Sony was always going to have difficulty explaining what the PlayStation 4 Pro is – and, perhaps more importantly, who it's for – during its PlayStation Meeting press conference this week. The console, which represents a kind of half-step for the existing PS4 model, is not intended to blur generations or begin new ones – it's, instead, a new concept, where premium and standard hardware specifications co-exist, sharing the exact same software libraries and communities.
We know, as with any bold new direction like this, that you'll have questions, though – and that's why we've compiled a mini-FAQ outlining everything that we know about the PS4 Pro thus far. This article should put to bed any queries that you have about the console, and while we're sure that more tidbits will emerge over time, consider this your crash course on the Japanese giant's new console, which will release in a matter of weeks.
What is the PS4 Pro and why does it exist?
Recognising the accelerated nature of PC and smartphone tech iteration, Sony doesn't want to be bound to a single console specification for an entire generation anymore. Historically, PlayStation consoles have remained the same throughout their entire lifespans, excluding aesthetic and minor technical alterations.
The PS4 Pro aims to modernise the way that we think about a traditional PlayStation generation; it's a new system with a stronger GPU and the capacity to render games in 4K resolution, but all of your existing games will work on it – many of which will be improved. Likewise, the existing PS4 model will continue to power games exactly the same way as it always has.
Will there be PS4 Pro exclusive games?
No, the PS4 Pro and the standard PS4 – including the soon-to-be-released PS4 Slim – run the exact same games. Those who don't want to upgrade to the PS4 Pro will be able to play every single PS4 title released between now and the end of the console's lifecycle. Compatible titles, however, will offer enhanced performance on the PS4 Pro – including 4K resolution and improved visual effects.
How powerful is the PS4 Pro?
It's actually quite a sizeable leap forward from the standard PS4 model, boasting over double the GPU power. Officially, it hosts 4.20 teraflops of graphics grunt, compared to the 1.84 teraflops of the existing unit. Additionally, its CPU has been overclocked, while an enhanced Wi-Fi chip has been included to enable better download speeds. It does consume much more power, however – a whopping 310 watts compared to the 140 or so watts of the current unit!
Do I need a 4K television for PS4 Pro?
No, not at all. While the PS4 Pro will render some titles in 4K friendly resolutions, it'll also enhance selected titles in traditional 1080p. A good example of this is Rise of the Tomb Raider, which will offer three options for those who play it on PS4 Pro: 4K resolution, 1080p with a framerate above 45 frames-per-second, or 1080p at 30 frames-per-second with enhanced visual effects. You'll be able to pick which mode you prefer, and it's worth remembering that Rise of the Tomb Raider will still be playable in full 1080p on the standard PS4 console – minus the bells and whistles.
It's going to depend entirely on the game as to how developers opt to take advantage of the PS4 Pro, but we're sure that as the hardware matures, consumer preferences will be formed. It's also worth mentioning that PS4 Pro will take advantage of high-dynamic range, which promises more authentic colours on supporting televisions. This feature will be patched in to all PS4s, so even if you don't purchase the PS4 Pro, you'll be able to take advantage of this option – assuming that you have a supporting screen.
Which games will support PS4 Pro's features?
At launch, the PS4 Pro will be compatible with Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, and many more. Sony says that "dozens" of first-party games will be enhanced by the new console on day one, while third-party studios are also on board – with Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and For Honor just some of the games featuring in the platform holder's sizzle trailer.
It's worth mentioning that all games will be required to run in 1080p on PS4 Pro, regardless of whether developers want to take advantage of its additional features or not. Moreover, many titles will have higher or more stable framerates on the new device. It does very much appear to be down to the developer at the moment, however, and the worry is that not every studio or publisher will be willing to put their full weight behind the new iteration.
