The PlayStation 4 Pro is coming next month, and we’re fortunately within the international release window (much like the original PS4). Pre-orders went live for the more powerful interim console yesterday, and there’s a lot to consider before putting down some money. The PS4 Pro is set to achieve some great things, but they come with their own sorts of costs. Costs which you may not be aware that you’re buying into.
Usually when it comes to deep technical dives, it’s hard to find anyone better than Digital Foundry. That’s no different here, with a new in-depth look at the PS4 Pro pulling apart all the magic that makes it work, while highlighting some of the caveats and unforeseen problems you might have too. The first has to do with a 4K TV – an almost obvious pairing with the Pro, but a purchase that will have you more confused about TVs than ever.
I can attest to that too, considering I’ve been looking at hundreds of 4K sets ever since the Pro reveal. Digital Foundry warn that potential 4K TV buyers need to be very careful about the one they pick up. Factors like input lag, proper HDR support (which can be advertised and skimped out on), decent upscaling and crisp image quality are all deeply important factors, that sometimes aren’t translated well enough without a lot of research.
On top of that, it really helps if you own the right 4K display, principally one that supports high dynamic range. Oh, and do make sure that it’s the right HDR screen. Many otherwise excellent screens accept the input, then scale it back to SDR – rather like the Samsung KU6400 we reviewed yesterday. Others support HDR, but aren’t particularly bright, meaning you need to play in a darkened room to get the best effect. Meanwhile, some of the best and the brightest HDR screens – such as the Samsung KS8000 series – don’t support low latency game modes when working with HDR content, adding over 100ms to lag. It’s a minefield.
Upscaling is also an important term, considering how much the PS4 Pro is utilising it. As previously discussed, the PS4 Pro is making use of a fascinating checkerbox upscaling technique, which basically takes a 2×2 square and extrapolates it up to 4×4. It’s technical wizardry with some incredible results, but still produces some image artefacts and performance issues if not implemented correctly. Digital Foundry found it a little worrying with Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare at EGX recently.
And finally, there’s the issue of performance. We expect more from the Pro, but according to both John and Tom, the EGX demo of Call of Duty Infinite Warfare appeared to exhibit frame-rate drops more severe than the base version of the game. It should be pointed out that different content was running, and obviously the title may still have had development time remaining, but at the PlayStation Meeting, Deus Ex also seemed to run slower than the existing PS4 game.
Digital Foundry notes that performance like this would break Sony’s own rules for PS4 Pro support, so it’s likely that early code will go through some heavy optimisation to reach those standards. And Sony’s own dedication to the Pro is partly why the console is just as equally alluring as it is off-putting. Developers looking to support the console will need to ensure quality, with hardware that is technically reaching (and achieving) far more than it really should.
It’s a console that demands a much closer look when we can get our own hands on it next month.
Last Updated: October 11, 2016
Admiral Chief
October 11, 2016 at 11:42
It should come out with a 1TB SSD
Aries
October 11, 2016 at 11:46
Second that, now put it into law quick
Admiral Chief
October 11, 2016 at 11:57
[SLAMS GAVEL]
Motion passed
Skyblue
October 11, 2016 at 11:52
That would certainly help matters along. My PS4 takes roughly 3 times longer to boot than my PC.
how ya doin?
October 12, 2016 at 02:28
How?
chimera_85
October 13, 2016 at 15:27
PC probably has a SSD haha
Mako
October 27, 2016 at 02:25
must be ssd yeah my 159$ asus ebook takes about 6 seconds from cold dead, to waiting for my password.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
October 11, 2016 at 11:59
Agreed, else they should drop the O and call it PS4 PR for Public Relations. Xbox brought out a new console so we should as well.
Dungeon of JJ
October 11, 2016 at 12:15
I don’t think console developers understand tech enough to know things like that 😛
Skyblue
October 11, 2016 at 12:16
But hey, the Xbone has an internal power supply now *woot* sigh
Dungeon of JJ
October 11, 2016 at 12:17
Really? Wow. Count me impressed. I didn’t think they’d ever get there. 😀
Avithar
October 11, 2016 at 12:32
its easy to the the upgrade on the current console
Aaron L.
October 11, 2016 at 15:43
Considering the price currently of a 1TB SSD it would force the price of the console up by at least a couple hundred dollars. I for one, don’t want that. Honestly it’s cheaper and easier for anyone that has 2 brain cells to rub together to get your own HDD upgrade and install it. From the numbers that have been shown, SSD’s don’t seem to improve load times on the PS4 by much and a hybrid drive will give you the same results. It seems it’s got something else bottlenecking the system from taking advantage of SSD’s. Maybe this is improved upon with the ps4 pro? We will know once it comes out and is tested.
riccy
October 11, 2016 at 17:34
That’s because PS4 uses SATA 2.0, not SATA 3.0. Not sure about Pro
riccy
October 11, 2016 at 17:33
Enjoy paying $600+
Admiral Chief
October 12, 2016 at 07:40
More like $0, since norrefok am I buying that
riccy
October 12, 2016 at 09:07
What?
Mikee Remastered
October 11, 2016 at 23:53
lol you realize how much more expensive it is, the bigger the ssd is? Right?
Admiral Chief
October 12, 2016 at 07:39
YOU DON’T SAY?
😛
chimera_85
October 13, 2016 at 15:27
It does, doesn’t it?
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 11, 2016 at 11:51
Preorders went live yesterday you say? I hope people in the market for one act really quickly, given what’s happening in the news.
Skyblue
October 11, 2016 at 11:54
Now you made me look at the news. Shit.
Admiral Chief
October 11, 2016 at 12:09
Finance minister woes = rand/dollar woes
Skyblue
October 11, 2016 at 12:15
As I’m waiting for my import registration…
Ivan Johnson
October 12, 2016 at 04:22
Gamestop was taking preorders a long time ago lol
Skyblue
October 11, 2016 at 11:51
I think it’s time LG looked at doing a monthly 4K display round-up to keep us all informed on what’s available… pretty please?
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
October 11, 2016 at 12:01
I’d like to know more, but I don’t see myself buying one as longs as PS4 games works on either console. Plus I’d need to get a 4K TV as well and the correct one at that O_o
Skyblue
October 11, 2016 at 12:15
I honestly don’t know what to buy atm. I have been actively looking for something in the 10 -12k range to replace my current 6yr old 51″ Samsung (still going strong). Not one unit mentions input lag though.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
October 11, 2016 at 12:45
They wont, because then people wont buy it.
Skyblue
October 11, 2016 at 12:58
Well it’s okay for now, I’m also not planning on upgrading while my current PS4 can still play everything
BakedBagel
October 11, 2016 at 13:56
a console and “upgrading” in the same sentance.
What a time to be alive 😛
Fleetwood
October 11, 2016 at 17:13
It’s actually more like “replacing” than upgrading. By saying “upgrading” your console, that is easier to convince consumers to purchase a new system while staying loyal to that manufacturer.
Mike
October 11, 2016 at 18:37
Check out Rtings.com, good site, although they go almost too indepth. I purchased a Sony XBR55X900C, for gaming only, they knocked it on the site but I have no complaints at all. Everything looks great to me. I can keep the frame interpolation on while gaming and there is no lag.
Skyblue
October 11, 2016 at 19:36
Thx, will check it out.
Ta'i Ngatokorua
October 11, 2016 at 13:54
Only wanting one since I needed a 2nd ps4 and might as well get a pro instead of another normal one.. Also for better vr. But at that price? No way. I’ll wait til it drops or someone sells one 2nd hand
Lawrence Newman
October 11, 2016 at 16:15
Trump 2016