During the Tokyo Game Show 2024, a massive crowd gathered to experience the latest and most exciting interactive entertainment offerings. Digital Trends was present at the event, exploring top titles like Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, and The First Berzerker: Khazan starring industry favorite Ben Starr.
Sony had a prominent presence at the event, showcasing its newest hardware, the PlayStation 5 Pro. I had the opportunity to test the console for the first time and was impressed by the exceptional image quality and seamless action it delivered. While the price tag may be steep, this upgrade could be the key to unlocking the full graphical potential of this gaming generation.
Tower of Power
Adjacent to the PlayStation booth, a illuminated pedestal displayed the PS5 Pro alongside the slimmer PS5 base model. A guard monitored the area to ensure no unauthorized handling. Despite the prohibition on touching, I could visually compare the Pro’s taller stature and sleek profile due to its lack of a disc drive, giving it a distinctive appearance.
The Pro features a matte black grill at the front, contrasting with the glossy finish on the rest of the console. The rear panel retains the LAN, USB, and power ports in the familiar layout. Additionally, the distinctive PlayStation logo engraving and controller compatibility remain consistent with Sony’s current console lineup.
Settling down at the kiosk for a hands-on experience, I was initially skeptical when Gran Turismo loaded on the screen. Despite being one of the visually stunning games on the platform, the Pro’s performance left me awestruck. The detailed reflections, realistic rain effects, and smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second showcased the console’s capabilities.
As I navigated through the race, the visuals maintained their high quality, with smooth transitions and vivid details. Although I didn’t get to play Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on the Pro, observing its enhanced performance was impressive. The Pro’s Enhanced Mode offered a balance between frame rate and visual fidelity, elevating the gaming experience significantly.
Despite the $700 price tag, the PS5 Pro’s noticeable performance enhancements make it a compelling option for gamers. The prospect of more developers harnessing its power hints at its future potential. With over two dozen Pro-enhanced titles lined up for the November 7 launch, the console’s capabilities are yet to be fully realized.
