Sony Unveils the PS5 Pro: More Power, But at What Cost? 🎮

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Sony has officially announced the release of the highly anticipated PS5 Pro, an improved version of its flagship console. Scheduled for November 7, 2024, this new iteration promises significantly superior graphic performance compared to its predecessor. However, the high price and lack of an optical drive might cool the enthusiasm of many gamers.

Unprecedented Graphic Power 🚀

The PS5 Pro positions itself as the most powerful console on the market, even surpassing Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. Marc Cerny, chief architect of the PS5, presented a boosted GPU, offering 67% more compute units and 28% faster RAM than the classic version.

Source : Sony

This increased power allows for significant improvements in ray-tracing, with performance almost tripled in this area. Sony also promises notable improvements in volumetric effects. Specular details are expected on games like The Last of Us: Part II or Horizon Forbidden West.

The PS5 Pro also introduces a new upscaling technology called PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution). Comparable to Nvidia’s DLSS, this technique improves image resolution without increasing the computational load. The goal is to enable 4K gaming at 60 FPS, thus eliminating the compromise between graphic quality and fluidity.

Source : Sony

Besides its graphic capabilities, the PS5 Pro includes 2TB of storage and supports Wi-Fi 7. It also retains the VRR and 8K compatibility of its predecessor.

A Price That Stings 🤬

The real sticking point is the price. At €799.99, the PS5 Pro is €350 more than the Digital Edition and €250 more than the standard PS5. This price is even harder to justify since the console doesn’t come with an optical drive, which is sold separately for around €120.

Source : Sony

This aggressive pricing strategy is causing keen disappointment within the gaming community for several reasons. First, the prohibitive price of €800 puts the PS5 Pro in direct competition with gaming PCs. Its acquisition becomes harder to justify for many gamers.

The omission of physical media by default is another step towards full digitalization, much to the dismay of collectors and those who buy second-hand games. This shift to all-digital gaming also raises concerns about the long-term access to purchased games once servers are shut down..

Source : Sony

Finally, many gamers feel that Sony is prioritizing profits over the user experience and accessibility that made the brand successful. This strategy recalls the difficult beginnings of the PlayStation 3. At that time, Sony, strong in its dominant position, had launched a console at a high price. History seems to be repeating itself, casting doubt on how this PS5 Pro will be received by the public.

Since the console’s announcement, social media has been flooded with negative reactions. Many users are sharing clips from the presentation to mock the device, pointing out how hard it is to perceive the supposed technological advancements. These criticisms, coupled with the high price, make the reception of this console particularly mixed.

A Shift Towards All-Digital ☁️

The fact that the disc drive is optional reflects Sony’s desire to push towards an entirely digital gaming experience. This allows the manufacturer to reduce costs, but also raises questions about the future of physical games. While the video game market is increasingly trending towards digital, physical games remain an important part of the industry, especially for collectors.

Source : Sony

Moreover, in some regions where access to fast internet is still limited, downloading large games can be a real headache. This choice therefore risks dividing the community. On one side, those ready to embrace all-digital, on the other, those who remain attached to their discs.

While the PS5 Pro impresses with its technical performance, its high price and orientation towards all-digital may hinder its adoption. Sony will have to convince gamers that this evolution justifies such an investment, in a market where competition from PC gaming is becoming increasingly pressing.

Do you own a video game console? What do you think of this new console? Does the price seem justified to you? Come discuss it in the comments.