Sony is back in the headlines with official reports of the specifications of the upcoming PlayStation 5 hardware updates. Going by the name PS5 Pro, these new systems look to expand on the capabilities of the original two PS5 systems, providing new players a reason to jump in. So what’s different with these new releases, and what is Sony hoping to achieve with the mid-generation update?
Changes to the Platform
As first reported by exclusives from several companies including Insider Gaming, three big changes stand out for the new PS5 Pro updates. First among these is the upgrade to processing speed, with memory bandwidth increasing from 14 gigatransfers per second up to 18 gigatransfers per second. This is aided by a high CPU frequency mode, which increases CPU speed but slightly reduces GPU performance.
The second big change to the PS5 comes from a new upscaling technology named PSSR, or PSSR PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling. Third are the upgrades to add existing optional PS5 tech as default to the new model, which includes a detachable disk drive and an upgrade to 1TB of internal storage.
“Sony DualSense Wireless-Controller auf e” (CC BY 2.0) by verchmarco
The Differences to the User
The most profound potential of the upcoming Pro over older PS5 systems is the increase in performance added by memory bandwidth increases and aided by new upscaling solutions. This will allow games to run more reliably and feasibly look better in play, though these advantages aren’t guaranteed, and might be overlooked by many users.
There will be limits here because no matter the potential on the table, Sony won’t want to make its older systems look obsolete or poor quality in comparison to its newer system. The performance boost available is unlikely to provide options for higher maximum framerate caps in most games, for example, rather it’s more likely to make existing frame rate options steadier. As noted by Eurogamer, some big games like Forsaken and Final Fantasy 16 struggle to hit 60FPS in performance modes, which is considered a bare minimum by many players. The Pro could mitigate these issues.
Overall quality not changing can be best illustrated in other and less demanding areas of electronic entertainment. The Bitcoin casino Canada games available at CryptoBetSports are a prime example, with titles like Wild West Gold, Big Bass Splash, and Legacy of Dead. These slots are designed with a specific appearance in mind, and throwing more hardware speed at them over this point won’t offer noticeable changes. Like how slots look just as good on a mid-range mobile and a high-spec computer, PS5 game fidelity won’t change much between the PS5 Pro and older models.
“AMD@7nm@Zen2_RDNA_APU@Oberon@PlayStation” (Public Domain) by FritzchensFritz
A Closing Generational Goal
The effect of the changes to PS5 games might not be especially relevant for older games, but it could hold promise for upcoming hits built with the PS5 Pro in mind. The most influential name here has to be the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6. If Sony can offer a 60FPS performance mode here only possible on a new system for what will be one of the most popular games ever released, they’ll find guaranteed market success.
While the PS5 Pro is certainly looking to be an interesting and powerful piece of tech, it’s not something you’ll need to run out and buy. If you don’t already own a PlayStation and you’re looking to get involved, it could be worth investing in, otherwise, you’re probably better off waiting for the next generation of console systems.
