PlayStation 4 Pro Announced

[Parker]

The Neo is real and it is called the PS4 Pro. 

 

 

The PlayStation Neo is the PlayStation 4 Pro, Sony revealed today at PlayStation's press conference.

Sony's Andrew House said that the PS4 Pro will "stand alongside and complement the original PS4" with its 4K and HDR capabilities. The same game discs and downloads will run on the PS4 and PS4 Pro.

 

 

The PS4 Pro has a boosted CPU clock rate, a 1 terabyte hard drive, and more than double the power of the PS4 GPU.

“[We're] providing a number of mechanisms for easily transferring your game library and entitlements from the standard model to the new console,” PS4 Lead Systems Architect Mark Cerny said.

The following titles will have HDR and 4K support:

•  
• Spider-Man
•  
• For Honor
•  
• Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
•  
• Rise of the Tomb Raider
•  
• Days Gone
•  
• Watch Dogs 2
•  
• Farpoint
•  
• Horizon Zero Dawn
•  
• Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
•  
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Remastered
•  
• Call of Duty: Black Ops III
•  
• FIFA 17
•  
• Battlefield 1
•  
• Mass Effect Andromeda
•  
• Dishonored 2
•  
• Final Fantasy XV
•  

Additionally, a new Netflix app with 600 hours of 4K content, including Marvel's Luke Cage, will be available at launch. YouTube is also developing an app for the PS4 Pro that supports 4K content.

 

Mass Effect Andromeda: 3 Minutes of Gameplay on PS4 Pro

03:01

 

 

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Running on PS4 Pro

01:54

 

Every PS4 will be HDR-capable with a firmware update next week. The PS4 Pro will be available on November 10 for $399 USD.

 

Source: IGN

 

 More information from the PlayStation Blog.

 

 

 

PlayStation is introducing a new choice for console gamers with PS4 Pro, a powerful addition to the PS4 family. It’s designed to offer heightened gaming experiences, whether via your existing HDTV or a new 4K TV.

PS4 Pro | PlayStation.com

 

With its increased performance over the standard PS4, PS4 Pro represents a first for PlayStation — and in many ways, for console gaming. We’re excited by this vision, but we know many of you will have questions. That’s why we’ve built our latest Ultimate FAQ below.

This FAQ will serve as a living document, and we’ll continue to add new questions, details, and specifics leading up to launch November 10 in North America. If you have questions that aren’t addressed, leave them in the comments below and we’ll add ‘em to the list.

In the meantime: it’s time to get to know PS4 Pro!

PS4 Pro: Basic Questions

Q: What is PS4 Pro?
PS4 Pro is a high-end version of PS4 that is capable of outputting 4K graphics, HDR support, smoother and more stable framerates, and 4K video streaming. Upon its launch, PS4 Pro will make supported PS4 games look better and run more smoothly, while giving developers an upgraded toolset to create even richer, more detailed game worlds. How these powerful new tools are used is up to individual developers and the experience they are creating. You may have seen some of these examples during PlayStation Meeting 2016.

It’s important to note that PS4 Pro is not another generation of console. It won’t make your current PS4 games obsolete, and it won’t split the PS4 player base. PS4 Pro is very much a part of the PS4 family.

Q: When will PS4 Pro be available, where, and for how much?
PS4 Pro will launch in the US and Canada on November 10 for a suggested retail price of $399.99 USD ($499.99 CAD).

Q: Will PS4 Pro have separate or exclusive games?
There will not be any PS4 Pro-exclusive games. Because PS4 Pro and the standard PS4 are members of the same family, both systems will be fully compatible with all past, present, and future PS4 titles, including PlayStation VR. All PS4 games are PS4 Pro games, and vice-versa.

Following PS4 Pro’s launch on November 10 in North America, virtually all new PS4 game releases moving forward will be able to take advantage of PS4 Pro capabilities on day one, or in some cases shortly after launch via a downloadable update. Some titles previously released will be updated to take advantage of PS4 Pro features, including Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, The Last of Us Remastered, Infamous Second Son, Shadow of Mordor, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and more.

