Next week, the PlayStation 4 Pro is being released to the world, though we’re going to have to wait a bit longer. We still don’t have a rock-solid release date for the thing, but we expect it towards the end of this month and, very definitely by the end of the year.
It’s essentially two PlayStation 4’s duct-taped together, with a much more powerful GPU, a boost in locks to the same 8 core Jaguar-based CPU and an extra gig of slower RAM for better application switching. Its biggest selling point, of course, is that it uses the magic of checkerboard rendering to upscale games to 4K. It really is impressive stuff, and doesn’t look like a regular up-res at all.
There’s a great big perception though that in order to benefit from the PS4 Pro, you need to have a new 4K TV to make the most of it. That’s largely true – not only will you need a 4K TV, you’ll also need one that support HDR10, and preferably 10-bit colour to squeeze the most out of it.
That doesn’t mean that those of you with regular, older 1080p TV’s won’t benefit. As we’ve seen from a recent media blowout, many games will be offering a few different modes and options when it comes to graphics. Some games can run in 1080p with enhanced graphics, or enhanced frame rates – and in some cases, both.
Ni-Oh, as an example will let you run the game in various ways:
- PS4 Pro, HD display. Option 1: “Movie Mode” Stable 1920×1080 resolution with high quality anti-aliasing at 30fps
- PS4 Pro, HD display. Option 2: “Action Mode” Stable 1920×1080 resolution at 60fps
- PS4 Pro, 4K display. Option 1: “Movie Mode” Stable 3840×2160 resolution at 30fps
- PS4 Pro, 4K display. Option 2: “Action Mode” Stable 1920×1080 resolution at 60fps
The list of games that are getting PS4 Pro support is extensive, with over 50 games getting speed, graphics, or resolution bumps by the time the system launches next week.
But! And this is important – is the graphical bump sufficient enough to warrant upgrading? Do you even care, or is it all a little much like the PC upgrade cycle for your tastes? The PlayStation 4 was released just about 3 years ago, and while this newer model certainly doesn’t make the current PS4 obsolete, it certainly makes it less shiny.
Are you excited for, or interested in the PS4 Pro? I hate to admit the recent media explosion has made me quite tempted to pick one up – but that’s really just technolust talking.
Last Updated: November 4, 2016
Ottokie
November 4, 2016 at 10:34
When will my PS4 get the update to play 4K games?
Ottokie
November 4, 2016 at 10:35
“PS4 Pro, 4K display. Option 2: “Action Mode” Stable 1920×1080 resolution at 60fps”
https://i.imgur.com/YAGpXPd.png
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 4, 2016 at 10:38
Which, if I remember right, is what the PS4 is supposed to do all the time. At least that’s what they told everyone at the reveal.
Ottokie
November 4, 2016 at 10:38
“PS4 Pro, HD display. Option 2: “Action Mode” Stable 1920×1080 resolution at 60fps”
So it stays a normal HD version xD
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 10:39
Yup, they lied
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 4, 2016 at 10:37
http://a.fod4.com/misc/storm%20trooper%20fuck.gif
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 10:39
Well duh
Dungeon of JJ
November 4, 2016 at 10:47
http://i.imgur.com/BsLZgXz.gif
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 11:01
His expression doesn’t give a shit either
Andre Fourie
November 4, 2016 at 10:54
XD. Wish I could upvote ten times. Kak funny.
Original Heretic
November 4, 2016 at 10:37
As long as my normal, ordinary, run of the mill PS4 can play all the games that are released, the PS Pro can kiss my squirrel.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 4, 2016 at 10:38
http://img12.deviantart.net/f55d/i/2006/192/3/d/squirrelly_wrath_by_dragonbound.jpg
Ottokie
November 4, 2016 at 10:39
http://66.media.tumblr.com/807966c64be0b8f3a2657eab9fa5b869/tumblr_inline_nao254FNnf1sy7xcs.gif
Bruce Bielie
November 4, 2016 at 10:43
Man! That is a move that will make pro wrestlers jealous!
Admiral Chief - Dragonborn
November 4, 2016 at 10:51
U WOT M8
Andre Fourie
November 4, 2016 at 10:53
Imagine a squirrel full of Red Bull. I would pay money to see that.
Ottokie
November 4, 2016 at 10:53
That can be arranged…
Hey @VampyreSquirrel:disqus do you wanna join us for a game?
Andre Fourie
November 4, 2016 at 10:55
XD. An actual squirrel.
VampyreSquirrel
November 4, 2016 at 10:57
But… I’m a real squirrel.
Andre Fourie
November 4, 2016 at 11:01
A Vampyre Squirrel…Looked at yourself in the mirror lately?
Admiral Chief - Dragonborn
November 4, 2016 at 11:53
xD
Ottokie
November 4, 2016 at 11:01
Doesn’t the Vampyre (misspelled ) show that you are kinda dead 😛
Andre Fourie
November 4, 2016 at 11:03
Roadkill…
VampyreSquirrel
November 4, 2016 at 11:15
Nope… Mortal vampire.
