PlayStation 5 Pro Reveal Divides Gamers: The Price is a Major Concern
The recent unveiling of the PlayStation 5 Pro has left the gaming community divided, with the primary issue being its steep price, which many feel is unjustified.
Long-Awaited Release Finally Announced
Fans of Sony’s gaming consoles have been eagerly awaiting the release of the PlayStation 5 Pro. After months of speculation and rumors, all doubts were put to rest when Mark Cerny, PlayStation’s lead architect, officially revealed the new version’s specifications. While the technical upgrades impressed many, it was the price tag that raised eyebrows. By the time the trailer dropped (10:00 AM, September 11, 2024), the video had garnered three times more dislikes than likes, reflecting the community’s skepticism. For those interested, the comment section offers further insights.
Impressive Hardware Upgrades
The PlayStation 5 Pro boasts significant hardware improvements. It features a GPU with 66% more computing units compared to the 2020 model. Additionally, the GDDR6 memory is 28% faster, which leads to smoother gameplay experiences. One of the most notable upgrades is the enhancement in ray tracing technology, which now performs up to three times faster in some scenarios compared to the current PS5 generation.
New AI-Powered Upscaling and Game Boost
Mark Cerny also introduced a new AI-based upscaling technology called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. This technology improves image quality by adding more detail and maintaining a smooth 60 frames per second, drawing comparisons to FSR and DLSS. Another highlight is the PS5 Pro Game Boost, designed to improve the performance of PlayStation 4 games played via backward compatibility. It not only stabilizes game performance but also enhances the resolution. With support for over 8,500 titles, this feature holds great promise. Sony also upgraded the wireless network card, allowing the console to support Wi-Fi 7.
Same Design, Full Accessory Compatibility
The PlayStation 5 Pro will retain the same external design and dimensions as the base PS5 model. This ensures full compatibility with accessories from the original version, giving users a seamless upgrade experience.
The Price Controversy: Is It Worth It?
The most divisive aspect of the PlayStation 5 Pro is its price. Scheduled to launch on November 7th, the console will be priced at $699 (799 euros), though it could be higher in certain regions. All models will come with a 2TB hard drive, but if you want to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, it will cost an additional $100. This brings the total price for the PS5 Pro with a drive to over $699. Furthermore, the package does not include a stand, and only one controller is provided.
Comparisons to the Original PS5 Price
The price hike is particularly contentious because, when the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (without a drive) launched, it was priced at just $400. This means the new PS5 Pro could be nearly twice as expensive as its predecessor.
Pre-Orders Start Soon
If the price isn’t a deterrent for you, pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 Pro will begin on September 26th.