Q: Will all PS4 games be compatible with PS4 Pro?
Yes, all existing PS4 games are fully compatible with PS4 Pro. Developers are able to add PS4 Pro enhancements to previously released PS4 games via a downloadable update if they choose to.

Q: Will SIE continue to sell and support the standard PS4? 
Yes. PS4 Pro is an evolution of the PS4 generation platform, which will continue to include the standard PS4 system. PS4 Pro was designed for gamers who want to be at the forefront of gaming innovation. Whether you decide to purchase the new system or continue playing on the standard PS4 system, you’ll enjoy the same games that make PlayStation the best place to play.

Q: Will PS4 Pro require a 4K TV?
No. PS4 Pro can display much higher resolutions than the standard PS4 when using a 4K TV. But if you own an HDTV (720p, 1080i, 1080p), PS4 Pro can still improve your gaming experience.

Q: What benefits does PS4 Pro provide when played on a non-4K HDTV?
PS4 Pro offers benefits even if you play on a HDTV that isn’t 4K. Depending on how the developer chooses to use the increased processing power, games with PS4 Pro support are able to render higher or more consistent framerates, increased environmental and character model detail, improved overall visual quality, and other related visual enhancements. For a look at how games are using the power of PS4 Pro, watch some of the first game footage on our YouTube page.

Additionally, PS4 games that render below native 1080p (maximum quality for HD TVs) on the standard PS4 can be elevated to render at full native 1080p on an HDTV.

See below for a chart detailing how PS4 Pro will display based on different TV types.

  4K content 2K or less than 1080p content 2K TV Optimized to 1080p If less than 1080p,
upscale to 1080p 4K TV If 4K (2160p), display as is Upscale to 4K (2160p) 4K/HDR TV If 4K (2160p), display as is
If content is HDR supported, display in HDR Upscale to 4K (2160p)
If content is HDR supported, display in HDR

Q: What resolutions does PS4 Pro support?
On 4K TVs, games are capable of running at up to 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels, also known as “2160p”) resolution. On HDTVs, games will run at 1080p.

Q: Will PS4 Pro be compatible with my existing PS4 downloaded games, saved data, and PlayStation Network Friend lists?
Yes. PS4 Pro exists in the same digital ecosystem as the standard PS4 in all regards; two PS4 console systems, one PlayStation Network, one PS4 community. This means you can start playing a game on your PS4 Pro, upload the saved data to online storage using PS Plus (sold separately), and pick up your progress on a standard PS4 in another room. It also means that all content and saved data that you already own on PS4 are fully compatible with PS4 Pro on day one.

Q: What if I already own a standard PS4? Is there an easy way to transfer my games, saved data, and Share captured content from a standard PS4 to PS4 Pro?
Yes. You will be able to copy your games, saved data, captured videos and screenshots, system settings, and other content from a standard PS4 to PS4 Pro using a standard Ethernet cable. This process will also work from standard PS4 to standard PS4, PS4 Pro to standard PS4, and PS4 Pro to PS4 Pro provided that both units have system software update 4.00 or higher installed, and the same PSN account is signed into both systems.

Alternatively, you can log-into PSN with your PS4 Pro, access your games and content library, and re-download your previously purchased games and content. Of course, your saved data in online storage will transfer as well.

Q: Will the PS4 Pro system introduce any improvements to DUALSHOCK 4?
The latest version of DUALSHOCK 4 will be included with PS4 Pro, as well as the new slimmer standard PS4. But it does not introduce any significant new functionality. The new DUALSHOCK 4 allows the light from the light bar to emit on the touch pad, making a new luminous line that illuminates in the same color as that of the light bar. It also supports USB communication in addition to Bluetooth communication. Existing DUALSHOCK 4 controllers going back to the launch of PS4 are fully supported on PS4 Pro; the updated DUALSHOCK 4 will, in turn, be fully supported by every PS4 model.

