For many months, we’ve been talking and theorizing about the PS5 Pro. At a minimum, we all already knew it existed, partly due to leaks from reliable sources and partly from concrete data and technical features that were made public. Today, Mark Cerny made this model official with a technical presentation that revealed the system’s price and release date.
Console revisions with more power aim to bridge the gap in technical advancements with the latest technologies. They are not designed for most consumers but rather for those seeking performance and graphical detail improvements to get the most out of their audio and video equipment. The general feeling is that the current console catalog is still “taking off,” but it’s true that the latest Unreal Engine 5 tools are pushing the limits of the consoles launched in 2020. In many cases, ray tracing feels a bit anecdotal, and the most cutting-edge titles are struggling to maintain the promised 4K and 60 fps resolutions.
Mark Cerny explained that one of the reasons for the PS5 Pro is to meet developers’ needs for improved performance. Data also shows that three out of four players prefer performance modes. The PS5 Pro aims to bring the graphical aspect of the fidelity mode—typically at 30 fps on the standard PS5—to 60 fps.
Regarding the presentation, the technical aspects were reviewed briefly. However, thanks to media leaks, we already knew the three key pillars the PS5 Pro would be built on: a more powerful GPU, offering about 45% more speed (67% more compute units, and 28% faster memory), more advanced ray tracing for reflections and lighting (double and sometimes triple the speed of the PS5), and AI upscaling, known as PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution or PSSR.
For example, Gran Turismo 7 could previously use ray tracing only in replays (on PS5). Now, that support will extend to the entire gameplay, providing a new level of immersion in every race. In the case of other titles like Horizon Forbidden West, the overall world and character details will see significant improvement. These features enhance over 8,500 compatible games from both PS4 and PS5, thanks to PS5 Pro Game Boost, which stabilizes or improves performance, and even increases resolution in some PS4 titles.
The PS5 Pro will be available on November 7th, priced at approximately $700, possibly a bit more or less depending on the country you buy it in. Initially, it will be released without a disc drive, but an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive will be available separately, along with the option to change its case. It will come with a 2TB SSD and a DualSense controller. Its design, as we already know, will follow the line of previous models, maintaining the same height as the original PS5 and the same width as the current model.
In the midst of the dazzling presentation, aside from the technical data that we won’t overwhelm you with (though we know you’re interested), there was also a demonstration of several games that will fully benefit from being played on PS5 Pro, with 100% confirmation. Below is the officially confirmed list from PlayStation of games that will take advantage of the technical improvements introduced by the PS5 Pro:
- Alan Wake 2: One of the most technically advanced games of the current generation, and with the PS5 Pro, it can go a step further. Thanks to the console’s new technology, you’ll be able to enjoy Alan Wake 2’s full graphical power without compromising performance, making it even more spectacular.
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows: This title has yet to be released, but PlayStation already confirms it as one of the games benefiting from the PS5 Pro. It’s easy to imagine how this Ubisoft title will be impacted by PlayStation’s new console; with the vast worlds that Ubisoft always delivers in their Assassin’s Creed games, and the architectural and landscape wonders they create, it’s clear that Assassin’s Creed: Shadows on PS5 Pro will be an absolute delight.
- Demon’s Souls: The Demon’s Souls remake by Bluepoint Games remains one of the most impressive PS5 games to date. Few titles have been adapted as incredibly as this FromSoftware game, and imagining how its stunning dark medieval fantasy environments will look on PS5 Pro is exciting. If you haven’t played one of the best PS5 exclusives yet, the enhanced version on PS5 Pro gives you the best opportunity.
- Dragon’s Dogma 2: The world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is packed with nature, creatures, and dynamic elements, making it completely logical that PlayStation confirmed this successful Capcom title as one benefiting from the PS5 Pro. With all the CPU and GPU improvements offered by the console compared to the base PS5 version, it’s clear that the PS5 Pro will allow you to enjoy Dragon’s Dogma 2 in the best possible conditions.
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: This is one of PS5‘s flagship titles and a top contender for Game of the Year 2024. Now, imagine experiencing this stunning chapter in Cloud‘s journey but with an even more advanced technical presentation. Between the magic, cinematics, and combat, it’s clear that PS5 Pro will take Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth from movie-like visuals to absolutely cinematic.
- Gran Turismo 7: Racing games are perfect for showcasing a console’s power. Gran Turismo 7 already looks like a dream, and at some point, you start wondering how the cars could look any better than they already do. Well, if PlayStation has Gran Turismo 7 as one of the PS5 Pro beneficiaries, that means they’ve managed to push the visuals even further, as crazy as that may sound.
- Hogwarts Legacy: This gem (one of my personal favorites) was one of the games showcased during the PS5 Pro presentation, and it looked incredible. Its reflections were spectacularly detailed thanks to PS5 Pro‘s Advanced Ray-Tracing, especially in a location like Hogwarts itself. With its vast world and constant action, this is another title that clearly benefits from PS5 Pro‘s advancements.
- Horizon Forbidden West: Another PlayStation flagship will also see confirmed improvements on the PS5 Pro. Obviously, resolution and frame rate will be key points here, especially considering the gigantic world created by Guerrilla. Additionally, we can’t forget that Horizon Forbidden West also has spectacular cinematics in terms of visuals, something the PS5 Pro will also enhance.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: This game combines all the epicness of its visual design with dynamic and vibrant gameplay. Being Spider-Man means always being ready for any imminent danger, so if you can improve response time with more powerful hardware, even better. Once again, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will take a significant leap forward thanks to PS5 Pro.
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: Also part of the PlayStation range of games that already looked spectacular on PS5 but will take another step forward with PS5 Pro. Like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, it’s easy to see how PS5 Pro will combine dynamic gameplay with all the flashy elements that burst onto the screen. Another clear beneficiary of the console’s new features.
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: The Last of Us Part II was already an incredibly technical game, and its remastered version looks even better. Now, with the addition of PS5 Pro, it’s clear that the technical aspect of The Last of Us Part II can benefit greatly from superior hardware. Visually, it’s already one of the best games in history, and with PS5 Pro, it will solidify that status even further.
- The Crew Motorfest, The First Descendant, and More: While no specific list has been provided on PlayStation’s official blog, it’s clear that a handful of games will benefit from what the PS5 Pro has to offer. Additionally, as time goes on and developers become more familiar with the console’s capabilities, more and more games will take advantage of the new hardware from the Japanese company. It’s just a matter of patience.
“Our PS5 journey would not be possible without the millions of players that have supported us through the years and have shared with us their love of gaming. Whichever console option players choose, whether it’s PS5 or PS5 Pro, we wish to bring everyone the very best gaming experience that fits their needs.”
Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President for Platform Experience, SIE (Sony Interactive Entertainment).
We’ll have to stay tuned for any new announcements between now and November 7th, BUT, since there are still days left, why not check out the comments and let us know your thoughts on this console beast? If you don’t know much about it, be sure to check out the two videos we’ve included above, then come back here and share your opinion with us. You know it, gamer, we’ll be reading! 😉
Info & Images Source: PlayStation Official YouTube Channel, PlayStation.Blog
