Sony has officially announced the PlayStation 5 Pro, a more powerful and upgraded version of the PlayStation 5, initially launched in 2020. This new console brings significant improvements in graphical performance and AI-driven enhancements, making it the most advanced gaming console from Sony to date.
The PlayStation 5 Pro features a substantial upgrade in its GPU, with 67% more compute units and 28% faster memory, allowing for 45% faster rendering of games compared to the base PS5. This improvement significantly boosts the console’s capability to deliver more detailed and fluid graphics. The enhancement in the number of compute units also improves hardware-accelerated ray tracing, allowing for double or even triple the performance in rendering rays compared to the PS5.
Sony introduced a new AI-powered image upscaling technology known as PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. This technology uses machine learning to upscale images to higher resolutions, providing better results than previous software solutions. The AI upscaling is expected to compete with Nvidia's DLSS and Intel's XeSS, delivering sharper and more detailed visuals without compromising performance. However, the focus of this solution is solely on image quality, with no mention of frame generation.
PlayStation lead architect Mark Cerny explained that the PS5 often forced players to choose between performance and quality modes. The PS5 Pro aims to remove this compromise by delivering quality mode visuals at 60 FPS, offering the best of both worlds. With more powerful hardware and AI-driven upscaling, the PS5 Pro promises smoother gameplay with stunning visual fidelity.
The PlayStation 5 Pro also introduces a Game Boost feature that enhances the resolution and frame rates of over 8,500 PS4 titles. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 7 in certain regions and is compatible with VRR and 8K displays. While the design of the PS5 Pro remains largely similar to the base model, it offers 2TB of internal storage, double that of the standard version.
The PS5 Pro will be priced at $700, and pre-orders will start on September 26, with the console officially launching on November 7, 2024.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.