Sony Unveils PlayStation 5 Pro: A Powerhouse for the Next Generation of Gaming

By DaMarko Webster

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has officially introduced the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro), the latest addition to the PlayStation 5 lineup, designed to take gaming performance to the next level. Scheduled for release on November 7, 2024, the PS5 Pro will retail at $699.99 USD, £699.99 GBP, €799.99 EUR, and ¥119,980 JPY. Equipped with a 2TB solid-state drive and bundled with a DualSense wireless controller, the console also supports next-gen Wi-Fi 7 in regions where the technology is available.

The PS5 Pro brings significant hardware improvements, pushing gaming boundaries with a 67% boost in GPU Compute Units and 28% faster memory than the original PS5. This upgrade results in up to 45% faster rendering speeds for a more fluid gaming experience. Advanced ray tracing capabilities double the speed of lighting effects compared to its predecessor, while AI-driven upscaling, powered by PlayStation’s Spectral Super Resolution, sharpens image clarity and enhances detail for a visually immersive experience.

“We are proud of the impact the PS5 has had on the gaming industry,” said Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Platform Business Group at SIE. “But we never stop pushing innovation. The PS5 Pro offers a more powerful system alongside the current PS5, giving game developers the tools to push gameplay to new limits.”

Several high-profile titles from PlayStation Studios and third-party partners will be optimized for the PS5 Pro under the “PS5 Pro Enhanced” label. Upcoming games such as Alan Wake 2, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Gran Turismo 7 will take full advantage of the upgraded hardware. The PS5 Pro also supports over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 titles, with Game Boost features enhancing performance and visual quality for select older games.

Maintaining a familiar design, the PS5 Pro will be compatible with existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2 headset, Pulse Elite audio gear, and DualSense Edge controller. An optional Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive will be sold separately.

Pre-orders for the PS5 Pro begin on September 26, 2024. The console will be available at major retailers and through PlayStation’s official store at direct.playstation.com, just in time for the holiday season.