Sony has officially announced the PS5 Pro, a more powerful version of its popular PlayStation console. After months of speculation, the PS5 Pro is set to launch on November 7th, priced at $699.99. Mark Cerny, lead architect of the PS5, highlighted three major improvements: a larger GPU, advanced ray tracing, and AI-driven upscaling technology.
Design and Features
The design of the PS5 Pro closely resembles the slim PS5 model, as suggested by previous leaks. It features three stripes on the side and comes without a disc drive, although you can buy a 4K Blu-ray drive separately. Optional console covers will also be available.
Performance Enhancements
Cerny, lead architect, described the PS5 Pro as “the most powerful console we’ve ever built.” With a 67% increase in GPU compute units and 28% faster memory, the PS5 Pro offers 45% faster rendering. This upgrade is designed to give players the best of both worlds — no need to choose between performance and visual fidelity. According to Sony, 75% of gamers currently opt for performance modes, but the PS5 Pro aims to bridge that gap by delivering stunning visuals at higher frame rates.
AI-Driven Upscaling with PSSR
Additionally, Sony’s new AI-powered PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) enhances frame rates and image quality, similar to Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR technologies. Cerny demonstrated several games on the PS5 Pro, including The Last of Us Part II, which now runs at 60fps with improved detail. Other upcoming titles like Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart will also take advantage of these enhancements.
Backward Compatibility and Game Boost
The PS5 Pro will introduce a “Game Boost” feature, enhancing over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games. This boost could improve frame rates, image quality, and performance for supported titles. Some games, like Gran Turismo 7, will even run in 8K or feature 4K ray tracing modes.
Connectivity and Storage Upgrades
In terms of connectivity, the PS5 Pro will support Wi-Fi 7, VRR, and 8K resolutions. It also features a larger 2TB SSD and replaces one USB-A port with an additional USB-C port. The console will retain the extra SSD expansion slot for further storage upgrades.
PS5 Pro Enhanced Games
Developers are already working on free updates to optimize existing games for the PS5 Pro. By the launch date, up to 50 titles, including Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, will be labeled as “PS5 Pro Enhanced.”
Preorders and Launch
Preorders for the PS5 Pro begin on September 26th, with the official release on November 7th.