A Brief History of PlayStation Consoles

The PlayStation brand has been a titan in the gaming world since its inception in 1994. The original PlayStation console revolutionised home gaming with its compact design and CD-ROM format, offering players an expansive library of 3D games that were previously unimaginable. This trailblazing spirit continued with the release of the PlayStation 2, which remains one of the best-selling consoles of all time, thanks to its backward compatibility and diverse game library.

With the PlayStation 3, Sony introduced groundbreaking features such as online multiplayer gaming and the PlayStation Network, reshaping how gamers connected. The PlayStation 4 built upon these innovations, boasting impressive graphics, an extensive selection of exclusive titles, and a focus on social integration. Now, with the PlayStation 5, the series enters a new era, marked by rapid loading times, stunning visuals, and a commitment to immersive gameplay. Each generation has not only pushed technological boundaries but has also cultivated a loyal community of gamers.

What Makes the PlayStation 5 Stand Out

The PlayStation 5 stands out in a crowded market for several reasons. Its sleek, futuristic design is a bold departure from previous consoles, boasting a distinctive aesthetic that blends seamlessly into modern entertainment setups. However, it’s the performance under the hood that truly sets the PS5 apart. Powered by a custom AMD processor, it delivers lightning-fast load times and the ability to render stunning graphics that were previously the domain of high-end gaming PCs.

Moreover, the introduction of the DualSense controller has significantly enhanced the gaming experience. With haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, players feel the weight and tension of their actions, making every gaming moment more visceral and engaging. Additionally, the PS5’s commitment to 4K gaming, coupled with support for 120fps, positions it as a front-runner in delivering next-gen experiences.

Enhanced Graphics and Performance

The PS5 Pro will see a boost under the hood, which will suit those with high spec monitors and TVs.

Here are some of the upgrades;

• Enhanced GPU: The PS5 Pro boasts a significantly upgraded GPU featuring 67% more Compute Units compared to the standard PS5, along with 28% faster memory. This results in up to 45% quicker rendering during gameplay, providing a noticeably smoother experience.
• Improved Ray Tracing: We’ve implemented advanced ray tracing capabilities, enhancing the dynamic reflection and refraction of light. This upgrade allows rays to be processed at speeds that are double, and sometimes even triple, those of the current PS5.
• AI-Powered Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, our new AI-driven upscaling technology. Utilizing machine learning, this feature delivers incredibly sharp image clarity, adding a remarkable level of detail to your visuals.

Display Capabilities

8K: What to Expect

Sony have confirmed that 8K gaming will be supported. However, there aren’t any 8K monitors available.

Ray Tracing: How It Changes the Game

Sony has stated that, depending on the workload, ray tracing performance on the new PS5 Pro will be up to twice as fast as the standard model, with some scenarios achieving multipliers of 3x and 4x. It’s important to clarify that this pertains only to ray tracing processing and not the frame rate of actual games. The platform holder indicates that, in practical terms, some titles that do not support ray tracing on the basic PS5 could gain ray tracing features on the Pro. For example, a standard PS5 game with ray tracing reflections might also benefit from ray tracing shadows on the PS5 Pro.

There has been speculation that the PS5 Pro’s GPU is benefiting from architectural improvements in ray tracing that AMD is planning for its upcoming RDNA 4 graphics cards. While these enhancements appear promising, it’s crucial to note that much of the performance boost is due to the fact that the PS5 Pro’s GPU is significantly larger than that of the standard model. Thus, the 2x to 4x increase in performance is attributed to both architectural advancements and the increase in compute units.

There is no mention of a custom solution from Sony for ray tracing, which suggests that the PS5 Pro is utilising AMD technology. Historically, console components have received such features prior to their introduction in the PC graphics market. In fact, the PlayStation 4 Pro featured elements like dual-rate FP16 and a new compute unit design that were ahead of their launch in AMD’s Vega architecture.

High Refresh Rates and Variable Refresh Rate

“With the power of the PS5 Pro console, compatible games can be played at 60fps, or up to 120fps, with Ray Tracing and AI-enhanced 4K resolution using PSSR—all at the same time—on your 4K TV.” – https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/ps5/ps5-pro/

Backward Compatibility: Play Your Classics

Whilst Sony confirm that the PS5 Pro will be able to play thousands of PS4 games, it appears that the you will need the Premium tier of PSN+ to play classic games

Performance Boosts for Existing PS5 Games

Existing PS5 titles are also expected to benefit from the Pro’s enhancements. Developers may issue patches or updates that enable higher resolutions, improved frame rates, and additional graphical options for games already available on the standard PS5. This means that gamers can revisit their favourite titles and experience them in a whole new light, making the upgrade even more appealing.

How Does the PS5 Pro Stack Up Against Xbox Series X?

In the ever-competitive gaming landscape, comparisons between consoles are inevitable. The PS5 Pro is poised to go head-to-head with the Xbox Series X, each offering unique features and advantages. While the Series X boasts impressive hardware capabilities and a robust Game Pass library, the PS5 Pro’s exclusive titles and innovative DualSense controller may give it the edge in the eyes of some gamers.

The decision may ultimately boil down to personal preference regarding exclusive games and brand loyalty. Both consoles have their merits, but understanding how they stack up against each other will be crucial for consumers contemplating an upgrade.

Price: What to Budget For

Price: £699

When the PS5 Pro was hotly rumoured to be announced, the biggest question we all had was, “How much will it cost?”.

Unfortunately, the PS5 Pro didn’t follow the Playstation’s previous pricing trends for Pro models, and saw a significant price increase. At £699, the PS5 Pro is priced at nearly double the price of the original (Digital Edition) PS5, whilst the PS4 Pro was released at the same price the original PS4 started at.

Understandably, this has left most gamers with a sour taste. Especially as the console doesn’t come with a Disc Drive (£99.99) or even a Stand (£24.99), and the upgrades are mostly going to benefit gamers with much higher spec monitors.

Availability: When Can You Get Your Hands on It?

Pre-order start: September 26, 2024

Release date: November 7, 2024

Who Should Upgrade to the PS5 Pro?

Deciding whether to upgrade to the PS5 Pro is a highly individual choice. Gamers who play frequently, particularly those who enjoy graphically intensive titles, are likely to benefit most from the enhanced capabilities. Additionally, players invested in the PlayStation ecosystem, with a collection of PS4 titles, may find backward compatibility appealing.

Casual gamers or those who primarily play on other platforms might not see the immediate need for an upgrade. Ultimately, personal gaming habits, preferences, and priorities will dictate who should take the leap to the PS5 Pro.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro represents a significant leap forward in gaming technology, promising enhanced graphics, performance, and an immersive gaming experience. With advanced features such as 3D audio, backward compatibility, and potential support for 8K gaming, the Pro version is poised to cater to the most demanding gamers.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

As much of a powerhouse the PS5 Pro will be, at £699 it’s hard to justify the huge increase in price, as the upgrades are mainly going to be appreciated by those with much higher spec monitors and TVs. For your casual gamer, the PS5 will offer more than enough. For £479 you can get a PS5 Slim Disc Drive Edition.