Original Heretic
November 4, 2016 at 10:54
You watched Over the Hedge? Hammie at the end, that’s what’ll happen.
Admiral Chief - Dragonborn
November 4, 2016 at 10:59
LOVE THAT SCENE!
Andre Fourie
November 4, 2016 at 11:02
VampyreSquirrel
November 4, 2016 at 10:46
http://i.imgur.com/fPgERib.gif
Original Heretic
November 4, 2016 at 10:50
I said MY squirrel. Last time I checked you didn’t belong to me!
VampyreSquirrel
November 4, 2016 at 10:57
I just don’t want to see it happen
Original Heretic
November 4, 2016 at 10:55
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5244eca42931f6ae3f4e283c8dd8192cdf132916be7461140056db7b6946257a.jpg
VampyreSquirrel
November 4, 2016 at 10:57
Chipmunk!
Original Heretic
November 4, 2016 at 10:58
Yeah but I call it my squirrel.
Greylingad[He Charges!]
November 4, 2016 at 10:38
Neeeoooope, I honestly can’t justify forking out so much more while my current setup is fine…
Sageville
November 4, 2016 at 10:39
I’ll let the first adopters have a go first….
If they see some massive improvement on normal 1k screens I may be persuaded…
Darren Peach
November 4, 2016 at 10:42
I’ll let you know ( If I survive without food money ).
40 Insane Frogs
November 4, 2016 at 18:20
I’ll join you Darren. Who needs food, if you can be nourished (emotionally, spiritually etc.) by the glorious aura of a PS 4 Pro!
Darren Peach
November 4, 2016 at 10:39
Yes. I care but I can’t actually afford it ( Technically I can but I might starve a little and go without internet, DSTV, Petrol…..You know…Life ! ). But I am resolved to by it as soon as humanly possible.
Guild
November 4, 2016 at 11:06
Your first problem there is you still paying and watching DSTV. Drop that kak
Darren Peach
November 4, 2016 at 11:19
I work in television, So I try and keep up with trends plus I don’t live alone so the DSTV is mainly for them.
40 Insane Frogs
November 4, 2016 at 18:25
We made the switch to Netflix, and I’m happy to say “The realm is content”.
40 Insane Frogs
November 4, 2016 at 18:21
You are my hero! 😀 This month we will both be a little poorer, but also happier! Two warriors! PS4 Pros in hand!
konfab
November 4, 2016 at 10:40
If I were buying a PS4 now, I would get a Pro.
Since I already have a PS4, I don’t really see the need.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 10:40
Need a TV as well, so no. If I’m buying hardware it will bt the PSVR. Will rather wait for the PS5
konfab
November 4, 2016 at 10:41
^^This.
Greylingad[He Charges!]
November 4, 2016 at 10:41
Ps4 pro, now with the same setting you’d get on a pc, or at least a very expensive one…
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 10:42
Finally! But the normal PS4 was supposed to have this already 🙁
Geoffrey Tim
November 4, 2016 at 10:47
PC doesnt do checkerboard rendering. If you have the opportunity,have a look at a PS4 pro game running on a 4k HDR tv. It’s more impressive than you imagine.
Greylingad[He Charges!]
November 4, 2016 at 11:00
I’ll give it a look, probably through a store window and at a distance…
Ir0nseraph
November 4, 2016 at 11:01
XD
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 11:01
LOL!
Dungeon of JJ
November 4, 2016 at 11:07
Yea, it’s damn impressive. While PC hardware renders at native 4k, it’s actually nice to see they can get that kind of stuff out of a gpu with less power.
DragonSpirit009
November 4, 2016 at 10:44
Seeing that I don’t own a PS console anyway I might consider the PS Pro… but with my luck recently I will only be able to get it when I’m 60
Nikola
November 4, 2016 at 11:00
Definitely if you don’t own a PS4 already then Pro is a waay to go 100%.
Dungeon of JJ
November 4, 2016 at 10:44
Nope
Spathi
November 4, 2016 at 10:45
I plan to buy a PS4 some time next year to play the exclusives (Uncharted, Bloodborne, Final Fantasy, Red Dead Redemption 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, Gran Turismo) so it would make sense to purchase the Pro. If I already had a PS4, nope, I wouldn’t be bothered to do so.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 10:45
Exactly this.
Guild
November 4, 2016 at 11:01
I wasn’t bothered but then Amazon UK came along with a nice deal. So sold my 2 year old PS4 for R5000 and ordered the Pro for R5450.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 11:01
Steroid junkies aren’t the smartest of people
Ir0nseraph
November 4, 2016 at 11:02
And when you finally get it , no one will be playing titanfall 2 anymore 😛
Guild
November 4, 2016 at 11:05
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/34e98a757c476607048e2958ef37626af07ead0bd85bbad50eb77dc5089a5206.jpg
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 11:06
LOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
Ir0nseraph
November 4, 2016 at 11:07
LoL
Bruce Bielie
November 4, 2016 at 10:45
The word Technolust describes it best: Will it be prettier? Yes! Will it be a neccessity? Nope? It’s like the high end card market for PC’s.
