The PlayStation 5 Pro is finally here, bridging the gap between the original PS5 and the future PlayStation 6. Following a flurry of leaks and rumors, Sony has officially unveiled its mid-generation console upgrade. This article covers everything you need to know about the PS5 Pro, from its release date and price to its impressive technical specifications. Get ready to upgrade your gaming experience.
The inside of a ps5.
Release Date and Price
Mark your calendars! The PlayStation 5 Pro launches on November 7, 2024. However, this power comes at a premium. The PS5 Pro will retail for $700.
Enhanced Performance and Backwards Compatibility
During the official technical presentation, Mark Cerny emphasized three key advancements that set the PS5 Pro apart from its predecessor, eliminating the need to choose between visual fidelity and performance. Impressively, these enhancements aren’t limited to new PS5 Pro titles. Existing PS5 games will also see performance boosts, and over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games will run even smoother on the Pro. Further enhancements include upgrades to Wi-Fi 7, VRR, and support for 8K gaming.
PS5 Pro Specs Breakdown: A Significant Upgrade
The PS5 Pro boasts significant hardware improvements. The upgraded GPU features a 67% increase in compute units and 28% faster RAM compared to the base PS5, promising higher and more consistent frame rates. Sony has also introduced PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), a cutting-edge AI upscaling technology similar to DLSS, designed to enhance visuals significantly. Finally, advanced ray tracing capabilities will deliver more realistic reflections and lighting in games.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the PS5 Pro and the base PS5 specs:
| Specs | PS5 Pro | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8 cores, 16 threads, 3.5GHz) | AMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8 cores, 16 threads, 3.5GHz) |
| GPU | TBD (said to have 67% more computing cores) | AMD Radeon RDNA 2 (10.28 teraflops, ray tracing acceleration) |
| RAM | TBD (likely the same 16GB GDDR6 but said to be 28% faster) | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage space | 2TB SSD | 825GB SSD |
| WiFi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6 |
Disc Drive Compatibility, Storage, and Accessories
One notable change is the absence of a built-in disc drive. However, the PS5 Pro is compatible with the existing external disc drive available for the PS5 Digital Edition. It’s also fully compatible with current PS5 accessories and products. The console ships with a spacious 2TB SSD, a controller, and a pre-installed copy of Astro’s Playroom.
Pre-order Information
Pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 Pro begin on September 26, 2024, ahead of its November 7 release.
Confirmed Games with PS5 Pro Enhancements
While not exhaustive, the following games have been confirmed to receive enhancements on the PS5 Pro, showcasing the improved performance and visuals:
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Demon’s Souls
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Gran Turismo 7
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Horizon Forbidden West
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Returnal
- The Crew Motorfest
- The Last of Us 2: Remastered
- The First Descendant
Whether all games will automatically benefit from the PS5 Pro’s enhancements or require specific patches remains to be seen. It appears this will vary on a game-by-game basis.
