Sony Unveils PlayStation 5 Pro at Exclusive Preview Event

In an exclusive preview event held at PlayStation’s US headquarters just outside of San Francisco, Sony unveiled the long-awaited PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) to a select group of journalists. The new console is expected to offer significant visual improvements over its predecessor, the PlayStation 5, albeit at a steeper price point. Industry insiders were given an in-depth look at the console versus its predecessor, with the chance to witness enhanced graphics firsthand.

Mark Cerny, the lead architect behind the PlayStation, first demonstrated the enhancements made with the PS4 Pro years ago, and the presentation for the PS5 Pro has brought a sense of déjà vu for many who attended. Like its predecessor, the PS5 Pro offers improved graphical performance rather than new gaming titles. Games already existing in the PlayStation’s lineup will require updates to utilize the PS5 Pro’s capabilities, leading to varied levels of enhancement depending on the game and its developers.

Michiel van der Leeuw, the technical director for the Horizon series, illustrated how the newly enhanced Horizon Forbidden West benefits from the advanced functionality of the PS5 Pro. “It was as if a pair of dirty goggles had been lifted from my eyes,” he remarked, noting the increased sharpness and smoother performance offered by the new console.

The PS5 Pro is touted to significantly improve visual details, such as individual blades of grass, particle density, and to introduce optional 8K and ray tracing modes. However, one challenge noted by journalists is the need to be close to a 4K display to discern the full breadth of these upgrades.

Sony’s demonstration setup prompted examinations of game details at close proximity to the screen, where improvements were most apparent. However, stepping back a few feet made some of those differences harder to perceive, raising questions about the discernibility of improvements for typical gaming setups.

A highlight of the event was seeing the console handle ray-traced graphics without significant performance dips. In particular, the game F1 24 showcased the capability of PS5 Pro to render ray-traced environments at a consistent 60 frames per second in 4K resolution. Producer Simon Lumb demonstrated how turning ray tracing on and off transformed the visual fidelity of the game.

Toshi Aoki, Senior Principal Product Manager at Sony Interactive Entertainment, explained that the PS5 Pro aims to support developers by providing more resources to deliver games that meet their creative visions. This, in turn, is expected to result in enhanced gaming experiences for users. “The more range or options they have, the happier [developers] are,” Aoki stated, emphasizing how this contributes to the overall enjoyment of players.

Despite the improvements, the PS5 Pro’s release has prompted mixed reactions. While allowing for exceptional technical performance, particularly for titles optimized for its architecture, the console remains an optional upgrade for current PS5 owners. The price point is a concern for some, as the PS5 Pro commands a high premium over the standard PS5, which remains capable for PlayStation’s first-party titles.

The PlayStation 5 Pro’s reception remains closely watched as more detailed reviews and user experiences begin to emerge following the warehouse launch.”

Sean Hollister, The Verge‘s senior editor, noted the sensitivity some players might experience with the pricing and necessity of the new console, stating, “The PS5 Pro seems like a tough sell, especially to players who already own the original PS5.” However, for tech enthusiasts and those who have yet to own a PS5, the Pro version offers a compelling combination of fidelity and performance.