Confirmed PS4 Pro Compatible Titles So Far
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III (Activision)
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (Activision)
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Remastered (Activision)
- Days Gone (SIE)
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Square Enix)
- Farpoint (SIE)
- FIFA 16 (EA Sports)
- Final Fantasy XV (Square Enix)
- For Honor (Ubisoft)
- Horizon: Zero Dawn (SIE)
- inFAMOUS: First Light (SIE)
- Killing Floor 2 (TripWire Interactive)
- The Last of Us Remastered (SIE)
- Mass Effect: Andromeda (EA)
- Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor (Warner Bros)
- Paragon (Epic Games)
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (Square Enix)
- Spider-Man (SIE)
- Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (SIE)
- Watch Dogs 2 (Ubisoft)
Will PlayStation VR be better on PS4 Pro?
Yes, but not necessarily at the expense of the standard PS4 model. There will be no PS4 Pro exclusive titles, and thus, every game will be required to run on the existing unit. Moreover, because Sony is mandating 60 frames-per-second for all PlayStation VR experiences, you can be confident that you're going to get a smooth experience even if you don't upgrade.
However, there will be bonuses, just like in traditional games, if you play PlayStation VR games on the PS4 Pro. One example of this is Farpoint, which is using the added horsepower to increase the quality of its textures. It's still exactly the same game whichever version of the PS4 you play it on, but the PS4 Pro edition will look sharper and more detailed in comparison.
Does the PS4 Pro have an Ultra HD Blu-ray player?
The most contentious part of the PS4 Pro is that it doesn't have an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. Sony is instead focusing its attention on streaming options, announcing that two new apps for Netflix and YouTube will launch alongside the device, and will offer 4K content. It's unclear why the platform holder has opted to go this route – streaming and Ultra HD Blu-ray would surely make more sense – but we can only speculate until the platform holder releases more details. Our guess is that it's seen a massive uptick in streaming use in comparison to Blu-ray, and it sees the future of media consumption in the former category.
It's still a shame that the option's not even there, however.
Does the PS4 Pro do anything else?
Yes, it enables 1080p Remote Play and Share Play, which is limited to 720p on the current model. It also, like the PS4 Slim, comes with an upgraded DualShock 4 controller, which boasts a nifty little light bar on the touchpad itself – as well as the ability to connect via USB for super, super, super low latency wired gameplay.
How much will the PS4 Pro cost and when will it release?
You'll be podding out $399.99 in the US or £349.99 in the UK for the PS4 Pro when it releases on 10th November, which is just 63 days away at the time of typing.
Has this article answered your questions about the PS4 Pro? Do you feel like you understand the device better now, or do you still have concerns about the console? Let us know in the comments section below.
Comments 55
I wonder what effect the Pro hardware will have on unpatched older games.
Digital Foundry is going to have a field day with this thing, just like the Xbox S.
@GamerDad66 they have done an artle explaining about it its a good read http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-three-hours-with-playstation-4-pro
Will you be able to plug your old PS4 in your new PS 4 pro to transfer data?
Day one, nice to get new tech, this could be the start of backwards and forwards compatibility for the PlayStation consoles of the future.
@Vorlon I don't see that happening, but you can back your PS4 up to an external hard drive and take it from there.
@blah01 I was watching the Cerny video (wow, those softball questions and scripted answers!) and was thinking "this is the end of console generations. All future models will just be upgrades like an iPhone. Backwards compatibility begins from the PS4 onward."
@glassmusic That's a shame, it was possible with the PS3.
@SKC_Diamond As someone with a HDR TV, I can honestly say that HDR is a bigger jump than just a resolution increase. I have SkyQ which recently rolled out its 4k content (Movies, Documentaries/TV Box Sets and Football) and whilst its 'noticeably' better, its not 'significantly' better - not like the jump from standard resolution to full HD (1080p).
