The PlayStation 4 Pro was carefully designed to not fragment the existing PlayStation 4 user base. It’s meant to not really separate PlayStation 4 owners in to haves and have-nots. Aside from graphical enhancements and increased resolution, there should be no meaningful, gameplay-affecting changes to games.
Unfortunately, that’s not quite how it’s playing out. You may have heard that some games actually run worse on the new hardware, but that largely comes down to developers getting the SDK late. Not enough time to get to grips with the changed hardware, means implementation that’s not as good as it should be.
Some games, however, provide a much better experience on the Pro. One of those is Battlefield 1. Unfortunately, it seems that it also provides an edge in multiplayer, which goes against Sony’s guidelines for the thing.
Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry found that the PS4 Pro runs the game at a better frame rate even in multiplayer, giving those who use the Pro a frame advantage.
“While player skill is obviously the key factor in how well you’re going to perform in Battlefield 1, high-end players will get more out of the game running from Pro hardware – it’s simply smoother and more responsive as a result. Our stress tests are based on 64-player servers – but it stands to reason that the improvements will extend throughout the game. More typically, we would expect the Pro version to stay at the target 60fps more consistently than the base PS4 version. It is a strong upgrade for Pro, but does it upset the concept of a level playing field for console multiplayer?”
That last question is very important. Skill is the biggest factor and the differences won’t really affect the average player. However, if this is a trend we’ll see continue, it means that those who play competitively will end up having to fork out for the Pro. Of course, like many things in this generation of consoles, these are things PC gamers have faced for ages – which is why many competitive players turn down graphical effects in favour of buttery smooth frame rates.
Last Updated: November 16, 2016
Andre Fourie
November 16, 2016 at 11:02
“…that’s not as god as it should be.” Gotcha. Three so far.
Lord Chaos
November 16, 2016 at 11:04
Was just about to mention it. This place is going to the dogs. 😛
Andre Fourie
November 16, 2016 at 11:05
Maybe they have a drunk at work day.
Andre Fourie
November 16, 2016 at 11:03
“…runs the game ate a much better frame rate.”
Lord Chaos
November 16, 2016 at 11:04
The Admiral would be so proud of you.
Pieter Kruger
November 16, 2016 at 11:05
Looking at some complaints on Reddit the latest pacth seems to have “rectified” this as people on the PS4 NO have noticed drops in FPS and actual graphical quality it seems…..
Andre Fourie
November 16, 2016 at 11:09
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f497d567deebf7c6d6c86ea32c8c0333540685072b0db35e1dce5b0e608a8b70.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e0cac464e4c8909a3f213110cf683cadb882866129d121f2626901a11d4033f1.jpg
Andre Fourie
November 16, 2016 at 11:17
I wonder how long until they call the normal PS4, the PS4 Vanilla???
Lu
November 16, 2016 at 11:47
Wouldn’t PS4 Casual be more appropriate?
Admiral Chief Argonian
November 16, 2016 at 11:48
Ooooh, nice burn
Lu
November 16, 2016 at 12:55
Was gonna say Peasant Station 4, but then I may be confused with a Mustard Racer.
Viper_ZA
November 16, 2016 at 11:26
What is happening with the rent a server for PC. Nothing, right?
Magoo
November 16, 2016 at 12:20
I need to know this too.
HairyEwok
November 16, 2016 at 12:24
Most people in SA need to know. Not having local servers is the only reason why I haven’t bought the game yet.
Viper_ZA
November 16, 2016 at 12:34
Yep, if it turns out we don’t get any, I am going to go for TF2 instead — regardless of local servers being non-existent.
Original Heretic
November 16, 2016 at 11:28
Sony!!!!
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bd2b5564d8fc6500bb1f83e514e9623fc44c6d95ff9c958208dff1ef3632e9aa.jpg
HairyEwok
November 16, 2016 at 12:22
If it gives a slight edge, does it mean that the PS4 Pro can be considered DLC?
Magoo
November 16, 2016 at 12:25
Deluxe edition with no ‘upgrade’ option.
Magoo
November 16, 2016 at 12:24
I think the fault lies with the developers, honestly. The game should have been designed and optimized for the original playstation in such a way that better performing graphical ability would not affect gameplay. Basically I see this as a poorly optimized game if this is the case.
Avithar
November 17, 2016 at 11:16
In a game chat on bf1
” Noob: you are a hacker.
PS4 Pro Owner: Nope just rich ”
lols and now the console guys will stop fighting the PC race and fight themselves, i see what Sony did there. well done to you