After much anticipation, Sony has officially announced the PlayStation 5 Pro, an upgraded and more expensive version of its trendy PlayStation 5 console. The new model, set for release on 7 November, promises enhanced graphics and more consistent performance for the most demanding games.
The PS5 Pro will be Sony’s priciest console, with a retail price of £699.99. This significant increase from the standard PS5 reflects the console’s advanced performance capabilities. Analyst Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere suggests that Sony is banking on the improved specs to entice gamers to upgrade their existing consoles and spend more on software.
The PS5’s lead architect, Mark Cerny, described the PS5 Pro as the “most powerful console we’ve ever built. ” The PS5 Pro aims to resolve the long-standing trade-off between “fidelity mode” (which focuses on visual quality) and “performance mode” (which enhances smoothness but sacrifices some graphical detail). It is designed to provide high-quality visuals without compromising performance.
What’s new with the PS5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro offers several notable upgrades over the original PS5. Key enhancements include a more powerful GPU, allowing faster and more detailed graphics. The Pro has 67% more power for rendering graphics, promising quicker loading times and smoother gameplay.
Another prominent feature is advanced ray tracing technology, which improves the realism of games’ light, shadows, and reflections. Additionally, the PS5 Pro incorporates PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, which uses AI to enhance image sharpness and detail, making in-game environments look more lifelike.
For those with a library of PS4 games, the PS5 Pro supports over 8,500 backward-compatible titles, improving their graphics and performance. Some PS5 games will receive free updates to utilise the Pro’s enhanced features.
The PS5 Pro also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), 8K gaming, and the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology. VRR helps reduce screen tearing in fast-paced games, while 8K support ensures future-proofing for ultra-high-definition displays.
Pricing and availability in India
Pre-orders for the PS5 Pro will begin on 26 September 2024 via PlayStation’s website, and it will be available at major retailers from 10 October. Although Sony has not yet announced the official price for India, it is expected to be at least Rs 70,000. This estimate is based on the UK price of £699.99, which translates to roughly Rs 76,900. Additional costs for local taxes and import duties will likely push the final price higher.
Overall, the PS5 Pro represents Sony’s push to offer a more powerful gaming experience, though its premium cost may impact its appeal among current PS5 owners.
