Yesterday afternoon, Sony officially announced the launch of its next console. Following its proven strategy, they have opted for a hardware revision midway through the current console generation. The PlayStation 5 Pro marks a leap in power compared to the current PS5, allowing not only improved graphical quality but also greater fluidity, along with other new features. This will enhance the experience not just for upcoming games but for the entire existing library, in most cases without requiring updates or patches for older titles. With this announcement, Sony puts an end to the numerous speculations and leaks that have been increasingly circulating online about the mid-cycle upgrade.
Features of the New PlayStation 5 Pro
Regarding the console’s design, it follows the PS5’s aesthetics, with a size almost identical to its recent “slim” version. However, it adds a set of horizontal black bars midway up the structure, reminiscent of the iconic PlayStation 2 design.
As for the hardware, PlayStation has shared a video on YouTube in which Mark Cerny, the lead architect, details in depth the improvements of this new system compared to the standard version. The video focuses primarily on what they call “The Big Three” and the possibilities this update brings.
Improvements to CPU Capabilities
The first of the three main highlights is the enhancement of the CPU capabilities, with a 67% increase in computing power, complemented by 28% faster RAM. This results in a 45% increase in rendering speed compared to the original console.
Advanced Ray Tracing
One of the standout features of this console generation has been the use of ray tracing techniques, which improve lighting effects, reflections, and shadow projections. Naturally, this raises the demand for processing power, negatively affecting game performance and sacrificing smooth gameplay. Advanced Ray Tracing doubles and, in some cases, even triples the speed, theoretically enabling this technology without impacting the frame rate.
AI-Driven Upscaling Technology
One area where consoles have lagged behind the PC market is the use of Artificial Intelligence for image upscaling. To address this, Sony has developed an AI library called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (or PSSR, for short). This technology analyzes images pixel by pixel and adds significant amounts of detail. This allows for increased game resolution without sacrificing performance in the process.
By combining these three aspects, it essentially achieves detail levels similar to the Fidelity mode of the PS5 but with the performance of its Performance mode. According to Mark, the Pro version doubles the capabilities of the standard version. These upgrades are significant, as they eliminate or at least shorten the gaps between both modes. Currently, 75% of users opt for Performance mode to prioritize smooth gameplay over resolution and graphical detail levels. An increase in the GPU’s raw power has also been mentioned, although further details have not been provided.
The video concludes with some examples of these improvements, such as Gran Turismo 7 running with Ray Tracing enabled, enhancing not only lighting effects but also car reflections during gameplay, rather than just during replays as before. Split-screen comparisons of The Last of Us and Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart running on PS5 and PS5 Pro clearly show the differences, both in Fidelity mode and Performance mode. Lastly, the video teases clips from upcoming titles that will receive enhanced versions for the PS5 Pro.
Release Date and Price of PlayStation 5 Pro
The launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro is just around the corner; it will be available worldwide starting November 7. Everything seems good so far, with evident hardware improvements and an imminent release date. However, what has caused a massive stir is the announced price.
The PS5 Pro will cost €800 and does not include the disc drive, which can be purchased separately for €120. Curiously, it also does not include the vertical stand, which costs an additional €30. This means that to get a PS5 Pro with the disc drive and stand, you’ll have to shell out a total of €950, a price point far too steep for the majority of players.
