After years of speculation, Sony has officially announced the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 Pro, a more powerful—and pricier—version of its successful PlayStation 5. Set to hit the market on November 7, the PS5 Pro boasts enhanced graphics and the ability to run demanding games at higher, more stable frame rates. However, this extra power comes at a steep cost, with the console priced at £699.99, making it Sony’s most expensive release to date.
Piers Harding-Rolls, an analyst at Ampere Research, commented on the significant price increase, suggesting Sony is banking on improved performance to motivate users to upgrade and spend more on software. Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PS5, described the PS5 Pro as “the most powerful console we’ve ever built.” He highlighted its ability to narrow the gap between “fidelity mode” for better visuals and “performance mode” for smoother gameplay, a choice gamers have long grappled with.
Christopher Dring, head of GamesIndustry.biz, noted that the PS5 Pro is “a very targeted console” aimed at PlayStation’s most dedicated fans. Despite a challenging year for the gaming industry, with declining sales of the PS5, Xbox Series S and X, and the Nintendo Switch, Dring suggested that Sony may be positioning the PS5 Pro for the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, set for next year.
“When GTA 6 does launch, PlayStation will be able to say to players that the game will look best on PS5 Pro,” Dring stated, hinting at a bright future for the console amidst industry struggles.