PS4 Pro: Technical Specifications

Q: How does PS4 Pro compare to the standard PS4?
PS4 Pro is significantly more powerful than the standard PS4 model. PS4 Pro’s advanced graphics processor unit incorporates many features from AMD’s latest “Polaris” architecture, as well as some fully custom hardware innovations, and is considerably more powerful than the GPU included in the standard PS4.

All in all, this increase in processing power enables developers to tap into far more demanding visual features for PS4 Pro owners, including smoother or more stable framerates, support for 4K rendering, advanced graphics features, and more.

Q: What video output settings does PS4 Pro support?
At launch, PS4 Pro supports all of the HD video output settings found on the standard PS4. Notably, PS4 Pro introduces 4K output, with settings for both 2160p YUV420 and 2160p RGB (recommended if your TV supports it) at up to 60 frames per second when using a supported 4K TV and Premium HDMI (aka HDMI 2.0) cable.

Q: Does PS4 Pro support High Dynamic Range (HDR)?
Yes, PS4 Pro is fully compatible with the HDR10 specification at launch. HDR10 is a widely supported HDR format embraced by major entertainment companies.

Q: What is HDR?
High Dynamic Range, or HDR, is an emerging display standard that allows for massively increased color depth and greater contrast compared to Standard Dynamic Range, the decades-old specification currently employed by traditional HDTVs. In general, HDR-enabled content played on an HDR-compatible TV produces a noticeably fuller, richer image, that’s closer to what the eye naturally sees. That means much deeper black levels that retain finer details; brighter, more dazzling highlights; and a much wider color spectrum than is possible on older HDTV technology.

It’s actually impossible to demonstrate the true benefits of HDR technology here because you need an HDR-enabled screen and content to experience it. You can, however, watch this video from Sony that shows some simulated before-and-after scenes.

Q: Will PS4 Pro include support for Dolby Vision HDR?
There are currently no plans to support Dolby Vision.

Q: Does PS4 Pro require any specialized equipment?
Only if you want to experience 4K and HDR. Otherwise, no. Like the standard PS4, PS4 Pro fully supports existing HD TVs (720p / 1080i / 1080p). PS4 Pro can also output a 4K signal on supported 4K TVs when using a Premium HDMI cable (one will be included with PS4 Pro). To enjoy HDR features, you’ll need an HDTV that’s compatible with the HDR10 format, and HDR10-enabled games or content.

Q: Outside of higher gaming performance, 4K TV features, and support for 4K video streaming, are there any other benefits to PS4 Pro?
Yes. PS4 Pro will come standard with a 1TB HDD, faster Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and a third USB 3.1 Gen.1 port on the rear of the unit. PS4 Pro’s more powerful hardware can also benefit PlayStation VR games, enhance streaming features such as Share Play and Remote Play, and enable higher resolution output for media captured using the Share button.

In most other ways, PS4 Pro will be very similar to the standard PS4. This includes the user interface and functionality.

Q: Why do I need a Premium HDMI cable for using PS4 Pro on my 4K TV?
For maximum quality, you’ll need a PS4 Pro system, a 4K TV with a Premium HDMI input port (often marked in blue), and a Premium HDMI cable. A Premium HDMI cable is included with PS4 Pro, but those who need to purchase a longer cable should remember to get one that meets the Premium HDMI spec.

The newer Premium HDMI format can display a 4K signal at up to 60 frames per second (60Hz). Older High Speed HDMI cables (aka HDMI 1.4) can technically display a 4K signal on a 4K TV, but the performance will be limited to just 30 frames per second (30Hz).

Q: Is there anything else I need to know about PS4 Pro support on my 4K TV?
Given that 4K display standards and HDR features are still cutting edge, we recommend that you carefully consult your 4K TV’s manual and other reference materials to fully understand its capabilities.

Q: Will PS4 Pro support PlayStation VR?
PS4 Pro will fully support PlayStation VR just like the standard PS4. It’s important to note that PlayStation VR’s integrated display tops out at 1920 x 1080; it does not support 4K output. Also, the PS VR headset does not support HDR features.

