gaming headset
- Inzone H9 – Wireless noise cancelling gaming headset
- Inzone H3 – Wired gaming headset
All three headsets feature 360 Spatial Sound specifically built for gaming. In first person shooter games, this translates to locating a target by way of sound, not only visual.
And things get wilder, the unit allows you to take a picture of your ear and the Inzone headsets will customize sound zones.
Way weird, but cool. And still, weird.
The H9 noise cancelling aspect, according to one Sony engineer, is surprisingly way more immersive. I wouldn’t personally know, Sony didn’t send Porn Games any units (hint, hint).
In terms of construction, the H7 and H3 have smooth nylon earpads and a wide and soft headband for comfort.
For Inzone monitors, we have:
- Inzone M9
- Inzone M3
The monitors are designed to create wide spaces to the left and right of the screen. According to Sony engineers, implementing this space is intended to free up desk real estate for keyboards and other devices. This gives the gamer more space to operate devices. You can really see this in the simplistic, tripod monitor stand that’s relatively unassuming.
The M9 is a 27 inch monitor that features 4K resolution, full array local dimming, a 144Hz refresh rate, and is NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible. The M9’s contrast ratio is 8000 to 1, offering insane picture quality. This results in more depth of perception and less chop during your gaming experience.
Here’s an example with the M9 on the right side.
This type of contrast allows a gamer to identify a target, particularly in dark settings, in much faster order.
Sony showed samples while playing Elden Ring, and the results were stunning.
The M3 model is the lesser of the two, featuring a similar 27 inch display, but downgrading the picture quality to HD.
As an ultimate goal, Sony intends to increase gaming performance on all levels.
In the end, Sony’s introduction of Inzone headsets and display units is a game changer for PC gaming. But Sony isn’t the first big company to make waves upping their PC gaming game. Earlier this year, Steam launched its Steam Deck that allows gamers to play PC based games on a portable device. And yeah, Steam does have porn games, but not entirely sure which ones work on the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck experienced long delays, as well. Nothing is safe in our supply chain doldrums.