On Tuesday, Sony announced the impending arrival of a new PlayStation 5 aimed at gamers seeking enhanced detail and smoother gaming experiences.

The PlayStation 5 Pro, set for release on Nov. 7, may resemble the PlayStation 5 slim model, launched in November 2023, featuring slightly more prominent stripes on the sides.

However, inside the PS5 Pro boasts cutting-edge hardware and software aimed at achieving “crystal clear image quality, high frame rates, and sophisticated ray tracing technology,” according to the company statement.

These features translate to “significant enhancements in game performance,” noted Mark Cerny, the chief architect of the PS5, during a technical presentation for the PS5 Pro on YouTube. “We will experience sharper graphics and smoother, more responsive gameplay.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the PS5 Pro, including its price and pre-order details.

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro: What’s new?

The PS5 Pro comes with a 2-terabyte hard drive and several enhancements to boost video game visuals:

• Upgraded graphics processor: The PS5 Pro features an expanded graphics processing unit that allows for game video rendering that is up to 45% faster, as shared by Cerny.
• Enhanced ray tracing: The PS5 Pro can deliver up to three times the lighting and reflection processing power compared to the current PS5, according to Hideaki Nishino, head of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s platform business group, in a PlayStation blog post.
• AI-enhanced visuals: Utilizing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), the PS5 Pro employs AI and machine learning to upscale visuals. Cerny explained that “PSSR scrutinizes each pixel to add incredible detail, effectively enhancing game resolution.”
• Game Boost feature: This feature can enhance overall performance for a wide range of PS4 and PS5 titles, with improvements anticipated for over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games. Enhanced Image Quality will also elevate some PS4 games’ resolutions, Nishino added.

Which games will benefit from the PS5 Pro?

Sony has indicated that numerous developers are working on free software updates to leverage the enhancements offered by the PS5 Pro.

Some games expected to receive PS5 Pro enhancements include: 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, The Crew Motorfest, The First Descendant, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered.

What is the cost of the PlayStation 5 Pro, and is it worth the investment?

The price of the PlayStation 5 Pro will be $699.99.

Determining its value will likely depend on your gaming interest and budget. The existing PS5 is priced up to $200 less, starting from $449 for the digital variant (without a disc drive) and $499 for its disc-enabled counterpart. For those considering a PS5 during the holiday season, the current model may be the more budget-friendly option.

However, if you already own a PS5 and desire an upgrade, the PS5 Pro could be very appealing. Although it includes a controller, it is compatible with all current accessories, including PlayStation VR2, the PlayStation Portal remote player, DualSense Edge wireless controller, Access Controller, Pulse Elite wireless headset, and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds.

The PS5 Pro does not come with a built-in disc drive, but you can purchase an Ultra HD drive ($79.99) that supports PS5 and PS4 games, along with DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs.

The key selling points of the PS5 Pro are likely its superior performance and visual fidelity. Scott Stein, editor at large for CNET, noted, “Everything feels clearer, more seamless, or both” following his demonstration of the console.

He added, “I would prefer playing on the PS5 Pro but I doubt if the subtle enhancements are worth the cost for many. It’s not a PlayStation 6, which we won’t see for another three or four years; it caters to those seeking a more powerful and graphically advanced device, perhaps even surpassing certain PCs.”

When can I pre-order the PlayStation 5 Pro?

Pre-orders for the PS5 Pro will start on September 26, and the console will be sold in stores and on direct.playstation.com.

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