Speculation surrounding the PlayStation 5 Pro has reached fever pitch, with rumours swirling about its release, specifications, and what it could mean for the gaming industry. Though Sony has remained tight-lipped, numerous leaks and insider reports suggest that the PS5 Pro could be officially announced as soon as later this September 2024.
Release Date
Regarding the release date, the most reliable sources currently suggest that Sony might launch the PS5 Pro before the end of 2024. This timing would be strategic, as it aligns with the holiday shopping season, a crucial period for console sales. A release in this window would also allow Sony to compete more effectively with Nintendo, which is rumoured to be launching its next-generation console, the Switch 2, in 2025.
Interestingly, rumours also suggest that Sony might reveal the PS5 Pro at a PlayStation State of Play event in September 2024. This event could serve as a platform for Sony to showcase the Pro’s capabilities and announce games specifically optimised for the new hardware.
GPU Upgrade
Perhaps the most exciting rumours revolve around the console’s performance. According to multiple sources, the PS5 Pro will boast a significantly upgraded GPU, capable of delivering higher frame rates and improved ray tracing capabilities. This would allow gamers to experience their favourite titles with enhanced visual fidelity and smoother gameplay.
Storage
Additionally, there have been whispers about the console’s storage capacity. While the base PS5 offers 825GB of SSD storage, the PS5 Pro is rumoured to come with a larger storage option, potentially 1TB or even 2TB. This would alleviate the storage concerns that many gamers have faced with the current generation console. In terms of software, the PS5 Pro might face an uphill battle.
Historically, new hardware needs strong game support to justify the upgrade. Some analysts fear that there may not be enough exclusive titles at launch to make the PS5 Pro a must-buy. This was a significant issue with the PlayStation VR 2, which struggled to gain traction due to a lack of compelling games. Sony will need to ensure that the PS5 Pro doesn’t suffer the same fate
Performance
Another feature that has been mentioned in the rumour mill is the inclusion of a new “performance mode.” This mode would allow gamers to prioritise higher frame rates over visual fidelity, resulting in a smoother gaming experience, especially for demanding titles. In terms of software, the PS5 Pro might face an uphill battle.
Pricing
The pricing of the PS5 Pro is another hot topic. With the current PS5 priced between £450 and £500, many expect the Pro version to be more expensive, possibly around £550 to £600. This higher price point reflects the advanced technology within the console and the premium experience it is expected to offer.
However, this could also be a challenging sell, especially if Sony doesn’t back the launch with compelling software that truly takes advantage of the new hardware. Of course, it’s important to note that these are just rumours, and the final product and price may differ from what is being speculated. For a deeper dive on the PS5 Pro’s rumoured features, visit the Spec Analysis article on Eurogamer below.
Spec Analysis: PlayStation 5 Pro – the most powerful console yet.