That said, PS4 Pro’s upgraded processing power will give VR developers the ability to enhance their experiences with higher quality graphics, smoother or more stable framerates, and visual improvements in supported games. Developers can also choose to add PS4 Pro features to PS VR games post launch via a downloadable update.

Q: Which PS VR games will support PS4 Pro features?
As neither PS VR nor PS4 Pro has launched at the time of publication, we’ll wait until closer to PS4 Pro’s launch to begin confirming these titles.

4K Entertainment

Q: Does PS4 Pro support Ultra 4K Blu-ray Discs?
No, PS4 Pro’s internal Blu-ray drive does not support the new Ultra 4K Blu-ray Disc format. It supports the same Blu-ray Disc specs as the standard PS4. The Blu-ray Disc Player application, however, will support high-quality upscaling of DVD and Blu-ray Disc content.

Q: What 4K entertainment options will PS4 Pro support?
4K streaming apps for Netflix and YouTube are in development. Though 4K streaming is still in its early days, other services are likely to offer 4K video content in the future as well.

Q: Will there be any 4K PlayStation Store movies or TV shows?
There are no plans for this at PS4 Pro’s launch, but the PlayStation Network team is looking into it.

Other Questions

Q: How large is PS4 Pro, physically? 
PS4 Pro is slightly larger than the original PS4 model introduced in 2013, and will measure approximately 295×55×327 mm (width × height × length).

Q: Will PS4 Pro owners have a performance advantage in online games when competing against standard PS4 players?
Generally, no. Playtesting and balancing is up to each game developer, and while it’s true that PS4 Pro’s more powerful hardware can drive smoother or more stable frame rates in supported titles, developers have many tools and processes they can use to prevent imbalances.

Q: Will there be any changes to Remote Play or Share Play with PS4 Pro?
Yes, PS4 Pro’s increased processing power can offer significant streaming benefits if the internet bandwidth is fast enough. Remote Play users on PC, Mac, or Xperia will be able to stream gameplay from a PS4 Pro system at up to 1080p. Share Play users on a standard PS4 or PS4 Pro will also be able to stream gameplay from a PS4 Pro system at up to 1080p.

With both Remote Play and Share Play, PS4 Pro’s adaptive streaming technology will attempt to optimize streaming quality to make the most of available internet bandwidth. For the best experience, we recommend a 15Mbps or higher connection and using a wired Ethernet connection (not Wi-Fi) whenever possible.

Q: Will the Share button capture higher quality game content with PS4 Pro games?
When playing a game with PS4 Pro features, using DUALSHOCK 4’s Share button will generate higher resolution gameplay clips and screenshots compared to the standard PS4. Specifics will vary by game, but some games will support full 1080p video capture, and screenshots at up to 3840 x 2160 (4K) pixels.

Q: Will I be able to Broadcast my gameplay at higher settings?
Yes. At launch, you will be able to broadcast a YouTube stream at as high as 1080p and 60 frames per second.

Q: Are Sony’s new 4K TVs a good fit for PS4 Pro?
While we won’t provide a specific recommendation for PS4 Pro at this time, Sony has a long history of designing TVs with advanced technology, and that reputation has extended to the 4K TV realm.

Q: What size 4K TV should I get?
We can’t give an official recommendation on TV size due to variables in room size, seating distance, and media types. 4K games and movies can feature up to four times the total resolution of a 1080p signal, so to take full advantage of 4K’s greatly increased fidelity, you’ll want a 4K TV that’s big enough to show it off comfortably.

Unofficially, the staff of PlayStation.Blog has observed good results in average living rooms with 4K TVs sized 60’’ and up. If you’re in the market for a new 4K TV for PS4 Pro, we strongly recommend selecting a model with HDR10 compatibility, which will enable increased image vividness and contrast in HDR10-enabled games and movies.

Q: If I’m using PS4 Pro on a 4K TV, and I’m playing a PS4 game without PS4 Pro features. Will it still output in 4K?
Yes, older PS4 games without dedicated PS4 Pro features will output at 4K when played on PS4 Pro and a supported 4K TV using a Premium HDMI cable. You will not, however, see any visual benefits without support for PS4 Pro features.