HDR though is a much bigger jump than the jump to full HD was. The wider colour gamut and increased contrast ratio make images seem so much more realistic, more 3D, more vibrant etc. Its impossible to describe. Something like 'Red' looks very red - switching to SDR, the same 'red' looks like a dirty brownish red - at least until your eyes adjust to the SDR again. Its like looking out of your window on a bright sunny day. No youtube video will be able to show the full extent of HDR so I advise anyone to go to a TV retailer and ask to watch a HDR demo.
I do think its a shame that Sony have opted not to include a 4k HDR Bluray player but given the choice of a upgraded player or upgraded games, Games win every time. I buy a console to game first and foremost (I can't remember the last time I watched a bluray) but it would have been nice anyway. The streaming services are meaningless to me. My TV offers these already and in 4k too with Netflix also having (limited) HDR content. Therefore the PS4 Pro offers nothing from a media perspective I don't already have access too.
I have still pre-ordered though never the less. Of the confirmed PS4 Pro enhanced games listed above, I own or want 10 of the games and a few others are of 'some' interest. 3 of them are already pre-ordered (although 2 will arrive in 1 package).
I still hope Sony add External HDD Support. 1TB is obviously better than 500GB but I already own more than 1TB worth of games. Sony announced that they would have an 'easy' way of transferring your library - what could be easier than just unplugging your external and plugging it in to your PS4 Pro? You can buy a 5TB eternal for around £100 (I bought one for my XB1) and with the rear USB now, keep things very tidy.
Here we go! I can only imagine how fun the future will be, with all the upcoming games to be previewed and reviewed according to the PS4 they are running on and to the selected video mode...
Here's a leaked image of the PS4 Pro for the italian market: it's called PS4 Panino.
So even with double the gpu they still aren't going to manage 60fps? I've got to say, I'm very disappointed at that.
@Mattym92 As always, it will depend entirely on the game and the developer. 60 frames-per-second has always been possible, but most devs prefer to use the added horsepower to make pretty visuals.
You could have the most powerful computer on Earth, and I guarantee one dev would still choose to push billion of effects over a smooth 60fps — it's just the way it is.
"The most contentious part of the PS4 Pro is that it doesn't have an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive."
Theres no such thing as an ultra HD Blu-ray Drive, only the software & graphical output hardware(GPU HDMI) thats needed to play 4K movies, so the PS4 pro could possibly play 4K disc's in the future, just at the moment the only high def option is 1080 blu-ray & the semi-hi-def 4k streaming.
@get2sammyb its still disappointing to me. After playing a few of the games that have pushed for 60fps, like Infamous did, its just a way smoother experience. Hitman too, you can lock it to 30 or let it go as high as it can with much more notable drops, I'd like to see more devs do it that way.
Its the one thing I was looking out for watching the stream.
This was massively underwhelming for me, and I have a feeling it's going to stay that way until I can actually see the benefits in front of my own two eyes. There's no point me buying this until I get a 4k TV, and even then if it won't play 4K Blu-Rays then that's a huge, huge disadvantage. I don't want a separate Blu Ray player so I was kinda counting on that.
Just feel a bit muddled now. Do I go for PSVR next? Or a new TV? Or a PS4 Pro? Hard to feel excited at the moment, which may pass in time but just feel like Sony missed a trick here. The one thing I'll say is that I'm impressed by the £349 price tag. Would still much prefer the console in white, though.
People are saying that on paper Microsoft's Project Scorpio currently looks better than the PS4 Pro. My question is, what are the chances of Sony releasing a better PS4 or a PS5 console in during the end of next year or 2018?
@WanderingBullet I honestly have no idea how something that is barely even announced yet can be "better", but I think PS5 will be 2019. They kept talking about 2016 being the "halfway" point for the PS4.
Nice guide. I hear it has an additional usb port on the back as well. Is that true?
@get2sammyb The specs matter and Scorpio has much better specs with room for improvement since they arent shooting to release this year.
"a whopping 310 watts compared to the 140 or so watts of the current unit!"
Holy hell! That is ridiculous wattage. My bill would be really high in summer if I gamed on this thing regularly.
