The rumors and speculation that surrounded Sony’s new console were finally put to rest yesterday, when they finally unveiled it to the world via Live streaming.
Known as the Playstation Pro (and no longer the Playstation Neo), Sony’s high-powered console system is equipped with a powerful CPU/GPU combo that is capable of outputting 4k resolutions, 60fps gameplay, and vastly improved graphics. Sony also said the PS4Pro is capable of ‘Forward Compatibility’, where original PS4 games will work on the new hardware.
Don’t own a 4K television? No problem. According to Sony, the PS4Pro hardware will function on normal HD televisions by detecting the display it’s connected to and then reformatting the screen resolution accordingly. In fact, you don’t need a 4K television to see the difference the Pro makes in terms of graphics. A 4K television is needed, though, for HDR-based games. But wait — why would anyone connect the PS4Pro to a television that is only capable of 1080p?
There’s no denying the Pro’s graphical prowess on 4k displays. EA’s Mass Effect Andromeda and Square-Enix’s Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration managed to impress with their eye-popping, photo-realistic environments.
Unfortunately, the use of 4k televisions in the home is still debatable because of price and size. Your average 4K television (on the low end) sells for about $900USD. The average gamer owns a relatively small 1080p television due to space constraints. Since 4K televisions are quite large – and belong mostly in the living room — a large demographic of gamers don’t own one. However, the technology is getting smaller.
You can purchase a 32′ 4K television from Amazon for $849USD. Problem is, smaller screen technology can result in the loss of pixel definition. As 4K televisions get smaller, the on-screen definition will lessen like it did with HD televisions. Some people argue that 4K technology is not where it needs to be for there to be 4K gaming consoles, but Sony feels confident that gamers will take the plunge nonetheless. In fact, Sony isn’t wasting any time. The PS4Pro is slated for a November 10th, 2016 release, and it will retail with a 1TB hard drive for $399USD.
The question still remains, though — how do Playstation 4 gamers feel about the Pro? The original PS4 is just under three years old, and its full potential has yet to be fully realized. Sony plans on patching all existing PS4 systems to make them HDR capable, but will that be enough for some gamers? Let us know in the comment section below.
Playstation Pro Console Screenshots:
#1
Yay. More expensive games.
#2
I know, right? I guess it’s not even native 4k either. It’s like some upscale technique…
#3
The games that will be made in 4k will be, but the upscaling to near 4k will be the HDR patch for every console owner in the next couple of months. I’m assuming November since that’s when ps4 pro launches.