Sony Teases Next-Gen PlayStation at State of Play While Dropping Surprise Game Demos

In a move that caught both fans and industry insiders by surprise, Sony’s latest State of Play event delivered more than anyone bargained for. While rumors swirled around the possibility of new game trailers, Sony instead leaned into next-gen hype, subtly teasing what could be the first look at the future of PlayStation hardware—all while dropping free demos of two highly anticipated titles on the PlayStation Store.

The showcase, which aired Thursday evening, began with a slick 15-minute montage of upcoming PS5 titles—highlighting gameplay footage from BlockRunner, Phantom Drift, and the long-awaited Whisperer’s Edge. However, just as the broadcast seemed to be wrapping up, a cryptic trailer featuring rapidly shifting environments, ray-traced lighting, and an unfamiliar console startup chime aired without explanation. Speculation immediately erupted online that it might be an early tease of Sony’s next-gen console, unofficially dubbed the PlayStation 6. The teaser ended with a simple message: “Welcome to what’s next.”

In a follow-up blog post published minutes after the stream ended, Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed the release of playable demos for Phantom Drift and Whisperer’s Edge—both now available exclusively for PS5 users. Phantom Drift, dubbed a “neon soulslike,” allows players to explore a cyber-noir cityscape with fast-paced traversal mechanics and intense boss battles. Whisperer’s Edge, a fantasy stealth-action title from Dawnlight Studios, introduces players to a magical guerrilla resistance set against an evil authoritarian empire.

Gamers have already begun sharing footage of both demos across Twitch and YouTube, with early reactions largely positive. Fans praised the responsive controls in Phantom Drift and the atmospheric world-building in Whisperer’s Edge.

While Sony has not officially confirmed any hardware details, the cryptic nature of the final teaser—and its high-fidelity presentation—suggests the company is beginning to stoke anticipation for the future of PlayStation. With Summer Game Fest and Gamescom on the horizon, it wouldn’t be surprising if Sony ramps up its next-gen messaging in the months ahead.

For now, the demos are more than enough to keep PS5 users busy. But one thing is clear: Sony just got the gaming world talking.