According to a recent report by Insider Gaming, the latest and greatest PlayStation rumor is based. According to the article, the much-rumored PlayStation 5 Pro is currently in production and is aiming for a release in 2024.
The rumor has already polarized fans, and we’re on the fence about when the release of the PS5 Pro is appropriate. Why would anyone want a PS5 Pro, anyway? Is a PS5 Pro really necessary? Yes, let’s have a chat about that.
PS5 Turns Four in Late 2024
It’s easy to forget that the PS5 is over three years old, but that’s exactly what we must not do. With a late 2024 release date, the current-generation console will have been out for four years by the time this rumored PS5 Pro is released.
The fact that this console generation seems to be just getting started may contribute to the impression that something is wrong. As a direct result of the epidemic throughout 2020, 2021, and 2022, Sony was unable to manufacture and distribute a sufficient quantity of PS5s to meet consumer demand.
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It seemed like the Japanese behemoth had backed down, having decided early on that it would only throw its whole marketing weight behind the PS5 once production could be stabilized.
Sony’s PS5 marketing efforts have picked up significant steam since 2023. The debut of PSVR2 and the rest of the company’s ambitious release schedule shows that they mean business.
Others might say Sony should ride the wave of its recent success by releasing a new, improved system as soon as possible. As of right now, PS5 sales are through the roof, and the debut of a Pro model could send revenues rising, hopefully convincing early PS5 customers to upgrade.
In terms of video game consoles, four years is a long period. Historically, this point in a system’s lifecycle would have been considered the swan song. Historical patterns may not be applicable, though, because this generation has been anything from typical.
The PS4 Pro Emerged From a Real Need to Exist
Keep in mind that the PS4 Pro should not be viewed as a precursor to Sony’s PS5 efforts. The PS4 Pro came out three years after the original PS4, but with the advent of 4K screens, it was an inevitable halfway upgrade.
Seeing as how the base PS4 couldn’t handle the increased resolution, Sony had to supercharge the console so as not to fall behind. On the PS5, there is no such compelling reason to buy.
Although there is always room for improvement in terms of performance, and it is true that some games have trouble maintaining a steady 60 frames per second when running at higher resolutions, achieving such high frame rates isn’t quite the technological leap required to justify the purchase of a new console.
What about ray tracing, though? Although the PS5’s visual tech is amazing, most games are limited to low-performance dedicated ray tracing graphics capabilities. A PS5 Pro’s enhanced ray tracing capabilities could be a major selling factor, but even so, Sony would only be appealing to the most dedicated PlayStation fans.
Maybe that’s the plan all along though.
Two New PS5s a Year Apart? Never!
By the end of 2024, Sony will release the PS5 Pro. On the one hand, it’s not completely implausible, but on the other, there’s that other rumor that actually has some substance to it. We’re referring to the long-awaited rumored PS5 revision, which is said to include a removable disc drive.
This update, which is rumored to replace the current PS5 disc and digital versions, will release later this year, around September.If this redesign holds true, Sony would be selling not one but two new PS5s in the span of around 12 months (the original PS5 and the PS5 Pro) and, at least at first appearance, it seems a little too aggressive.
Imagine buying a PS5 with a detachable disc drive only to learn that a better system is coming out in a year. One could foresee a public relations nightmare if such were to happen.
Only Just Getting Started, PS5 Games
Finally, and most importantly, the PS5 seems like it’s only getting started in terms of ‘next-gen’ games. It’s true that games like Horizon: Forbidden Grass and God of War: Ragnarok have been given a lot of extra love and attention for the PS5, but as cross-gen releases, they can’t make the most of the PS5’s power.
Fair enough, we have seen hints of what a genuine PS5 exclusive can be. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a technical marvel, the remake of The Demon’s Souls is stunningly beautiful, and Returnal is a particle-driven adventure.
Nevertheless, do you think that’s sufficient? It has been argued and will continue to be argued, that the lack of a true, full-on PS5 blockbuster casts doubt on the veracity of rumors of a PS5 Pro.
But in 2023, we have Final Fantasy XVI and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, two high-budget PS5 exclusives that may mark the true beginning of this console generation. Until Sony lays out a plan for its PlayStation Studios, it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to understand the company’s long-term goals.
Without knowing what’s in the works, it’s impossible to anticipate major shifts, especially those involving new hardware, and this is especially true given the company’s penchant for keeping its initiatives under wraps.
Now that we’ve worked out our own feelings regarding this rumored PS5 Pro, we’d want to hear yours. Could 2024 possibly be too soon? Is the PS5 Pro a sure thing, in your opinion? How about you? What would a mid-generation upgrade need to have? Please participate in our polls and elaborate on your vote in the comments area.
