Sony Interactive Entertainment recently held a live broadcast for a technological demonstration of the PS5 Pro. Chief Architect Mark Cerny revealed what are the expected performance improvements of this new game console. After in-depth discussions with players and game developers, Sony set their goal. "High Fidelity Mode 60fps" brings three major graphics improvements: a larger GPU, advanced ray tracing, and an AI-driven upscaling technology called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Moreover, the PS5 Pro will also support the latest Wi-Fi 7 wireless communication technology when released, and it will definitely have features like VRR, 8K, and backward compatibility.
Here, we get a first look at the body of the PS5 Pro that was revealed at the end of the live broadcast. Its appearance is the same as those previously revealed. This is the design of the current PS5 digital version with an additional cutout in the center of the decorative panels on both sides, though this was not specifically mentioned in the live broadcast. However, this should have the effect of improved heat dissipation. Regarding the base, which has to be purchased separately like the current version, Sony emphasized that the height of the PS5 Pro is the same as the original PS5, and the width is the same as the current PS5 model.
Gamers can also purchase a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc drive for the PS5 Pro, which according to foreign media is priced at $80 USD. Moreover, the USB-A connection port on the back of this upgraded game console will also be replaced with USB-C specifications, and according to foreign media that obtained the actual machine in advance, the console will also have an SSD slot for to users to add storage.
The first graphical upgrade mentioned in Mark Cerny's briefing is "Larger GPU". Its computing unit is 67% higher than the current PS5 console, the memory speed is 28% faster, and the overall rendering speed will be 45% faster, resulting in a smoother gaming experience. It can achieve a smoother gaming experience without losing visual fidelity. In the live broadcast, it can be seen that the frame rate of the PS5 Pro is clearly faster than the PS5. The second graphics upgrade is "Advanced Ray Tracing". Mark Cerny mentioned that the PS5 Pro can provide more dynamic light reflection and refraction, which is about two to three times faster than the current PS5 console.
The third major graphics upgrade is "AI Driven Upscaling Technology" called PSSR. This Sony self-developed technology is based on machine learning (similar to NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR). It makes image details clearer and sharper by adding a large amount of detail. It is mainly used to replace the current upscaling and anti-aliasing functions. In the long shot of the PS5 game "Ratchet & Clank: A Rift in Time" above, it can be seen that the PS5 Pro's character outline and light and shadow details are clearer compared to the PS5's ray tracing mode.
The PS5 Pro game screen above can also show the image quality upgrade. The skin and hair of the main character Aloy in "Horizon: Forbidden West" have better details thanks to the improvement of PSSR technology, and "Hogwarts Legacy" further shows the effectiveness of advanced ray tracing.
PlayStation Blog also mentioned that other upgrades include PS5 Pro Game Boost. This game enhancement technology allows the PS5 Pro to have backward compatibility and run more than 8,500 PS4 games. Besides improving performance and stability, some PS4 games will also get improved image quality and resolution. Regarding the games that are exclusive for PS5 Pro, although it was not mentioned in the live broadcast, in the current game development ecosystem, there may not be such games.
Finally, here is the Wi-Fi 7 wireless communication technology mentioned in the introduction.
Aside from PS5 Pro Game Boost that improves game graphics, some existing games will also get free software updates to allow players to take full advantage of the PS5 Pro's performance. These games will also get the "PS5 Pro Enhanced" label for recognition, as shown in the live broadcast that included games like "Horizon: Forbidden West", "The Last of Us II Remastered Edition", "Ratchet & Clank: A Rift in Time", "Demon's Souls Remastered Edition", "Alan Wake 2", "Dragon's Dogma", "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth", "Roman Adventures 7", "Hogwarts Legacy", "Marvel's Spider-Man 2", "The Crew: Power Celebration", "The First Descendant" and "Assassin's Creed: Shadowbringers". The complete live video is also posted here. Interested board members can click to watch.
The Sony PS5 Pro will be available on November 7 this year, with pre-orders opening at designated dealers from September 26. Moreover, this game console has been confirmed to be a digital version. Besides a built-in 2TB SSD solid state drive, it will also have the space robot game "Astro's Playroom" and of course, its own DualSense wireless controller. PS5 Pro will be perfectly compatible with all PS5 family hardware devices, including PSVR2, PlayStation Portal, DualSense Edge, and two gaming headsets, the Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore.
