Everything We Know About the PS5 Pro: Launch, Specs, Features, and More

Sony has finally pulled back the curtain on one of the most anticipated gaming devices of the year—the PS5 Pro. After months of speculation and rumors, the company has officially confirmed what gamers have been eagerly awaiting: the arrival of the PS5 Pro. Slated to hit the market later this year, this powerful mid-generation console aims to offer a substantial upgrade from the original PS5, giving developers more horsepower and users a fresh excuse to splurge on the latest gaming hardware.

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But what exactly sets the PS5 Pro apart, and is it worth the price tag? Below, we dive deep into everything we’ve learned so far, including its features, performance enhancements, price, and launch date.

When Is the PS5 Pro Launching?

Mark Your Calendars—The PS5 Pro is Coming in November

The official release date for the PS5 Pro is November 7, 2024, giving Sony fans just a few more months to wait before they can get their hands on the upgraded system. This launch aligns with the holiday shopping season, which has historically been a prime window for gaming hardware releases.

As we inch closer to the launch, it’s expected that pre-release hype will only grow, especially as Sony teases more about the console’s capabilities and titles set to take full advantage of the PS5 Pro’s enhanced performance.

After months of rumors and speculation, the PlayStation 5 Pro has finally been confirmed. Yesterday, Sony announced a technical presentation led by Mark Cerny, the Lead Architect of the PS5, focusing on the console and “innovations in gaming technology.” This announcement fueled expectations of the PS5 Pro’s arrival, and those predictions were proven correct when an unlisted video titled “PS5 Pro” was discovered, cementing its long-awaited reveal.

During the live stream on PlayStation’s official YouTube channel, Cerny revealed that the PS5 Pro would see significant improvements in three key areas: a more powerful CPU, advanced Ray Tracing capabilities, and PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for AI-driven upscaling. These advancements combine to offer a much more immersive gaming experience, with enhanced visuals and smoother frame rates, doubling the power of the original PS5.

How Much Will the PS5 Pro Cost?

A Steep Price for Premium Performance

Let’s not beat around the bush—the PS5 Pro won’t come cheap. $700 is the price point, and there doesn’t seem to be any alternate versions to choose from. This single configuration includes a 2TB SSD, which is double the capacity of the original PS5, along with a DualSense controller, and a digital copy of Astro’s Playroom.

While some might balk at the hefty price tag, considering the expanded storage, improved hardware, and features packed into the PS5 Pro, many avid gamers and tech enthusiasts will likely consider it a worthwhile investment.

Can You Pre-Order the PS5 Pro Now?

Pre-Orders Coming Soon

Although the PS5 Pro has been officially revealed, pre-orders are not yet live. However, Sony has confirmed that pre-orders will go live on September 26. Given the immense popularity of the PlayStation brand and the ongoing demand for consoles, it’s expected that pre-order stock will sell out quickly. Make sure to keep an eye on the official PlayStation website and other major retailers to secure yours before launch day.

How Powerful Is the PS5 Pro?

A Beast of a Machine

Mark Cerny, the lead architect behind the PS5 Pro, didn’t hold back in touting the PS5 Pro as the most powerful PlayStation console ever made. The numbers are impressive: 28% more RAM and a GPU with 67% more Compute Units compared to the standard PS5.

This hardware bump translates to some serious graphical improvements. During a short demo, Sony highlighted that the PS5 Pro will deliver 45% faster rendering, offering quicker load times and buttery-smooth gameplay at higher settings. For gamers who want the best possible visual experience, this upgrade is significant.

What New Features Are Packed Into the PS5 Pro?

PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution and Wi-Fi 7

One of the most talked-about new features of the PS5 Pro is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, a cutting-edge AI-based upscaling technology exclusive to the console. This system is Sony’s answer to competitors like AMD’s FSR and Nvidia’s DLSS, which have been used to upscale gaming visuals on PCs. The goal of this feature is to allow for higher frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro will be equipped with Wi-Fi 7, a considerable upgrade from the PS5’s Wi-Fi 6 technology. This will enable faster, more stable online gaming and downloads, reducing lag and improving overall connectivity.

8K Support—Is It Finally Here?

Sony has also confirmed that the PS5 Pro will support 8K resolution and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), much like the standard PS5. However, while 8K sounds impressive, it’s important to note that there aren’t many (if any) games currently utilizing 8K technology. That said, having the option for 8K support future-proofs the console for when developers inevitably adopt the higher resolution for their games.

