Sony Launches PlayStation 5 Pro with 67% More Powerful GPU and 2TB SSD

Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced the release of the PlayStation 5 Pro, an upgraded version of its latest-generation console, featuring significant hardware and graphical performance improvements. Scheduled for launch in the United States on November 7, 2024, the PS5 Pro promises a smoother, more immersive gaming experience with higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and faster rendering. The console also includes an expanded 2TB SSD and Wi-Fi 7 support, ensuring faster network speeds and reduced latency for online gaming.

The new model stands out with its upgraded GPU, which has 67% more compute units than the standard PS5, along with 28% faster memory, allowing for up to 45% faster rendering speeds. These upgrades result in more realistic visuals and improved gameplay, especially in titles optimized for the more powerful hardware.

The journey continues with PlayStation 5 Pro.

⚬ Larger GPU
⚬ Advanced ray tracing
⚬ AI-Driven upscaling
⚬ PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution

Full details: https://t.co/TzMEbfbaH8 pic.twitter.com/kXu69olPNZ

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 10, 2024

There is no official confirmation regarding the availability and price of the PS5 Pro in Brazil, but in the United States, it will retail for $699.99. Pre-orders will begin on September 26, allowing gamers to secure the new console ahead of its official release.

Enhanced Performance and Hardware Upgrades

The PlayStation 5 Pro introduces significant advancements over the standard PS5. The most notable upgrade is the enhanced GPU, which boosts graphical quality and enables smoother performance in demanding games. Sony has implemented advanced ray tracing technology, allowing for more realistic reflections and light refractions at twice the speed of the previous version.

Another key innovation is the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-powered upscaling feature that enhances image clarity. This system utilizes machine learning to improve visual quality, reduce jagged edges, and provide sharper details even at higher resolutions.

The addition of Wi-Fi 7 is a crucial improvement, providing more stable and faster connections, minimizing network disruptions, and reducing response times in multiplayer games. The 2TB SSD is another major upgrade, offering expanded storage capacity and significantly reducing loading times.

List of Games Optimized for PlayStation 5 Pro

The PS5 Pro will be fully compatible with all existing PlayStation 5 games, but certain titles will receive exclusive optimizations to leverage the new hardware’s power. Some of the key games confirmed to be optimized include:

• Alan Wake 2
• Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
• Demon’s Souls
• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
• Gran Turismo 7
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Horizon Forbidden West
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
• The Crew Motorfest
• The First Descendant
• The Last of Us Part II Remastered

These games will benefit from improved graphics, increased frame rate stability, and better utilization of ray tracing and AI upscaling features.

Accessory Compatibility and New Features

The PlayStation 5 Pro maintains compatibility with all existing PS5 accessories, including:

• PlayStation VR2
• PlayStation Portal Remote Player
• DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
• Access Controller
• Pulse Elite Wireless Headset
• Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds

Additionally, the PS5 Pro will support detachable Blu-ray disc drives, allowing players to choose between a digital-only or physical media version.

PlayStation 5 Pro Technical Specifications

The new console boasts enhanced specifications to deliver superior gaming performance. Key details include:

• CPU: x86-64 AMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8 cores/16 threads)
• GPU: 16.7 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon RDNA-based architecture
• Memory: 16GB GDDR6 + 2GB DDR5
• Storage: 2TB Custom SSD
• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Dimensions: 388 x 89 x 216 mm
• Maximum Power Consumption: 390W

These specifications contribute to faster loading times, more detailed graphics, and improved stability even in visually demanding games.

Advantages of the PlayStation 5 Pro

• Enhanced GPU: Up to 45% faster rendering speeds
• Advanced Ray Tracing: More realistic reflections and lighting effects
• Larger SSD: 2TB of storage for more games
• Wi-Fi 7 Support: Faster and more stable network connections
• AI Upscaling: Automatic improvement of image quality
• Full Compatibility: All PS5 games are playable on the PS5 Pro

The Evolution of Sony’s PlayStation Series

Since the launch of the original PlayStation in 1994, Sony has continued to innovate in the gaming industry. The PlayStation 2 introduced DVD technology, the PlayStation 3 integrated Blu-ray, and the PlayStation 4 Pro (released in 2016) brought 4K support and higher frame rates. The PS5 introduced SSD storage as a standard feature, significantly reducing loading times.

The PS5 Pro follows this tradition, representing an incremental upgrade that incorporates the latest gaming technologies and sets new industry standards.

The Impact of the PS5 Pro on the Gaming Market

The arrival of the PS5 Pro is expected to have a direct impact on the competition, particularly Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. Sony’s implementation of advanced ray tracing and AI-based upscaling aims to push graphical fidelity and performance to new heights.

Another crucial factor is Sony’s decision to maintain full compatibility with all existing PS5 games, ensuring that players using the standard PS5 model will not be left behind. This approach allows the player base to continue expanding without forcing an abrupt transition to a new console generation.

Priced at $699.99, the PS5 Pro is positioned as a premium option for gamers seeking the highest performance within the PlayStation ecosystem. With pre-orders set to begin on September 26, demand for the new console is expected to be high.

Future Prospects for the PlayStation Lineup

Sony continues to invest in innovation to ensure that the PlayStation remains a leader in the gaming industry. The development of new graphical technologies, expanded backward compatibility, and advancements in AI-driven gaming experiences are expected to shape the company’s future releases.

With the PS5 Pro, Sony reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences, combining powerful hardware, optimized games, and a growing library of titles. The console’s launch could set a new benchmark for mid-generation upgrades, influencing future decisions in the gaming sector.