 

My thoughts? Not bad, not bad at all. That price seems very reasonable for the extra power as well as 4K capabilities. I'll be picking one up to replace my launch day PS4 (I'll still be keeping that one, just retiring it to a Netflix machine more than likely) but it is nice to see Sony roll out an update for all PS4 systems to have HDR capability.

 

 

Parker

Edited September 9, 2016 by Parker

[awf9495]

Definitely a reasonable price, but as long as my current PS4 works and as long as new releases run well on it, I see no need to upgrade.  Never really been all that picky about graphical fidelity, and that is basically all the PS4 Pro improves (outside of hard drive space) from what we've seen.

[langedougie]

Pré ordered

[damon8r351]

It looks like they took a PS4 Slim, flipped it over and glued it to the side of another PS4 Slim, that's how how double the power it is.

[TheAveryChu]

I may buy this WAAAAY down the road, as I'm sure my PS4 will last a while for now.

[RachelCharlotte]

So no 4k Blu Rays apparently? Shame.

[xZoneHunter]

Specs;

 

[Xel]

Presumably, PS4 Pro specs.

[Satoshi Ookami]

It looks like they took a PS4 Slim, flipped it over and glued it to the side of another PS4 Slim, that's how how double the power it is.

Of course. More layers, more power.

 

 

Btw, anyone else thinks that Parker's member title fits the thread so much?

Edited September 7, 2016 by Satoshi Ookami

[BooneIronshield]

Hopefully this thing is SATA3 at least but I somehow doubt it.

[Cleggworth]

It looks like they took a PS4 Slim, flipped it over and glued it to the side of another PS4 Slim, that's how how double the power it is.

The PS4 Big Mac

The more I think about it I'm glad its turned out to be underwhelming. The PS4.5 has turned out to be the PS4.1. For me It's gone from being a must buy to an unnecessary extravagance

[thegirlruka]

5GHz wifi is the most attractive part for me. It's not attractive enough to justify getting another ps4, though.

Edited September 7, 2016 by kuuhaku

[Jak]

Odd. I originally had no - literal 0% - interest whatsoever in getting this model, but now i'm really considering it. Additionally, I can't think of a reason to keep my current PS4, which I usually do with my other older systems. The original PS4 just doesn't have any unique aspects that makes it worth keeping in comparison to Pro. Even for collection's sake, it's just not worth it even for collection's sake this time. The price is also good. If you have the money, I don't see the reason for any PS4 owner to stay with the current model, unless they already have a 1+ terabyte drive installed onto their system. But then again, couldn't you just put that into the Pro?

 

So I might trade in my old PS4 for this, otherwise the only other option would be upgrading my space on my current PS4, since even 1 terabyte won't be enough for me honestly. If there's a special bonus trade in deal soon for the PS4 (because of Pro), it's a done deal though.

 

Also what is HDR?

[TigressLion]

What makes me about this is how the Vanilla PS4 is now $299, with Black Friday after September . A big price drop followed by a huge sale is always welcome in my books!

[Aranea Highwind]

Not a fan of the design, but i will get one at some point.

[Satoshi Ookami]

Also what is HDR?

Most common word of the whole conference.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-dynamic-range_imaging

 

5GHz wifi is the most attractive part for me. It's not attractive enough to justify getting another ps4, though.

Possibly working PS4 Wi-Fi? No way.

Edited September 7, 2016 by Satoshi Ookami

[DEMON]

That's a really good price, considering 4K PCs (that can play at a decent frame rate) are into the £1000s.  I'll pick a Pro up in 2017 sometime (most likely January).  November already a bit of a pricey month for me.

[Kishnabe]

Hopefully, this mean the original PS4 will get clearance prices. Like the older design anyways.

 

The new design just looks like a dvd/bluray player.