The PS5 Pro’s Design: Still A Bit… Bulky?

The Bulbous Design Lives On

If you were hoping the PS5 Pro would come with a sleek, slimmed-down design, you might be disappointed. The console retains much of the original PS5’s bold, curvy aesthetic—though with the addition of a few extra stripes for that “Pro” touch. These design choices may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but ultimately, it’s what’s inside that counts.

Is the PS5 Pro Digital Only?

Yes, But You Can Buy a Disc Drive Separately

Following in the footsteps of the digital edition of the original PS5, the PS5 Pro is also a digital-only console. However, if you’re still attached to physical discs, fear not—you can purchase a separate disc drive that connects to the console. This modular approach gives gamers more flexibility, though it adds an extra cost for those who still prefer physical media.

Will the PS5 Pro Support My Current PS5 Games and Accessories?

Backward Compatibility and Accessory Support

The PS5 Pro isn’t a brand-new console generation, but rather a mid-gen refresh, and as such, it will support all of your current PS5 controllers, accessories, and games. Sony has emphasized that 8,500 PS4 games that are already backward compatible on the PS5 will also benefit from performance boosts on the PS5 Pro.

This includes improved frame rates, enhanced graphics, and faster load times, giving older games a new lease on life. The DualSense controller, PS5 headsets, and other accessories will work seamlessly with the PS5 Pro, so you won’t need to spend extra to replace your current setup.

What Games Will Get PS5 Pro Upgrades?

Enhanced Titles and Backward Compatibility

Sony has confirmed that several popular games will receive PS5 Pro Enhanced updates. This means they’ll run better and look even more impressive on the upgraded hardware. Some of the titles showcased during the demo include:

The Last of Us Part II
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Spider-Man 2

In addition, a slew of upcoming games will also receive PS5 Pro Enhanced updates. These include major releases like:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Hogwarts Legacy
Gran Turismo 7

Sony is also ensuring that its massive library of backward-compatible games will see performance improvements, making the PS5 Pro a powerhouse for both new and older titles.

Will There Be PS5-Pro-Exclusive Games?

No Exclusive Games—Just Enhanced Ones

If you’re wondering whether the PS5 Pro will offer exclusive games that only run on the new hardware, the answer is no. Sony has made it clear that the PS5 Pro is not a new console generation, but rather an upgrade. Just as the PS4 Pro didn’t have exclusive titles, the PS5 Pro will focus on enhancing existing and upcoming games, but there won’t be any titles locked to the new system.

Is the PS5 Pro Worth the Upgrade?

Should You Make the Jump?

Whether or not you should upgrade to the PS5 Pro really comes down to how much you value cutting-edge performance. Do you care about raytracing, higher frame rates, and superior visual fidelity? If you’re a gamer who demands the absolute best graphics and performance, then the PS5 Pro is a worthy investment.

However, if you’re content with your current PS5 and aren’t too concerned about the latest and greatest hardware features, you may not feel the need to upgrade just yet.

The Power Behind the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro’s enhancements are designed to push the boundaries of gaming technology. The new CPU offers faster processing speeds, while the advanced Ray Tracing provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games. The AI-driven upscaling technology, PSSR, ensures that games run at higher frame rates without compromising on visual quality. This combination of upgrades promises a more seamless and visually stunning gaming experience than ever before.

A Look Back at the PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5, Sony’s fifth flagship console, is part of the ninth generation of gaming consoles. Known for its powerful performance and backward compatibility with PlayStation 4 games, the PS5 has been a massive success since its release in November 2020. The console features a digital storefront that offers access to older games and outputs 4K resolution visuals, with options for 1440p at 120 frames per second for smoother gameplay. One of the PS5’s standout features is its 3D audio, which provides immersive, spatially accurate sound through headphones, making gameplay more engaging.

Key PlayStation 5 Specs:

Brand: Sony
Original Release Date: November 19, 2020
Original MSRP: $399.99 (Digital Only), $499.99 (Disc Drive)
Weight: Digital Edition: 3.4 kg | Disc Edition: 3.9 kg

The PS5 was already a powerful gaming system, but the PS5 Pro takes it up a notch by offering even better performance and visual quality.

