Speculations and rumors are circulating about the potential release of a PlayStation 5 Pro, or PS5 Pro for short. Similar to the mid-generation upgrade we saw with the PS4 Pro in the previous console cycle, many anticipate that PlayStation will introduce a more powerful console to bridge the gap between the initial release unit and the eventual PlayStation 6. While leaks from credible sources have provided specific details about the alleged PS5 Pro, we should approach this news with skepticism until Sony officially confirms the existence of such a system. Here is an overview of the rumors surrounding the PS5 Pro.
Rumored Release Window
Leaked information has consistently pointed towards a Fall 2024 release window, likely between September and November. There are indications that PS5 Pro development kits have been distributed to more developers, with a deadline set for August to submit PS5 Pro-enhanced games for certification. These developments align with a potential 2024 release.
Jeff Grubb has specifically mentioned a September release date, considering the upcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 to drive sales and showcase the console’s performance capabilities.
As the expected release window approaches, Tom Henderson has clarified that there have been no indications of delays, with developers actively preparing games to leverage the new hardware.
Price
While there have been no leaks regarding the pricing of the PS5 Pro, it is reasonable to anticipate a higher cost compared to current models. Speculations suggest a potential price increase of at least $100, possibly exceeding $600.
Specs
Recent leaks suggest significant hardware upgrades for the PS5 Pro, including 67 teraflops of compute power compared to the base unit’s 10.28 teraflops. Memory capacity may increase from 448GBs to 576GBs, accompanied by a 10% faster CPU speed.
Tom Henderson reports that the focus of the PS5 Pro’s enhanced power will be on ray tracing and rendering speeds, with expectations of a 45% speed boost in rendering and potential support for 8K graphics. The console aims to provide the best visuals at optimal frame rates without compromising on performance modes.
While not officially confirmed, it is widely believed that the PS5 Pro will retain compatibility with all existing PS5 games without exclusive titles. Improved PSVR2 performance is also anticipated. The Verge outlines criteria for games to receive an “enhanced” label on the PS5 Pro, emphasizing resolution improvements and ray tracing effects.
Recent reports from Digital Foundry suggest a 33.5 teraflops GPU for the PS5 Pro, indicating a 227% increase in power. However, technical limitations may result in approximately a 45% performance boost, especially in ray tracing capabilities.
