Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation 5 will be launching without a web browser, as it isn't entirely sure such an app is necessary on a modern console.
Clearly the people behind this decision aren't aware a whopping 51.1% of all console traffic to Pornhub was from PlayStation 4 users in 2019. In lieu of an official Pornhub console app, which I highly doubt we'll ever see, the PS4 web browser was the best route for thirsty gamers who couldn't make it to their PC or phone... or just fancied treating themselves to porn on a bigger screen.
To be fair, I have no idea how many PS4 owners actually used the web browser to look at porn. 51.5% of all Pornhub console traffic could be 51.5% of a very small number, but it was clearly one of the more prominent uses of the app. I'm fairly certain people also used it for dodgy streams of TV shows and movies, but I'm obviously not endorsing that, because it's straight up theft. Porn though? You do you, my friend. Literally.
Anyway, as I say, using the web browser to view porn was clearly not something Sony considered - or wanted to consider. SIE senior vice president Hideaki Nishino confirmed in a recent interview (via Push Square) that the company doesn't intend to include a browser, expressing doubts about whether such a thing is necessary for a console anymore. Nishino added that we'd have to "wait and see" whether or not one is added down the line, but it's not looking hopeful.
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To be fair, I can see where Sony is coming from here. The only thing I ever used my PS4 browser for was to look up guides if I'd gotten stuck, and even then that was only if my phone wasn't anywhere near me. Besides, the PS5 will have a YouTube app that'll be full of guides, as well as built-in tips and tricks for various games.
Eliminate guides, porn, and dodgy streams, and what is the PS4 browser really for? It looks like we'll be waving goodbye to this particular chapter of PlayStation history... although I'm already nervous to see how the lack of a PS5 browser impacts Pornhubs stats next year.
Featured Image Credit: SonyTopics: PlayStation 5, News