Sony PlayStation 5 Pro: Release Details, Cost, Specs, and Additional Information
The PlayStation 5 Pro, the latest addition to Sony's gaming console family, made its debut on November 7, 2024. This new model boasts several improvements over its predecessor, the standard PS5, offering a noticeably better gaming experience, particularly for those with large 4K/8K TVs or those seeking consistent high-frame rate gameplay.
In terms of design, the PS5 Pro maintains the same height as the original PS5 but adopts the width of the current PS5 Slim model. It features a sleek white-and-black color scheme with black stripes across the middle section, adding a touch of elegance to your gaming setup.
Under the hood, the PS5 Pro is powered by an upgraded GPU with 67% more compute units than the standard PS5, enabling games to run at higher fidelity or frame rates without compromising on modes. The Pro's CPU boost clock is slightly higher (3.8 GHz vs. 3.5 GHz), but the more significant difference lies in the GPU power.
The PS5 Pro's performance is evident in games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Demon's Souls, which can now run at a stable 60 fps in enhanced quality modes, doubling frame rates compared to the base PS5’s 30 fps quality modes. It also allows for up to 120 fps performance modes in titles like F1 24 on compatible displays, whereas the original PS5 generally caps at 60 fps.
The PS5 Pro offers two main presets - "Fidelity Pro" for higher visual quality at 4K 30 fps and "Performance Pro" for smoother 60 fps or higher. This blending of modes provides a smoother and visually richer experience, eliminating the need for users to choose explicitly between quality and performance.
However, the PS5 Pro comes at a premium price, with a digital-only model priced at £699 / $699 / AU$1,200. For those who prefer a disc version, an additional £79 / $79 / AU$159 will be required. The base PS5, while not offering the same level of performance, remains a solid, more affordable value for most gamers.
The PS5 Pro supports HDR10 but does not have Dolby Vision, which may be disappointing for those seeking the best possible viewing experience. However, it does support Dolby Atmos for gaming, although streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video do not currently support this feature. If you want to enjoy Dolby Atmos while watching Blu-ray discs, you will need to purchase the optional disc drive.
The PS5 Pro also offers support for 8K output, providing a degree of future-proofing. Its storage capacity has been doubled, now featuring a 2TB SSD. Additionally, the Pro features a new AI-powered upscaling technology called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), designed to improve image quality by enhancing lower-resolution content.
Lastly, the rear of the PS5 Pro has USB-A ports and an ethernet jack for wired internet connectivity. It also supports the Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering potential improvements to download speeds and online gaming performance. The PS5 Pro features USB-C ports on the front for convenient controller charging and peripheral connections.
In conclusion, the PS5 Pro is a powerful upgrade for those seeking enhanced graphical fidelity and frame stability. However, its premium price may deter some gamers. The base PS5 remains an excellent choice for those who prioritise affordability over performance.
- If you're considering purchasing a high-end gadget for your gaming setup, the PS5 Pro is an impressive choice, thanks to its amplified performance and sleek design.
- The news about the PS5 Pro's debut showcased its improved specifications, with a boosted GPU and CPU, providing a smoother and visually richer gaming experience.
- Streaming games in enhanced quality modes is now possible with the Pro, as it allows for double the frame rates compared to the base PS5’s 30 fps quality modes.
- Hi-fi gamers looking to buy the PS5 Pro should be aware that it comes at a premium price, with a digital-only model costing £699 / $699 / AU$1,200.
- Gadget enthusiasts may also appreciate the PS5 Pro's support for technology like 8K output, doubled storage capacity, and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution.
- In terms of connectivity, the PS5 Pro offers USB-C ports for convenient controller charging and peripheral connections, as well as support for Wi-Fi 7 and HDR10, although it does not feature Dolby Vision.
