Sony has officially revealed its latest gaming revelation: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Priced at $700, it’s missing a disc drive and is set to hit the market in November.
Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PlayStation 5, confirmed the upcoming mid-generation update during a PS5 Technical Presentation. He mentioned that the new console is designed to deliver the high frame rates that gamers desire. The graphics processing unit (GPU) is significantly larger, ray tracing capabilities have been enhanced, and there’s specialized hardware for machine learning (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution).
In terms of design, the PlayStation 5 Pro matches up with the leaked details and visuals that have been circulating online. It resembles the PlayStation 5 Slim, but features stripes on either side. Take a look at the PS5 Pro’s appearance in the slideshow of images below.
In an article on the PlayStation Blog, Hideaki Nishino, the CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Platform Business Group, detailed the performance capabilities of the PS5 Pro:
Enhanced GPU: The PS5 Pro features an upgraded GPU that boasts 67% more Compute Units compared to the standard PS5, along with 28% quicker memory. This enhancement allows for up to 45% faster rendering during gameplay, resulting in a significantly smoother experience.
Improved Ray Tracing: The console introduces advanced ray tracing technology that offers more realistic light reflection and refraction. This technology enables light rays to be cast at speeds up to three times faster than those of the previous PS5 model.
AI-Powered Upscaling: Sony is launching PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-powered upscaling technology that leverages machine learning to achieve unparalleled image clarity by adding an exceptional level of detail.
Sony has also announced the pricing for the PS5 Pro at $699.99 / £699.99 / €799.99 / ¥119,980, set to be released on November 7, 2024. The package includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. An optional vertical stand is also available for purchase.
The PS5 Pro is will be available without a disc drive, Sony has confirmed, with the option to purchase the optional disc drive for the PS5 Pro on its own. The PS5 Pro also introduces the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in regions that support it.
Video games that feature PS5 Pro capabilities will be labeled as ‘PS5 Pro Enhanced’ in their titles. A selection of games that will be labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced include Alan Wake 2, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Demon’s Souls, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Gran Turismo 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Horizon Forbidden West, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, The Crew Motorfest, The First Descendant, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, and additional titles.
Games that are playable on the PS5 console will also be playable on the PS5 Pro, utilizing the same interface and online community for multiplayer gaming and network services.
CNET, which has tested the PS5 Pro before today’s announcement, reports that the console is capable of supporting VRR and 8K resolutions, and there will be over 50 PS5 Pro Enhanced games available by the November 7 launch.
Other features include PS5 Pro Game Boost, which can enhance the performance of over 8,500 backward compatible PlayStation 4 games that are playable on PS5 Pro. Sony mentioned that PS5 Pro Game Boost “may stabilize or improve the performance” of supported PS4 and PS5 games. Enhanced Image Quality for PS4 games is also available to boost the resolution of select PS4 games.
The current accessories for the PS5 will also work with the PS5 Pro, such as PlayStation VR2, PlayStation Portal, DualSense Edge, Access controller, Pulse Elite wireless headset, and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds.
Look out for the PS5 Pro at participating stores, including ourselves, and directly from PlayStation at direct.playstation.com. Pre-orders are set to begin on September 26, 2024.