The best news for me is the DS4 running on straight USB power....that extra light pointing at your face sure seems annoying though.
@get2sammyb
I think the tech specs given out by MS speak for themselves.......seriously Push, it's OK to be critical or openly question Sony at times......the guys at NL do it all the time without being overly negative on the big N.
With all that more power consumption will that mean a hotter and noisier PS4?
I love how you're supposed to give up 400 more euros and then only selected titles have upgrades and work at 4k resolution...like LOL! You're supposed to buy a new console to only enjoy half the games or less with improvements? Does this only bothers me or what?
What kinds of audio output does the PS4 Burger support? Slim had optical cut out from it at least, did the Burger too?
@AFCC
There are so many asterisks on Gamestop's site for this thing, it's a mine field of what will work with what specific TV and at what upscaled resolution.
*Look for the PS4 Pro Enhanced' icon on software packaging. PS4 Pro Enhanced' features vary by game. Select titles may have enhanced visuals, frame rate, HDR 10 support, or increases in resolution.
@get2sammyb "140 or so watts of the current unit"
Current as in old, right? You have the wattage for the Slim? I'm not going to base my decision of which PS4 to buy based on watts, but I'm curios if Slim uses less than the old model as the name implies. They took out the optical port, that should save a little.
After Firmware 4. giving all PlayStation 4 owners HDR support.
I fail to wonder why I need a Pro..... yes it has AMD Radeon graphics processor which supports 4.2 teraflops, an 8 core x86-64 AMD “Jaguar”, and 8GB of GDDR6 ram.
The pro will still despite the obvious upgrade have no exclusives.
My Fatty PS4 with HDR support can do without Pro..................or am I missing something here..
Double WI-FI speeds meh
Oh oh 1 more Question will HDR push my 140 watts up
it boils down to one question for me. Quietness. If it's quieter then I might make a jump in the future when my ps4 seems tired. As it stands at the minute with a completely Digital Library this generation the PS4 sounds like a jet aeroplane even when idling and doing nothing. If they can reduce the sound out of the PS4pro then I may be tempted as I've to turn my tv up very loud to hear over the drone. B4 Im asked yes I do clean out the fans etc and make sure it's not laden with dust but it's still way too loud. Give me a quiet PS4 and I'll buy it on the spot.
@get2sammyb I don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to tech stuff and even after seeing the chart comparison I still had no idea what those specs mean apart from the 6 Teraflop GPU versus Pro's 4.20 but yeah, that's what a lot of people are saying right now.
@BertoFlyingFox Don't you agree with me? Like trading your old console to get basically the same experience and only on some games...
This is rushed by Sony! Very rushed
Will my non Pro controllers work on the Pro?
@get2sammyb "Sony says that "dozens" of first-party games will be enhanced by the new console on day one, while third-party studios are also on board" - they actually said "More than a half dozen" as I remember saying out loud 'Seven. Just say seven.'
@ekreig production is already stopping on the original model to make way for the slim.
Not enough stuff to upgrade, but too cheap to pass up after I sold my 1T ps4 and some games.
Maybe I'll buy it with horizon or if there's many old ps4 games that's patched to 60 fps I'll buy it immediately. I hope bloodborne, witcher 3, gta 5 and no man sky get patched.
Wow only $400. Glad I didn't buy the Old OG PS4. Looks like its at a price most people who are impulse buyers will pick this up, then pick up the PS5 2 years from now without batting an eye.
Skipping. NX and Scorpio sound like better investments.
@TomKongPhooey Ahhh console noise.
I may have a solution PS4 game pads can go through walls via bluetooth
put your noisy console in another room and purchase a 10 metre HDMI cable and with your Digital Library u will not need to get up disc swapping.
you are like me Noise is a big issue I wonder how the cartridge loading N.X. copes with fan noise.
