PlayStation 4 Pro Announced

[PliskinCobra]

 

I would much rather them wait until next year to release the pro so that it can be competitive against the Scorpio because as of now with regards to the ".5" console version if everything about the Scorpio is true then all Microsoft has to do is deliver.

 

I don't think Sony want to make the Pro compete against the Scorpio. The Pro was meant to extend the current gen and give some extra power while keeping the current PS4 user not feeling being left out. On the other hand, the Scorpio's spec make it essentially next gen console.

 

MS can deliver the console, but we still don't know about price tag which is a huge factor and I doubt it will be as competitive as the PS4 Pro. For console gaming it's never all about performance, casual gamer will go to the most reasonable option while enthusiast will just build a powerhouse PC.

[strikerCJA]

Yes, it's upscaled, there's no way hardware like that could render 4K.

 

From what I read on the Sony faq for the PS4 pro it doesn't actually upscale to 4k but it actually renders 4k content.

[Jak]

So I somehow got overwhelmed at first when this topic/announcement was made. Not saying that it's not worth getting the Pro, but I won't be getting this model till later in the future. It's not even remotely warranted for me atm. The Slim on the other hand could be. The focus of the Pro is the improved graphical experience, that's it's strongest feature. If I was however still a empty PS4 user or especially an empty PS4 user with a 4K TV then I'd consider getting it, easily. But there's no need to upgrade (you can only upgrade if you have the older model) to that model atm.

 

Sony has just announced a Slim and a Pro, both were in development, and come out 1-2 months apart. That's pretty impressive. I saw an author of an article say this recently "Sony is looking to offer what it considers to be the pinnacle of the current console generation..... not blur the lines between next generation." This is one of those opinion-facts. Sony's goal is to maximize the experience and life of this generation. Moving on early would do some great harm to this current generation. Microsoft would never have it as bad because they sucked this generation to begin with and didn't make a lot of progress, hence their progression and leap forward not being big of a deal in terms of jumping ahead and leaving behind an older generation. Even with the backwards compatibility feature on Scorp, they're still truly doing a next gen system, just with the previously dead BC concept being resurrected upon release. Going back to that quote though, a lead architect designer on the PSPro actually said "PS4 Pro is not the start of a new console generation, nor is it a console that is going to blur the lines between generations", making the other quote part of what Sony actually said and the other half a sophisticated summation of Sony's vision.

 

The actual issue with the Pro WOULD be if it doesn't even surpass Microsoft's Xbox One S in specs, not Xbox Scorpio. It's not a slim after all, it's the official PS4.5. As was said and was made known by Sony, they're trying to get everything out of this generation as they can. The rivalry is different this time. The Pro isn't meant to compete with the Scorpio - not an opinion - nor should it be compared to it as people are constantly and foolishly doing. The Pro has to be a big upgrade from the Slim (and original) and their rival's slim version of their respective console; they have to surpass their own work and at least surpass their rival's inferior model current gen system (all models - One, One S).

 

What Sony actually do need to focus on are specific features. There's a difference between a new console and added features. Unless they decide to launch PS5 in the future with BC (Backwards Compatibility) then Sony need to add this feature. (Microsoft, their rival, has this with Xbox 360 and Xbox One/Slim.) (Contradiction-) However, given PS Now (although not sure how it's doing in market shares), that feature does not seem needed now. So PS Now should definitely be scrapped in favor of an advantegeous BC upon PS5 release. (Would help fight against Scorpio when the time for PS5 comes.) Second would be the 4K Blueray. Essentially this is not acceptable to not be coming to the Pro at the very least. The Slim could get a rough pass (because it's mostly just a slimmer version of the original model, it's not suppose to focus on upgrades like that) but the Pro not getting it is a real con. Microsoft's Xbox One S (and Scorpio) even have it. Thirdly, eh, im not really sure as it can range between 2-3 other things.

Edited September 8, 2016 by Mar

[ShadowReplicant]

From what I read on the Sony faq for the PS4 pro it doesn't actually upscale to 4k but it actually renders 4k content.

 

What I meant to say is that the Pro GPU lacks the horsepower to render challenging content at native 4K, something that is still tough even for high-end gaming PCs today. It'll still be able to output resolutions well over 1080p though, so an increase in graphical fidelity will definitely be noticeable with the right equipment.

