Sony Announces $700 PlayStation 5 Pro Getting Larger GPU, AI Upscaling, and Advanced Ray Tracing

Sony has officially announced the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 Pro, a significant upgrade from its original PS5 console. With improved hardware and cutting-edge features, the PS5 Pro aims to deliver a gaming experience that combines performance and visual fidelity like never before.

Key Hardware Upgrades

Mark Cerny, the lead architect behind the PS5, highlighted three primary enhancements in the PS5 Pro. The console boasts a larger GPU, advanced ray tracing, and custom AI-driven upscaling, which work together to elevate gameplay quality. With 67% more compute units in the GPU and memory that is 28% faster than the original PS5, the PS5 Pro offers up to 45% faster rendering. This power boost will allow for smoother frame rates and greater detail in games, eliminating the need for players to choose between performance and fidelity modes.

One standout feature is the new AI-powered PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, designed to upscale graphics, similar to NVIDIA’s DLSS or AMD’s FSR. This AI-driven upscaling will enhance frame rates and image quality, offering players a richer, more immersive experience.

Ray Tracing and Game Performance

Ray tracing is set to shine on the PS5 Pro, with developers now able to cast rays at double or even triple the speeds of the standard PS5. This will bring more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows to supported games, drastically improving visual fidelity.

Sony demonstrated the power of the PS5 Pro using games like The Last of Us Part II, which targets 60fps with enhanced detail, and Spider-Man 2 with superior ray tracing. The improved frame rates, paired with stunning graphics, offer a next-gen gaming experience that balances high-quality visuals with fast-paced action.

Backward Compatibility and Game Boost

The PS5 Pro will feature a Game Boost option, which enhances over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games. Players can expect better resolution and performance on select titles, bringing new life to older favorites. In addition to boosting PS5 titles, the feature ensures a smoother experience across the console’s vast gaming library.

Enhanced Connectivity and Expanded Storage

The PS5 Pro doesn’t just improve on performance; it also includes several connectivity and storage enhancements. It will support Wi-Fi 7 for faster online gaming, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and 8K resolution for those with compatible displays. Additionally, the console comes with an expanded 2TB SSD, offering more storage space for the latest games and updates. Sony has also replaced one of the rear USB-A ports with an extra USB-C port for added versatility.

Upcoming Titles and Preorders

Sony is preparing to release over 50 PS5 Pro Enhanced games at launch, including popular titles like Alan Wake 2, Demon’s Souls, Gran Turismo 7, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Many of these games will offer 4K resolution at 60fps, with others pushing the boundaries with new 8K modes and advanced ray tracing.

Preorders for the PS5 Pro will begin on September 26th, ahead of the console’s November 7th launch. Priced at $699.99, the PS5 Pro offers a powerful gaming experience for those looking to push the limits of next-gen gaming.

For gamers eager to upgrade, the PS5 Pro promises to redefine console gaming, blending top-tier performance with stunning visuals. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive gamer, the PS5 Pro is poised to offer an unmatched gaming experience.