@mattym92 infamous second son is 30fps, not 60fps. and twice the GPU does not equal twice the framerate, that's just not how it works. i'm still wondering if sony are hoping to overclock the CPU higher than the rumoured 2.1GHz. a 30% increase is better than not, but at best it's probably only going to offer a better lock at current fps targets. it'll be smoother for games that lurch between 20 and 30 currently.
for me, the key point from digital foundry is "PS4 Pro will offer boosts to those with 1080p screens, but the impact will be limited and the big gain really is in 4K and HDR. We've noted some apathy towards 4K gaming but based on today's showing, the results are mostly very impressive. What we saw today is an upgrade worth having, but the reality is stark - right now, you're not just looking at a console upgrade, but one that practically demands a new display purchase too. And the issue there is that getting the best 4K HDR experience certainly isn't cheap, even when PS4 Pro itself looks set to offer great value". — i'm not prepared to invest that much in a new TV just to get prettier looking games. i'd only get a ps4 pro if my current ps4 died.
@Vorlon Sony posted a PS4 Pro FAQ today and I saw this section:
Q: What if I already own a standard PS4? Is there an easy way to transfer my games, saved data, and Share captured content from a standard PS4 to PS4 Pro?
Yes. You will be able to copy your games, saved data, captured videos and screenshots, system settings, and other content from a standard PS4 to PS4 Pro using a standard Ethernet cable. This process will also work from standard PS4 to standard PS4, PS4 Pro to standard PS4, and PS4 Pro to PS4 Pro provided that both units have system software update 4.00 or higher installed, and the same PSN account is signed into both systems.
Alternatively, you can log-into PSN with your PS4 Pro, access your games and content library, and re-download your previously purchased games and content. Of course, your saved data in online storage will transfer as well.
Is there a way to swap out the HDD like on the normal PS4? Judging from the design in the photo, I don't see an obvious spot where you could do it.
@Bhattiboy I have that already set up for when I can't get access to the main TV, I can still play on my PC monitor or my second TV. It's hardly a true solution tho is it for a common complaint for PS4 this generation. Cheers for pointing out another option tho.
The PS4P is a no brainer for me.. Even without a 4K display. I reserved one before Amazon had an image up. Now all I have to do is sell my day1 ps4.
@leucocyte its not like 60fps is impossible on current hardware, I'm just hoping it gets some attention. Games dropping below 30 kills me, on one Fallout patch it ran at about 15 and I had to quit.
I'm probably not buying one though. Like you say, theres the TV to consider, mine is about 10 years old now but its solid enough for what I want, so if my current PS dies I'll upgrade to the next one and try to invest in a TV good enough to warrant the console.
It's no longer the "exact" same game when the textures are improved. If that was how this thing worked we might as well still be playing games on our ps2's. This upgraded console thing is just really stupid and hopefully will die along with the whole "remaster" shenanigans. I don't know what Sony or Microsoft were thinking when they first hatched this idea but it smells of desperation and being clueless to why people buy consoles in the first place.
It's not that I can't afford a 4K tv or a $399 console every other year. It's just that I can't see anything good coming from this "modern" way of thinking. I would rather call this a step backwards into pc territory and not a move foreward for consoles.
So in a couple of years when we get the PlayStation pro ultra slim whatever, the game makers have to release three different optimized versions of the same game? Yeah I see that one gonna happen. Now that it takes from 3+ years to develope a triple A game title, how many triple A' s will we get pr. generation?
And if the trend with upgraded consoles continues, when will there ever be a ps5, so that developers can move away from the restrictions of having to run the game on the ps4 architecture?
To me this upgraded console thing, like the remaster thing, is a cancer to an already dying business and to turn it around I don't think this is the way to go at all.
The reason mobile games are thriving is because they are plentiful, easy to develope, accessible and affordable. That's also why handhelds like the vita and 3ds are getting lots of games and original content while the ps4 has gotten one real AAA title in 3 years (uncharted 4), and just a whole bunch of ports, multiplatforms and remasters.