Yes its pretty but not for the money spent!
Dungeon of JJ
November 4, 2016 at 10:45
“movie mode” is just an excuse to not run something on 60fps
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 10:45
PC gamers would know 😛
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 4, 2016 at 12:04
We do know, we’ve played console ports. 😀
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 12:06
LOL!
VampyreSquirrel
November 4, 2016 at 10:46
Does it cost less that R5k? No? Then I do not care.
Admiral Chief - Dragonborn
November 4, 2016 at 10:47
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BLUkgRAy_Vo/maxresdefault.jpg
Andre Fourie
November 4, 2016 at 10:49
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9aecd81d3f41eb04ed73879728eadebf42d29a2327da835b4cb2f9b343a810ac.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fb25d4ddb8f4544d004f7ccbc437c106bbbf912968895874c0d9a9f08a8fb1fc.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e75c30214b87fa163b992686e241d66bfc24080ef047f4c8a1fe2b1a295ab1bb.jpg
Admiral Chief - Dragonborn
November 4, 2016 at 10:52
I hope a certain someone remembers a promise made to a certain other someone regarding his PS4
Dungeon of JJ
November 4, 2016 at 10:53
3 years? That’s shorter than a pc upgrade cycle.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 11:00
The thing is, most people wont upgrade. Except those with cash, who wants a PS4 but doesn’t own one or those with extreme technolust. Some people I know even sold their PS4 and bought the new one
Nikola
November 4, 2016 at 11:01
Guild!! hahaha
Sageville
November 4, 2016 at 12:03
“Some people I know even sold their PS4 and bought the new one”
Those fools!
Dane
November 4, 2016 at 11:00
No.
Deceased
November 4, 2016 at 11:02
Can it run games at 2160p – 60fps?
– I don’t think so
Does it give the level of immersion the master-race bask in?
– You better believe it doesn’t
Would you want to feel like a peasant-scrub whilst playing your favourite RPG: The Witcher 3?
– Bet your ass little Jimmy, you want none of that
10/10 would give it a skip as well.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 4, 2016 at 11:06
https://media.giphy.com/media/42ZtdjpBqxl84/giphy.gif
Raptor Rants
November 4, 2016 at 11:08
Nope. It’s too expensive. Will wait for our Rand to get back on its feet one day.
Bruce Bielie
November 4, 2016 at 11:12
One day? Ha! I love your optimism! 🙂
Raptor Rants
November 4, 2016 at 11:19
Things will turn around for ZA. I remain optimistic.
Dungeon of JJ
November 4, 2016 at 11:29
I’m just imistic. Still deciding on the prefix.
Raptor Rants
November 4, 2016 at 11:46
up you go
Bruce Bielie
November 4, 2016 at 11:34
Then so shall we all. I think if anything, during the last elections people showed the ANC they are not as untouchable as they would like to believe!
Raptor Rants
November 4, 2016 at 11:45
yep. Also now the State Capture. It shows people how much money is being wasted. THat is what is going to cause their downfall. The fact that the poor are now seeing just how rich the government is but they refuse to give more money to the destitute.
Dawid Eduard Roestorf
November 4, 2016 at 11:32
The big question should be, will any of our local retailers have a trade in deal for the current ps4.
In the UK, my buddy will get a PS4 Pro for 50pounds, after trading in his PS4. Double the power at R1000 does not sound like a bad idea.
Ottokie
November 4, 2016 at 11:33
That’s actually a good question. I would trade up for that amount.
40 Insane Frogs
November 4, 2016 at 12:34
Of course, I care… it resembles a triple whopper from Burger King. How can it not be awesome?
http://bk-ca-prd.s3.amazonaws.com/sites/burgerking.ca/files/Triple_Whopper_detail.png
Melasco
November 4, 2016 at 12:43
Nope, dont care. I cant think of a single reason to replace my PS4 at this stage… MAYBE if I had a 4K TV I could have tried to convince myself that it will be worth it. PS4 is still doing everything I want it to 100%. Am I excited about the Pro? Of course, better gaming hardware is always good for the industry, I just dont want/need it yet. If my PS4 dies, sure, then I’ll take the upgrade.
Milesh Bhana
November 4, 2016 at 12:47
No 4K TV, but good to see that they’ll let us 1080plebs bump to 60fps.
I like that PS4 (Original) is also supporting HDR. I’m hoping that with PS4 HDR and Xbox One S HDR support that we start seeing HDR-1080p screens at affordable prices. I care more about the HDR than the Higher Res.
Pieter Kruger
November 4, 2016 at 15:25
PS4Problem
40 Insane Frogs
November 4, 2016 at 18:18
My body is ready!
https://i.imgur.com/7drHiqrh.jpg
Jonah Cash
November 5, 2016 at 07:12
I couldn’t care less. It has not made my PS4 obsolete so there is no reason to buy it. Don’t need better looking colours.