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- Release Date: November 7, 2024
- Price: $699.99 (US) £699.99 (UK) €799.99 (Europe)
- Upgraded GPU: 67% more Compute Units and 28% faster memory, offering up to 45% faster rendering for smoother gameplay.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: Enhanced lighting with reflections and refractions at up to three times the speed of the current PS5.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution uses machine learning to enhance image clarity with detailed upscaling.
- •8K Gaming & VRR Support: Compatible with advanced displays for higher resolutions and smoother frame rates.
- Storage: 2TB SSD included
- No Built-in Disc Drive: External UHD Blu-ray disc drive sold separately for $80.
- Accessories: Does not include a vertical stand, which must be purchased separately.
Sony has officially unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro, a high-end iteration of its popular gaming console, which is set to hit the market on November 7, 2024. The PS5 Pro is designed to offer enhanced performance, including faster rendering speeds, improved ray tracing, and more advanced graphics, but its $700 price tag has sparked significant debate among gamers and industry observers alike. Despite the hardware upgrades, many feel that the improvements do not justify the steep cost, particularly in light of the global economic climate.
Below is the launch trailer for those who may have not seen it:
A Closer Look at the PS5 Pro: What’s New?
The PlayStation 5 Pro is being marketed as the most powerful console Sony has ever produced. The console’s main upgrades focus on its graphical performance and overall processing power. One of the most talked-about improvements is the 45% increase in rendering speed over the standard PS5, a feature that is designed to deliver smoother gameplay experiences, especially for visually demanding titles.
Key to the PS5 Pro’s enhanced capabilities is a significantly upgraded GPU. Sony has added 67% more Compute Units and 28% faster memory, which allows the console to run games with greater fluidity and visual detail. The addition of advanced ray tracing also brings more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections to games, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in console gaming.
The PS5 Pro also introduces PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-driven upscaling technology that enhances image quality by adding extra details. This technology, designed to compete with the best PC gaming standards, is meant to provide crisper visuals without compromising on performance. These features aim to eliminate the need for players to choose between Fidelity and Performance modes—a common choice on the original PS5—offering instead a seamless experience of 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is set to support 8K gaming, bringing even more graphical enhancements for those with capable displays.
The Cost of Power: Pricing Concerns Dominate the Conversation
One of the most controversial aspects of the PS5 Pro announcement is its pricing. At $699.99 in the U.S., £699.99 in the U.K., and €799.99 in Europe, the Pro model is $200 more expensive than the base PS5. While the upgrades are substantial, many players are questioning whether they are enough to warrant such a high price.
The PS5 Pro’s price puts it in direct competition GPU prices of high-end gaming PCs, a market where power users are accustomed to paying for the latest and greatest technology. However, many casual gamers, who make up a large portion of Sony’s customer base, are balking at the idea of paying nearly $700 for what some perceive as incremental improvements. Moreover, the PS5 Pro does not come bundled with certain essential accessories, such as a disc drive or a vertical stand, which are now sold separately. This adds to the total cost for users who prefer physical games or want to position their console vertically.
A separate UHD Blu-ray disc drive will cost players an additional $80, bringing the total cost for a fully equipped PS5 Pro to nearly $800. This decision to make the disc drive an optional accessory has further fueled concerns that Sony, like Microsoft, is moving toward an all-digital future.
The Shift Toward a Disc-Less Future
The PS5 Pro’s lack of an integrated disc drive marks a significant step in Sony’s gradual push towards a digital-only gaming ecosystem. Although disc-free versions of consoles have existed since the launch of the PS5, the Pro model now requires users to purchase the disc drive separately if they wish to play physical media. This move has sparked debates about the future of physical games in a market increasingly dominated by digital downloads and streaming services.
Some view this as a sign of things to come, with both Sony and Microsoft exploring the idea of an all-digital gaming world. For example, Microsoft has already introduced an all-digital version of their consoles, and it’s widely believed that future consoles may fully embrace this trend. The Verge published a piece titled “Sony’s new PS5 heralds the end of disc drives” after the PS5 Pro announcement.
While going digital offers convenience, such as faster access to games and no need for physical storage, it also raises concerns about the longevity of digital ownership. Players have expressed concerns over losing access to their game libraries if accounts are banned or if platforms decide to delist certain titles.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics
Since the announcement, reactions to the PS5 Pro have been mixed. While the technical specifications of the new console are undeniably impressive, many gamers and industry experts feel that the upgrade may not be worth the price. For casual players, the difference in performance between the base PS5 and the Pro model might not be noticeable enough to justify spending an additional $200 or more.
Many fans took to social media to express their frustration, with common complaints focusing on the price and the limited number of new features. Memes and critical tweets have circulated widely, mocking the high cost of the PS5 Pro and questioning the value it offers.
800 €. No stand. No disc drive. We knew this reveal could turn out bad, but holy moly, this is a gigantic letdown from Sony. What about this is “with deeply engaged players […] in mind” (PS Blog), apart from an “they will buy anything we throw at them” expectation?#PS5Pro pic.twitter.com/GJkwmwwYCy
— Does it play? (@DoesItPlay1) September 10, 2024
The PS5 Pro has lines across the middle of the console which are a nod to the lines Sony executives were doing when they priced the thing pic.twitter.com/NPWP5ilfsC
— Ross Tweets Games (@RossTweetsGames) September 10, 2024
Some gamers expressed disappointment that the new model still targets 60 frames per second—a feature that was heavily marketed with the original PS5 but not always consistently delivered.
A Lack of First-Party Launch Titles
The PS5 Pro is launching during a relatively quiet period for PlayStation exclusives, with no major new games specifically designed to take advantage of the Pro’s enhanced capabilities.
While there are 40 to 50 games that will get PS5 Pro upgrades when the console launches, including popular titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Spider-Man 2, there is no significant first-party game launching with the console.
This lack of immediate, high-profile titles has left some wondering whether it makes sense to upgrade now or wait for a future release that might better justify the investment.
The Future of the PlayStation 5 Ecosystem
Despite the criticism, Sony is confident that the PS5 Pro will appeal to gamers who prioritize performance and cutting-edge graphics. In many ways, the console represents a continuation of Sony’s strategy of offering mid-generation upgrades, as seen with the PS4 Pro in 2016. The PS5 Pro fits into this pattern by offering a more powerful option for gamers who want the latest technology without waiting for the next full console generation.
Moreover, Sony has made it clear that the standard PS5 will remain available, offering a more affordable entry point for players who do not need the enhanced features of the Pro model. In this sense, the PS5 Pro can be seen as a premium option for dedicated gamers, while the base PS5 continues to serve the broader market.
Conclusion: A Divisive Announcement
The PlayStation 5 Pro is undeniably a powerful console, offering significant upgrades in terms of graphical performance and processing power. However, the steep price tag and the perception that the improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary have sparked debate within the gaming community.
For high-end gamers who value the best possible performance, the PS5 Pro may well be worth the investment. But for more casual players, the high cost—especially when factoring in additional purchases like the disc drive and accessories—may be difficult to justify. As the November release date approaches, it will be interesting to see how the market reacts and whether Sony can convince a skeptical audience that the PS5 Pro is worth the price.