After months of speculating, it is finally here. Sony has finally announced the console formally known as Neo called the PlayStation 4 Pro, as well as the updated slim version of the PlayStation 4.
Before we get into the PlayStation 4 Pro, let’s briefly touch on the PlayStation 4 Slim. As shown on the numerous leaks, the PS4 Slim will be replacing the current fat PS4 from this point forward. Slimmer though it may be, the PS4 Slim will still sport the same hardware that is found on its heftier sibling. The PS4 Slim will start shipping on the 15th of September, and will retail for USD299 (RM1,210)
Now, for the main event: the PlayStation 4 Pro. The PlayStation 4 Pro is pretty much what the leaks implies it to be, which is a much more powerful version of the standard PS4 console that will support 4K resolution as well as HDR. For hardware, the PS4 Pro will come with an upgrade GPU, a processor with a boosted clock rate, as well as a 1TB hard drive.
For the games part, Sony has also confirmed rumours that games developed for the PS4 from this point forward will be able to take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s higher specced hardware. Some of the games that will be coming to the PS4 such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Mass Effect: Andromeda, For Honor and Spider-Man, will be available in 4K resolution. As for PlayStation VR, Chief Architect for the PS4 Mark Cerny mentions that the improved hardware on the PS4 Pro will translate to better graphics, higher framerates, and much more. On the videos side of things, Sony has confirmed that both Netflix and Youtube will be developing new apps for the PS4 Pro, giving these apps the ability to playback content in 4K resolution.
Just in case you feel that the old PS4s are getting shafted in favour of the PS4 Pro, don’t fret as Sony has revealed that the PS4 will be getting a firmware update next week that will grant the PS4 HDR support.
The PlayStation 4 Pro will be hitting store shelves on the 10th of November, and will have a retail price of USD399 (RM1,619). Nothing was said about a trade-up program for current-gen PS4 owners, so unfortunately, you’re going to have to buy another console if you want that 4K goodness.