Leaks and Predictions Leading Up to the PS5 Pro Reveal

In the days leading up to the official PS5 Pro reveal, a series of leaks provided some intriguing details about the console. While the title of the unlisted video for the technical presentation was briefly changed to “PS5 Pro,” this only confirmed what many had suspected. However, one surprising detail emerged from an unlikely source: a lesser-known leaker named Brian Potter.

Potter may not be a household name, but he managed to accurately predict both the date and length of the PS5 Pro presentation well before its announcement. His account has since been suspended, but his credibility remains high due to the accuracy of his predictions. Potter had claimed that the PS5 Pro presentation would run for 12 minutes, which was close to the official runtime of nine minutes. He also accurately predicted the date of the event, adding further weight to his other leaks.

Key PS5 Pro Features and Pricing Predictions

According to Potter, the PS5 Pro will retail for £589.99, and the console will come with enhanced features, including support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for physical media and select streaming services. This feature alone positions the PS5 Pro as a high-end entertainment device, rivaling some of the best home theater systems on the market.

Potter also predicted the release of a new DualSense controller with extended battery life and improved triggers. Recent price increases for the controller in the U.S. and Australia further suggest that an updated model could be released alongside the PS5 Pro. The new price point for the controller—$5 higher than its original cost—hints that Sony is preparing to launch these enhanced versions soon.

Unusual Release Schedule Predictions

One of Potter’s most surprising predictions concerns the release schedule for the PS5 Pro. He claims that a digital-only version of the console, without a disc drive, will be available on November 14 for £499.99. However, the disc version will not launch until December 5, at a higher price of £589.99. This staggered release is unusual, as the disc version typically outsells the digital-only option. This discrepancy could indicate a component shortage or some other manufacturing delay.

A State of Play on the Horizon?

In addition to his predictions about the PS5 Pro, Potter also suggested that a State of Play event would take place on September 19, focusing on indie and third-party games. He emphasized that no first-party Sony titles would be highlighted during this event. Several other leakers have supported this claim, suggesting that Sony might use this State of Play to showcase upcoming titles from smaller studios, giving indie developers a platform to shine.

What This Means for Gamers

If Potter’s predictions hold true, the PS5 Pro is shaping up to be a major upgrade for gamers who value cutting-edge graphics and smoother performance. The combination of enhanced CPU, Ray Tracing, and AI-driven upscaling will allow players to experience games in a whole new way, with more realistic environments and faster response times. Additionally, the new DualSense controller will likely offer even more precision and control, making it a must-have accessory for serious gamers.

However, for those who already own a PS5, the decision to upgrade may depend on how much they value these enhanced features. If 4K resolution, ray-traced reflections, and AI upscaling aren’t priorities, sticking with the current PS5 may still offer a satisfying gaming experience.

Is the PS5 Pro Worth the Upgrade?

Whether or not the PS5 Pro is worth the investment depends on what you’re looking for in a gaming console. For hardcore gamers who want the absolute best performance, the PS5 Pro will likely be a game-changer. With its increased power, support for advanced technologies like Dolby Vision, and new AI-driven features, it promises to deliver a gaming experience that’s unmatched by any other console on the market.

However, for casual gamers or those who are already content with their current PS5, the upgrade may not be necessary. The base PS5 is still a formidable console that offers great performance and stunning visuals, especially for players who don’t mind playing at slightly lower frame rates or without the most cutting-edge features.

The Future of PlayStation

While the PS5 Pro isn’t a PlayStation 6, its release does offer a glimpse into the future of gaming. The introduction of features like PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) and improved Ray Tracing shows that Sony is committed to pushing the boundaries of what consoles can do. These advancements not only improve the current gaming experience but also lay the groundwork for the next generation of PlayStation consoles, which will likely build on these innovations.

As gamers await the release of the PS5 Pro, one thing is clear: Sony is doubling down on its commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming technology. Whether you’re an early adopter or someone who’s content to wait, the PS5 Pro represents the future of gaming—and it’s a future that’s looking incredibly bright.

Final Thoughts: The PS5 Pro Is Here to Stay

A Future-Proof Console for Gamers Who Want More

With its beefed-up specs, impressive new features, and future-proof technology, the PS5 Pro is designed for gamers who want more power and performance out of their gaming experience. While the hefty price tag might give some pause, for those seeking the best possible experience, the PS5 Pro is hard to resist.