[Arkthur]

Now I'm really glad I waited to join the current gen. The price is unbelieveable and now I know which version I'm gonna buy.

[Oobedoob S Benubi]

Now I'm really glad I waited to join the current gen. The price is unbelieveable and now I know which version I'm gonna buy.

To each their own, I'm still glad I have had over two years of playing on PS4, though also for a few personal reasons.

[omglollipop]

Take my money!!! After seeing that 4K ESO trailer!!! JUST TAKE MY MONEY ALREADY!

[stitchesnscars]

I don't think Sony want to make the Pro compete against the Scorpio. The Pro was meant to extend the current gen and give some extra power while keeping the current PS4 user not feeling being left out. On the other hand, the Scorpio's spec make it essentially next gen console.

 

MS can deliver the console, but we still don't know about price tag which is a huge factor and I doubt it will be as competitive as the PS4 Pro. For console gaming it's never all about performance, casual gamer will go to the most reasonable option while enthusiast will just build a powerhouse PC.

I think as long as the pricetag can be reasonably justified by what it can do then it won't be an issue (stressing the "within reason portion"). You are correct those that value power to that extent will go towards a PC but there needs to be enough of an incentive for consumers to want the PROit in the first place, to me as of right now for current PS4 owners there doesn't seem to be much motivation to switch. As it stands the ps4 Pro isn't that much different than the xbox and slim that to me is a problem.

[Oobedoob S Benubi]

I would much rather them wait until next year to release the pro so that it can be competitive against the Scorpio because as of now with regards to the ".5" console version if everything about the Scorpio is true then all Microsoft has to do is deliver.

Damn it, forgot to comment on the last alinea.

I don't think this "pro" thing is meant to compete with the Scorpio. Microsoft is trying to blur the lines between console generations with their 8.5 gen console but the PS4 Pro is merely a PS4 with a little power boost.

Personally, I went from X360 to PS4 and I'll stick with PlayStation for the forseeable future because I think PlayStation has a much better game library (counting both big and small exclusives) and I like what I get with PS+ much more than what I get with Gold. I'm more interested in having VR than in having an 8.5 console, mostly because I usually get consoles a few years into their life span anyway, PS4 was a first time buy of a console less then a year after the first release (also first time less than two and probably even less than three years).

That being said, I may look into getting a Pro a year or two, three down the line if there's no sign of a 9th gen console yet and if I've upgraded to a 4K television.

[XX_FTW]

Why should I skip the pro and buy a slim if I don't have a ps4 yet. I'm curious. I mean I know it's cheaper but for a $100 extra I can buy a better console and it comes with 1 TB which itself costs about $60 plus tax. The remaining $40 becomes negligible at this point if the total money is in the hundreds and the device I'll be using for years

 

Well I'm not suggesting that you do anything but cost is an issue for some. Lower price point gets more people in the door, no matter how you slice it. The slim is basically the same PS4 that the rest of us have but for less money, so no, I don't see any reason not to buy it and save the money. If you want the extra that the pro offers, great, but if not or cannot afford it, the slim is a great option.

[PooPooBlast]

Well I'm not suggesting that you do anything but cost is an issue for some. Lower price point gets more people in the door, no matter how you slice it. The slim is basically the same PS4 that the rest of us have but for less money, so no, I don't see any reason not to buy it and save the money. If you want the extra that the pro offers, great, but if not or cannot afford it, the slim is a great option.

Ahh I see. Was just pointing out though for the newcomers to the current gen like me, that the ps4 pro seems better on paper in my opinion.

It may be more expensive but it's more bang for your buck considering if you want to upgrade to a 1tb HDD, it costs itself about $60. However if i had a ps4 already, I definitely wouldn't upgrade. You may tell i m price conscious considering I don't have a ps4 yet and I do buy recycled games priced between $9.99-24.99 as my max. However considering I'll be using this console for years to come, I think it would be a great extra $100 investment.

Thanks for the input though and i'm all ears for any recommendations considering I still play on last gen and I do not know as much about current gen features.

Edited September 8, 2016 by poopooblast

[XX_FTW]

Ahh I see. Was just pointing out though for the newcomers to the current gen like me, that the ps4 pro seems better on paper in my opinion.

