Sony has officially unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro, which will hit the shelves on November 7. It offers an enhanced gaming experience for S$1,069. While it's not a brand-new generation of consoles, the PS5 Pro delivers significant upgrades that focus on one thing: making games look even better. It's not the PlayStation 6 but more of a turbocharged version of the current PS5, much like the PS4 Pro was for its predecessor.
The main appeal of the PlayStation 5 Pro lies in its ability to improve visual quality and performance. Many gamers choose between two modes on the current PlayStation 5: fidelity mode, which prioritises graphics but locks the frame rate at 30fps, or performance mode, which allows for smoother gameplay at 60fps by sacrificing some visual details. However, Sony aims to remove the need for this trade-off in the PS5 Pro, giving gamers the best of both worlds.
Key upgrades and AI-driven features
One of the most notable upgrades in the PlayStation 5 Pro is its improved graphics processing unit (GPU), now powered by RDNA 3 technology. This promises a significant boost in performance, with rendering speeds up to 45% faster than the standard PS5. According to Mark Cerny, PlayStation's lead architect, this enhanced GPU can calculate light behaviour at double, or even triple, the speed of the previous RDNA 2 GPU. This improvement allows supported games to run in a new “Pro mode,” offering gameplay at 4K resolution with 60fps.
A new addition to the PlayStation 5 Pro is the AI-driven upscaling feature, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). This technology uses machine learning to analyse game visuals pixel by pixel, adding extra detail and improving resolution. The PSSR helps sharpen images without overloading the console's hardware, meaning that even older titles may get a visual upgrade when played on the PS5 Pro.
Furthermore, the PlayStation 5 Pro will have enhanced ray tracing capabilities, providing more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in games. This could dramatically improve the overall visual experience, making games look more lifelike than ever before.
Games optimised for PS5 Pro
Several first-party and third-party games will be optimised to fully exploit the PlayStation 5 Pro's upgraded hardware. Sony has confirmed that popular titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, and Horizon Forbidden West will receive updates to support the enhanced features of the Pro model. Additionally, third-party publishers such as Square Enix, Capcom, and Ubisoft will release optimised versions of games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Dragon's Dogma 2, and Assassin's Creed: Shadows.
The PS5 Pro isn't just about providing a visual upgrade; it's about giving players more options. Whether you want the highest possible graphics fidelity or smooth performance, the PS5 Pro aims to deliver both, ensuring gamers can enjoy the best experience without compromising.
Price, features, and pre-order details
Despite all these impressive upgrades, the PlayStation 5 Pro will cost S$1,069. Notably, the PS5 Pro is a disc-less console, meaning it does not come with a built-in disc drive. However, users can purchase the current PS5 Disc Drive separately if they wish to play physical games. The console will also come with a 2TB SSD for storage, a DualSense wireless controller, and Astro's Playroom pre-installed.
Pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 Pro will start on September 26 at participating retailers. If you've been waiting to upgrade your gaming setup, the PS5 Pro might be the next big step, offering cutting-edge technology and an improved gaming experience.
