Four years after the launch of the PS5, there are indications that the PS5 Pro might be on the horizon.
Recent leaks have surfaced, providing detailed specifications for Sony’s purported upgraded console. Initially revealed by YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead, the information was subsequently verified by Insider Gaming.
The disclosed specs suggest that the PS5 Pro will retain the same CPU as its predecessor but will introduce a “High CPU Frequency Mode” option. Additionally, the Pro version is expected to incorporate enhancements in audio and graphics to justify its “pro” designation, potentially delivering a 10 percent increase in CPU performance compared to the original PS5.
Enhanced Graphics and AI Upscaling
As per Insider Gaming, the PS5 Pro is projected to achieve 45 percent faster rendering speeds than the base model, boasting a total of 33.5 teraflops. Furthermore, it will feature an upgraded AI accelerator and a customized machine learning architecture. Reports also suggest the inclusion of “PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling,” enabling the console to support 4K resolution at 120 fps or 8K resolution at 60 fps. This technology resembles Nvidia’s DLSS, utilizing AI to enhance resolution and frame rates for smoother gameplay. However, achieving 8K resolution would necessitate owning a compatible 8K TV, which remains a costly investment.
The PS5 Pro is anticipated to offer up to two or three times the ray tracing performance, potentially quadrupling performance in specific scenarios. While this advancement promises a more immersive gaming experience, it will only be fully utilized in select titles supporting the feature, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Despite the benefits of enhanced ray tracing, its utility may be limited as many games, like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, do not currently support real-time lighting. Notably, the PS5 Pro will retain the detachable disc drive and provide 1TB of storage space, maintaining a familiar design.
Drawing parallels to the transition from the PS4 to the PS4 Pro, Sony’s strategy with the PS5 Pro becomes clearer. Similar to its predecessor, the PS4 Pro offered 4K support despite a lack of native 4K games. Likewise, the PS4 Pro featured a comparable processor to the base model but boasted an improved GPU.
For enthusiasts seeking 8K resolution or enhanced ray tracing capabilities, the PS5 Pro could be an appealing choice.
Speculated Holiday 2024 Launch
While details regarding the pricing of the PS5 Pro remain undisclosed, historical trends suggest a potential price range between \(549 and \)599, aligning with the pricing strategy of the PS4 Pro. Insider Gaming reports that Sony aims for a holiday 2024 release for the PS5 Pro. Given the recent underwhelming sales figures of the PS5, a refreshed iteration seems imminent, as highlighted in a report by Bloomberg.
Naomi Matsuoka, Sony’s senior vice president, hinted at a shift towards prioritizing profitability over sales as the PS5 enters its later lifecycle phase. This strategic approach may result in a shorter lifecycle for the PS5 compared to the PS4, which enjoyed a seven-year run before the PS5’s debut.
Should the leaks materialize and the PS5 Pro hit the market later this year, consumers will have ample time to evaluate the merits of upgrading to the new console.