And since the ps4 and xbone are more or less pc's in a box now they might as well just be pc's with Sony and Microsoft branding running Linux or Windows or whatever. And that might just be as well.
As it now stands the Nintendo NX might be the consoles last stand. Let's keep our fingers crossed </rant>
Edit. And just for the record. The reason I mention triple A content is because that's the only content that really needs that extra power or are gonna make use of it. Every other small developer just don't have the resources to produce that kind of content and would rather make games for the vita, 3ds or mobile.
@Vorlon yes you can. They're a feature in firmware 4.0 that let's you connect them via ethernet and transfer all the data across. It's already there in the beta.
Pointless - pc is for upgrades, not the console.
Better buy Vita.
I think there'll be another ps4 system next year. I hope this isn't the beginning of a yearly thing. upgrades every 2.5 years
Gosh,every majoy gaming sites i checked they ridicule sony for this silly movement,both users and critics,but here on PS everyone praising sony,especially PS staff,they even put pre order links here,then they claim they are not affiliated with sony,really i am done with this site
Not really bothered , will wait for PS5. If I didn't already have a PS4 I'd of course get one. I'm glad mainly they aren't creating separate games. None of this would be deemed necessary if the Xbox one hadn't sold so badly worldwide and then announced their Scorpio thing. I guess competition is a good thing to drive each other on though.
@Major-Zero Huh? It's a PlayStation website, you'll generally find folk are understandably somewhat pro-Sony round here
@Major-Zero yeah i know. Push Square has been acting really biased since the Neo first was announced, and there is no reason to be very happy with what is happening to consoles right now even if they are a "pro" Sony site. I'm starting to doubt their integrity too.
Hopefully nobody buys into this idiotic idea and leave the ps4 pro to collect dust on store shelves.
Just think about this: why should I have a feeling of playing an inferior version of a game even though I'm playing it on a current gen console, just because some idiots released a new version of said console three years into its lifespan? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
@kyleforrester87 @fishwilson i seriously considering to get a powerful PC for gaming,on steam you can get lot of discounts and low priced games,and with PC you can choose how to upgrade your PC on your own pace,and no greedy company dictate anything on you,ps4 games were crap at first in terms of performance and frame rate,but recently they got better,instead of improving our current ps4,sony splits ps4 owners,and believe me,from now on we(original ps4 owner) will be treated as second class gamers by sony,but do not worry,PS will find some justification for that, adios brothers,this is my last comment here,i feel insulted when i read PS articles,so cheap fanboys.
Well,probably gonna get one ..but no 4Ktv or psvr.Maybe later with those...60fps is far and away the most thing i want..It sounds like at least that will be available somewhat more with the newbie.If some of the older 30fps games get a 60fps upgrade,that would be great.
@Vorlon no backup your saves on the cloud or use a flash drive just like using a memory card basically
@fishwilson But it's the version of the game you'd be playing anyway..any feelings of inferiority are..well that's something else entirely lol.
People are stupid just go and read the Internet about PS4 PRO "but Scorpio will kill the PS4 PRO". Of course it will its a whole generation leap forwards and if you think the XboxOne/XboxOne s will not be left behind, carry on rotting your brain with drugs. In a matter of weeks (not a years time) you can buy a more powerful PS4 at no extra cost as the original PS4, or buy a slim for £100 cheaper. And why are people dumb because thay are talking about the PS4 PRO like it the next generation or something, its not its just a PS4 hence the name PS4 PRO. If you already own a 4K or HDR, hell you don't even need a PS4 PRO for HDR your going to see the benefits. Better frame-rates or what ever the dev's choose, and by the way if you thought going from SD to HD was noticeable wait until HDR/4K TVs are standard.
@banacheck im in your ship.
New Pes 2017 screenshots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPkppCSF6RA
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