PC Gaming Lab

Sony has officially announced the PS5 Pro, the most powerful version of its PlayStation 5 console. Priced at $699.99, this upgraded model comes with several major improvements, including a larger GPU for faster performance, advanced ray tracing capabilities, and AI-driven upscaling technology. However, if you’re hoping to play physical game discs on the PS5 Pro, you’ll need to buy the disc drive separately for an additional $79.99, bringing the total to $779.98 for both the console and the disc drive.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

• Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro features a GPU that has 67% more Compute Units than the original PS5, along with 28% faster memory. This improvement allows for up to 45% faster rendering during gameplay, ensuring smoother visuals and overall better performance.
• Advanced Ray Tracing: The new console also includes enhanced ray tracing capabilities, which offer more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. The ray tracing speed is said to be 2 to 3 times faster than the current PS5, delivering more lifelike graphics.
• AI-Driven Upscaling: Another standout feature is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-powered upscaling technology. This system uses machine learning to deliver sharper images and finer details, improving the clarity of everything you see on-screen.
• Game Boost: Sony is introducing Game Boost for PS5 Pro, which aims to stabilize or improve performance for select PS4 and PS5 games. This feature will also enhance image quality for certain PS4 titles, improving their resolution when played on the PS5 Pro.

Game Compatibility and Performance

A variety of both old and new games will be optimized to take full advantage of the PS5 Pro’s power. Several games will receive free patches to boost their performance, allowing for better visuals and smoother gameplay. Games that will be labeled as “PS5 Pro Enhanced” include:

• Alan Wake 2
• Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
• Demon’s Souls
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
• Horizon Forbidden West
• Gran Turismo 7

Sony has promised that around 40 to 50 games will be updated with patches to take advantage of the PS5 Pro’s capabilities when it launches.

PS5 Pro Design and Accessories

The design of the PS5 Pro remains consistent with the overall PS5 family. It retains the same height and width as the original console, ensuring compatibility with existing accessories such as:

• PlayStation VR2
• DualSense Edge controller
• PlayStation Portal
• Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore headsets

Players also have the option to add a Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive if they wish to use physical games or media, but this must be purchased separately. Additionally, the PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD for increased storage and faster load times.

Availability and Pricing

The PS5 Pro will be available for preorder on September 24, 2024, and will officially launch on November 7, 2024. The disc-less version will cost $699.99, while adding a disc drive will bring the total to $779.98.

International prices for the console are as follows:

• £699.99 GBP
• €799.99 EUR
• ¥119,980 JPY (including tax)

What’s Next: PlayStation 5 Pro Presentation and Upcoming State of Play

Sony is hosting a PS5 Pro Technical Presentation today, September 10, where Mark Cerny, the Lead System Architect, will go into more detail about the innovations behind the PS5 Pro. This presentation is expected to focus on the technology and performance upgrades of the new console.

There are also rumors of a State of Play event scheduled for September 19, which will showcase upcoming indie and third-party games.

What is the difference between PS5 and PS5 Pro?

The main difference between the PS5 and the PS5 Pro lies in the enhanced graphics performance of the PS5 Pro. Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Graphics and GPU

• PS5 Pro:
  • Features a GPU with 67% more Compute Units compared to the standard PS5.
  • Offers 28% faster RAM, leading to better memory handling and faster data access.
  • Provides up to 45% faster rendering, which results in smoother gameplay and quicker response times.
  • Includes Advanced Ray Tracing, which is 2 to 3 times faster than the original PS5, delivering more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.
  • Introduces AI-Driven Upscaling (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), powered by machine learning to enhance image clarity and detail.
• PS5:
  • Uses a standard GPU with fewer Compute Units, which is still powerful but less capable of handling high-end visual effects like ray tracing as efficiently as the Pro.

2. CPU

• Both the PS5 and PS5 Pro use the same CPU, so there is no difference in processing power between the two models. The CPU handles tasks such as game logic and AI, which remain consistent across both consoles.

3. Storage and SSD Speed

• Both consoles have similar SSD speeds, which means load times and overall data access remain the same. However, the PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, doubling the storage space of the original PS5, which typically offers 825GB of usable storage.

4. Game Boost and Backward Compatibility

• PS5 Pro: Offers a feature called Game Boost, which can stabilize or improve performance for select PS4 and PS5 games. This feature also improves image quality for certain PS4 games.
• PS5: Does not have the enhanced Game Boost feature but is still backward compatible with PS4 games.

5. Ray Tracing and Upscaling

• PS5 Pro: Features significantly improved ray tracing performance and AI-driven upscaling to increase visual fidelity, particularly for games running in 4K resolution.
• PS5: Includes ray tracing, but at a slower rate compared to the Pro, and lacks the AI-driven upscaling feature.

6. Design and Accessories

• Both consoles have a similar design and are compatible with the same accessories. However, the PS5 Pro can support an optional disc drive (sold separately), while the regular PS5 is available in two variants: one with a built-in disc drive and one without.

Is the PS5 Pro digital only?

Yes, PS5 pro digital only.

When can I pre-order a PS5 Pro?

PS5 Pro pre-orders will start on September 26.

In conclusion, the PS5 Pro is shaping up to be a major step forward in gaming technology, offering substantial upgrades in performance, graphics, and compatibility with both old and new games. Whether you’re upgrading from a PS5 or jumping into the PlayStation ecosystem for the first time, the PS5 Pro promises an exceptional gaming experience.