It may be more expensive but it's more bang for your buck considering if you want to upgrade to a 1tb HDD, it costs itself about $60. However if i had a ps4 already, I definitely wouldn't upgrade. You may tell i m price conscious considering I don't have a ps4 yet and I do buy recycled games priced between $9.99-24.99 as my max. However considering I'll be using this console for years to come, I think it would be a great extra $100 investment.

Thanks for the input though and i'm all ears for any recommendations considering I still play on last gen and I do not know as much about current gen features.

 

Yeah from what you're saying the Pro seems like the way to go for you.

[Parker]

Some useful information about the console 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.

 

 

Parker

[Guest]

So Gamestop is taking old Ps4 for 125$ credit towards Pro.

[Galactic Hyper Balls]

wait 4k gaming for 400 bucks, something seems fishy.

 

when the system is out will see how well it runs, my Gtx-980 was around 400 dollars :/

[StrickenBiged]

So Gamestop is taking old Ps4 for 125$ credit towards Pro.

 

The PITA is that Sony's transfer solution for all your data requires that both your old PS4 and your new Pro are connected to the same LAN (data transfer is via ethernet). 

 

So if you want to transfer data you're going to have to have both your consoles in the same house at once...

 

Plus the 1TB HDD isn't going to be big enough for my data, which has exceeded 1TB slightly. I could probably get it under if I deleted some games...

 

Anyone know if I can just wang out my 2TB HDD from the vanilla PS4 and stick it in the Pro? Or will the Pro console detect this as a "new" HDD and format it? 

 

It's one of the reasons I'm not going to pre-order. I want to know how all this is going to work. 

 Everything you've written above makes absolute sense if Sony had not lead the charge of the blu ray format back in 2006.

 

Sony lead the charge 10 years ago pledging full blu-ray support in the "blu-ray vs HD " war in which they won. They pretty much branded themselves as total blu-ray support, essentially they are Team Blu ray. To not have a 4k blu ray player on your latest system for your dedicated format when the competition's slim model has it is ridiculous. Maybe people are letting it slide because we're talking movies and not games, but Microsoft was lambasted at the thought of trying to eliminate physical media back in 2013.

 

Why they felt they had to get something out there right now is beyond me. I was honestly expecting the Pro to be released next year so that it could go head to head against the Scorpio.

 

Yeah, my argument may have been blown out of the water by Microsoft anyway. According to them, adding 4K BR drive to the S added $15 in costs compared to a normal BR drive. Sony could easily have swallowed that and/or just increased the price by $15 without too much drop off in sales, I'd have thought. 

 

As for why they got it out right now, I genuinely believe that they were surprised by Microsoft at E3. They were expecting to be able to come out at this meeting and announce a brand new iteration on the PS4. By E3, they'd have had the production line for the Pro in development, orders placed for parts, etc. You can either write all that off for the sake of keeping up with the Joneses, delay for a year and launch then against a more powerful machine (look how that worked for XBOne, where the difference with PS4 wasn't all that much anyway), or launch now and hope for some sales while the Scorpio is still not out. 

Edited September 9, 2016 by StrickenBiged

[stitchesnscars]

 

 

As for why they got it out right now, I genuinely believe that they were surprised by Microsoft at E3. They were expecting to be able to come out at this meeting and announce a brand new iteration on the PS4. By E3, they'd have had the production line for the Pro in development, orders placed for parts, etc. You can either write all that off for the sake of keeping up with the Joneses, delay for a year and launch then against a more powerful machine (look how that worked for XBOne, where the difference with PS4 wasn't all that much anyway), or launch now and hope for some sales while the Scorpio is still not out. 

Agreed, for Sony's sake they are probably breathing a sigh of relief that this information was not released at E3 alongside the scorpio or even what the xb1 slim could do. 4k blu ray movies were initially released by 4 movie studios in march of this year,to announce 6 months later that the Pro will not be able to play those movies on that format  that Sony helped pioneer just looks plain bad. Even if they try to say that people stream movies anyway and the Pro can help them do that is kind of irrelevant when most 4k tvs that the console will run on will have that same streaming capability as well. 