Edited September 7, 2016 by Kishnabe

[Cleggworth]

Odd. I originally had no - literal 0% - interest whatsoever in getting this model, but now i'm really considering it. Additionally, I can't think of a reason to keep my current PS4, which I usually do with my other older systems. The original PS4 just doesn't have any unique aspects that makes it worth keeping in comparison to Pro. Even for collection's sake, it's just not worth it even for collection's sake this time. The price is also good. If you have the money, I don't see the reason for any PS4 owner to stay with the current model, unless they already have a 1+ terabyte drive installed onto their system. But then again, couldn't you just put that into the Pro?

 

So I might trade in my old PS4 for this, otherwise the only other option would be upgrading my space on my current PS4, since even 1 terabyte won't be enough for me honestly. If there's a special bonus trade in deal soon for the PS4 (because of Pro), it's a done deal though.

 

Also what is HDR?

The reason for me, and I assume quite a few others, is to make the pro worth it we also have to shell out for a 4k hdr compatible tv. I think its a great deal if you already have the tv for it if not it isn't a big enough step up.

[Dead Weight]

Seems worth it to people who have 4K devices and want to get the most out of their PS4 playing experience.

[thegirlruka]

Most common word of the whole conference.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-dynamic-range_imaging

That's for photo HDR. Video HDR is something different https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-dynamic-range_video

[Undead Wolf]

The way I see it, there's no reason to pick up a PS4 Pro unless you already have a 4k TV. Even then, 1080p still looks great to me, so what's even the point? We're console gamers. I could play games at higher resolutions and such if I really wanted to, but I just don't give a damn honestly. There's more to gaming than that. What's with people's obsessions with power over everything else? Gameplay is king. Some of the best games ever made look terrible by today's standards, but guess what? They're still incredible games. I wanted Sony to justify the existence of this new console, but they didn't. Totally pointless.

 

If my PS4 breaks, I'll probably pick one up, but I'm not rushing out to get one of these. They should of just waited another year or two and released the PS5. I think Microsoft caught Sony off guard with the Scorpio announcement. If they could go back and undo this, I think they would of, but they were too deep at that point. The Scorpio destroys the PS4 Pro in terms of power, so Sony have some catching up to do. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a PS5 come out in a few years, which makes this console all the more worthless.

Edited September 7, 2016 by Undead Wolf

[Jak]

Most common word of the whole conference.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-dynamic-range_imaging

 

 

I didn't watch the conference.

 

 

The reason for me, and I assume quite a few others, is to make the pro worth it we also have to shell out for a 4k hdr compatible tv. I think its a great deal if you already have the tv for it if not it isn't a big enough step up.

 

Won't the graphics still improve anyway regardless if you have a 4k TV or not? 

 

It's not like the PS4 is just a graphical enhancement version of the original PS4, don't know why so many people look at it that way. There's some performance related mechanics in there to.

[HeySumbode]

Some more images

 

Top

 

Front

 

Back

[Parker]

The way I see it, there's no reason to pick up a PS4 Pro unless you already have a 4k TV. Even then, 1080p still looks great to me, so what's even the point? We're console gamers. I could play games at higher resolutions and such if I really wanted to, but I just don't give a damn honestly. There's more to gaming than that. What's with people's obsessions with power over everything else? Gameplay is king. Some of the best games ever made look terrible by today's standards, but guess what? They're still incredible games. I wanted Sony to justify the existence of this new console, but they didn't. Totally pointless.

 

If my PS4 breaks, I'll probably pick one up, but I'm not rushing out to get one of these. They should of just waited another year or two and released the PS5. I think Microsoft caught Sony off guard with the Scorpio announcement. If they could go back and undo this, I think they would of, but they were too deep at that point. The Scorpio destroys the PS4 Pro in terms of power, so Sony have some catching up to do. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a PS5 come out in a few years, which makes this console all the more worthless.

 

A more powerful console makes it easier for a game to achieve 1080p and 60fps. I know a lot of people who couldn't care less about 60fps and are fine with 30fps, but for me personally I definitely prefer a higher framerate and a more powerful console will be far less likely to drop frames than a less powerful one. Gameplay is king and a more powerful console can directly affect the gameplay experience. 

 

 

Parker