Sony unveils PS5 Pro with upgraded GPU, 8K support

10 Sep 2024 | Rasmus Larsen |

After months of rumors, Sony has officially unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro as a more powerful console with an upgraded GPU, more advanced ray-tracing, and AI-driven upscaling. PlayStation 5 Pro comes with the overall same design as the current PS5 Slim but distinguished by the three lines two-quarters up.

The standard configuration comes without a disc drive but it is possible to add one, just like PS5 Slim. - "We kept the look of the PS5 Pro consistent with the overall PS5 family of products. You’ll notice the height is the same size as the original PS5, and the width is the same size as the current PS5 model to accommodate higher performance specs. Players can add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive, or swap out console covers when they become available," said Sony.

More power under the hood

PS5 Pro is compatible with all the same games as the regular PS5 but the upgraded hardware delivers improved graphics, with more consistent dynamic resolution and higher frame rates. Mark Cerny, Lead Architect of PS5, explained that Sony has focused on three areas:

Upgraded GPU: With 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5 console and 28% faster memory. Overall, this enables up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay, making the experience much smoother.

Advanced Ray Tracing: More powerful ray tracing that provides more dynamic reflection and refraction of light. This allows the rays to be cast at double, and at times triple, the speeds of the current PS5 console.

AI-Driven Upscaling: Introduceing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-driven upscaling that uses a machine learning-based technology to provide super sharp image clarity by adding an extraordinary amount of detail. Besides 4K at up to 120fps with or without VRR, PS5 Pro will also support 8K gaming, according to Sony. Also read: Sony removes 8K logo from PlayStation 5 boxes

Game Boost and PS5 Pro Enhanced

Sony highlighted a PS5 Pro Game Boost, which can apply to over 8500 backward compatible games, for improved performance and fidelity. Other games will be patched with a free game update to take advantage of PS5 Pro's features. Look for the 'PS5 Pro Enhanced' label. Some of these games include Gran Turismo 7, Horizon Forbidden West, The Last of Us Part II Remastered and more. Mark Cerny dedicated most of his presentation to show how the upgraded hardware will improve the frame rate and visual fidelity of PlayStation games, as exemplified below.

Like the regular PS5, you need a TV with HDMI 2.1 to enjoy 4K120 and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) from PS5 Pro. To enjoy HDR (High Dynamic Range) and the full potential of ray-tracing, an OLED TV is preferable, but an LCD TV with a high number of miniLED dimming zones can also get the job done.

WiFi 7 and 2TB storage

Sony said that the user interface and network services, including streaming apps, remain the same as on PS5. However, it will feature WiFi 7 for the first time and also include larger 2TB SSD storage. Microsoft is rumored to have abandoned plans for a mid-generation refresh of the Xbox, other than the white disc-less Xbox Series X announced this summer. This leaves the spotlight to Sony until the next generation of game consoles arrives. Sales of current-gen consoles have already dropped significantly following the post-covid boost. PS5 Pro will launch on November 7 for $700, £700 and €800 including a DualSense wireless controller. Pre-orderes will begin on September 26, 2024.