 

You brought up a good point and answered the question about striking now while the iron is hot. They need to sell as many of these as possible prior to Scorpio, to those that are still on the fence.

[StrickenBiged]

Agreed, for Sony's sake they are probably breathing a sigh of relief that this information was not released at E3 alongside the scorpio or even what the xb1 slim could do. 4k blu ray movies were initially released by 4 movie studios in march of this year,to announce 6 months later that the Pro will not be able to play those movies on that format  that Sony helped pioneer just looks plain bad. Even if they try to say that people stream movies anyway and the Pro can help them do that is kind of irrelevant when most 4k tvs that the console will run on will have that same streaming capability as well. 

 

You brought up a good point and answered the question about striking now while the iron is hot. They need to sell as many of these as possible prior to Scorpio, to those that are still on the fence.

 

It's also true that the "winning" side in each generation's console war is not necessarily the most powerful machine. Sony may just be confident that it has the marketing department to continue outselling Microsoft. If Pro goes well, they might not even be interested in trying to compete on spec. 

 

Personally, for example, there's no way I'd switch. I've tried an XBO only briefly and, frankly, I detested it. Their UI is horrible, there were advertisements everywhere which I found distasteful in the extreme, and it took about 3 hours of updating after getting it out of the box (I was setting it up for my little kid cousin last christmas) just so that he could play Minecraft!

 

Edit: Sony are probably betting on there being a lot of brand loyalty at this point. Plus they have a 4k (allbeit upscaled) machine ready to go now, compatible VR ready to go now, a "slim" new PS4 ready to go for a more budget price, and having outsold XBO by about 2:1, its more likely that your friends are already on PS4. I think Sony is still going to have a great Xmas.

Edited September 9, 2016 by StrickenBiged

[stitchesnscars]

"House also explained that the Pro has been designed, in part, to provide competition with the PC, as opposed to its direct console rivals."

http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/09/09/playstation-4-pro-will-be-the-last-ps4-edition-for-substantial-period-of-time

 

My general amazement continues... So this was designed to compete against a PC but it was purposefully released this early knowing full well that it wasn't  even going to be on par with the Scorpio?  Is this guy for real?

[Jak]

Dying Light and Just Cause 3 would also benefit greatly with Pro versions. Dont know why they arent on the list.

Edited September 9, 2016 by Mar

[Arkthur]

My general amazement continues... So this was designed to compete against a PC but it was purposefully released this early knowing full well that it wasn't even going to be on par with the Scorpio? Is this guy for real?

Anybody who tries to put consoles vs PC can't be serious. That argument should die already.

Now, that MS is confident their new console is more powerful, the only thing left is to see how well they both run.

[Oobedoob S Benubi]

If it was really designed to compete against PC then they should've designed the PS4 so the Pro plate was compatible with the old PS4 instead of having to buy a new system.

[stitchesnscars]

Anybody who tries to put consoles vs PC can't be serious. That argument should die already.

Now, that MS is confident their new console is more powerful, the only thing left is to see how well they both run.

 

im in 100% agreement with you. the fact that these words left his mouth and that he didn't try to clarify is what amazes me. I cannot comprehend what he was thinking in saying that. Its like he was purposefully asking for the PC master race to descend upon him.

If it was really designed to compete against PC then they should've designed the PS4 so the Pro plate was compatible with the old PS4 instead of having to buy a new system.

With statements like his I'm wondering if everyone is on the same page over at Sony. 

[erickt123]

Really underwhelming if you ask me. It doesn't seem like the PS4 Pro did anything to improve the PS4 aside of upscaled 4K, and even at that, it doesn't seem like games would be optimized for 1080P 60FPS considering that devs still have to optimize the games for the original PS4 and Xbox One models. Doesn't help that the PS4 Pro and Slim looks ugly, and this is coming from someone who thinks the original PS4 model looks amazing, and it still does.

[Lovelost6rw]

can't wait to get my pro very disappointed in gamestop with there pathetic trade in offer 125 for my ps4 towards the pro yeah no thanks I could care less about the lack of a uhd blue ray player made the digital switch long ago 1000 movies and a crazy amount of TV show episodes on Vudu a bunch got upgraded to 4k for free awesome service highly recommend