High Expectations
In a highly anticipated reveal, Sony officially launched the PlayStation 5 Pro on Wednesday, ending more than a year of speculation. The new console promises significant performance and storage enhancements and is priced at $700 without a disc drive.
During a 9-minute presentation, system architect Mark Cerny highlighted the PS5 Pro’s advanced features, including a larger GPU and AI-driven upscaling that improves game resolution, even at higher framerates. Enhanced ray-tracing capabilities are also a standout feature. While existing PS4 and PS5 titles will receive updates to utilize some of the new technology, many will benefit from basic performance enhancements immediately. The PS5 Pro is set to launch on November 7, 2024.
As the console enters its fourth year, it aims to address challenges gamers face, particularly with new titles struggling to maintain high framerates without sacrificing resolution. Cerny noted that players often prioritize framerate over graphical detail 75% of the time on the current console. The PS5 Pro is designed to offer a smoother gaming experience, enabling 60fps gameplay with visual fidelity comparable to existing high-detail modes.
The PS5 Pro, codenamed “Project Trinity,” has been the subject of rumors since last year, sparking excitement about potential new features. Expectations included support for 4K gaming at 60fps and a more refined design than the original model’s distinctive fins. Recent reports suggested that the PS5 Pro would retain a similar form factor, with only minor design tweaks.
This launch comes at a pivotal moment for Sony. Following a roller coaster of game releases—from the live-service struggles of Concord to the award-winning success of Astro Bot—fans are eager for updates on upcoming titles for the latter half of the PS5’s lifecycle. While hardware updates and accessories have continued to emerge, the company has been relatively quiet about its first-party studios’ projects.
A new State of Play showcase rumored for later this month is expected to shed light on what’s next for Sony and its gaming lineup.
Update
Surge in Demand for PS5 Blu-ray Drives Following PS5 Pro Reveal
In the wake of the official announcement of the PS5 Pro, interest in the PS5 Blu-ray drive has skyrocketed, leading to widespread shortages at major retailers. Within just 24 hours of the reveal, stores like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target have completely sold out of the drives. Walmart’s inventory tracker indicates that over 100 units have been purchased in the last day, with an additional 200+ items currently sitting in customers’ carts.
Despite the shortages at many retailers, some options remain. As of now, GameStop still has a limited supply available, as I was able to add one to my cart and initiate the checkout process. The official PlayStation Store also appears to have stock. However, the sudden surge in interest has led some individuals to list the Blu-ray drives on eBay at inflated prices, capitalizing on the high demand.
Pre-orders for the PS5 Pro are scheduled to open on September 26. As the date approaches, securing a PS5 Blu-ray drive may become increasingly difficult, especially as gamers eager to upgrade prepare to purchase before resellers can take advantage of the situation. For those looking to buy, it’s time to act quickly!
