Is getting the PS5 Pro a Good Idea?
Should you consider getting a PS5 Pro even if you already have the PS5? What is the main difference? The console is targeted for a late 2024 release.
According to reports, the PS5 Pro will target an 8K resolution, while stabilizing framerate at 4K. It also features 18,000 MT/s memory and 30 WGP (workgroup processor). This means that the console will roughly double the performance of the PS5.
This bit of information should not discourage you if you are considering getting a PS5 anytime soon or got one recently.
Apples and Oranges
In general, the base PS5 model runs games at a very stable framerate. It is up to the developers to decide what framerate, resolution, and visual fidelity sliders to adjust. Consoles are different than PCs in that sense.
On a PC, you can manually tweak things like Level of Detail, Resolution, Ambient Occlusion, Ray Tracing, Filtering, V-Sync, Refresh Rate, and more. Most games have the option to select from a list of pre-made settings like Low, Medium, High, and Ultra in order to simplify it to the end user.
Consoles don't have that feature yet; some developers go as far as adding a Performance vs. Resolution Mode in their games. This means that most games already out there will not fully reap the benefits of the PS5 Pro.
Is the PS5 Pro for Me?
As a consumer, you might end up overpaying for a console whose potential you will not fully exploit. Another reason to follow this line of thought is that you will need an 8K television to get the whole experience.
If you have a 4K TV, a mere framerate stabilization will not justify a potentially higher price tag. An 8K TV can go from $1000 all the way up to more than $3000.
Sony is not looking to segment its player base with the PS5 Pro, but it seems that potential buyers will either have to be first adopters, or already have an 8K TV at their homes.
PS4 and PS4 Pro
Back in November 2016, three years after the PS4 came out, Sony released the PS4 Pro. The console had the same price that the regular PS4 had at launch. They had already released the PS4 Slim a few months back, in September to be precise.
The base model and the Slim had a $100 price cut, making the console $299. The PS4 Pro had an extremely competitive price at launch, just $100 pricier than the base models. This meant that both newcomers and early adopters got their hands into the brand-new console.
Will the PS5 have a price cut?
Nothing has been mentioned about Sony cutting the price of the Digital Edition, and regular PS5 models, however there are rumors that a PS5 with a removable disk reader is on the way; Sony is aiming for a late 2023 or early 2024 release.
We still don't know the price, but we assume it will fall between the Digital Edition and regular models, so it could be $429.99. The disk reader module might be priced from $50 to $100.
Should I get one?
If Sony ends up pulling a similar move like they did in 2016, then the PS5 Pro will become a must-have for both newcomers and consumers who are looking to upgrade their console.
If the price is much higher, let's say, $699 then it is not worth investing that kind of money as soon as the console releases. Perhaps it is better to wait for a discount at a retail store or get a digital coupon to reduce its price a bit.
You might want to see how the console performs once it is out on the market. Outlets like Digital Foundry do an excellent in-depth analysis of hardware performance and will clear up any doubts you might have.
What are your thoughts on the news of the PS5 Pro? Do you intend to get one? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy Gaming.
