The PlayStation 5 Pro: What to Expect from Sony's Next Big Leap

The PlayStation 5 has been dominating the gaming world since its release almost four years ago, and as the anticipation for its successor builds, new details about the PlayStation 5 Pro are beginning to surface.

According to recent leaks reported by Dealabs and IGN, the next iteration of Sony’s console might just be around the corner, and here's what we know so far.

The Name Game

First up, let’s talk names.

The upcoming console is rumoured to be called the PlayStation 5 Pro. This follows Sony's tradition of designating high-performance versions of their consoles with a "Pro" moniker, a nod to the enhanced capabilities and features these models bring.

While some fans had speculated that Sony might leap straight to the PlayStation 6, it seems the PS5 Pro will be the next major release, further refining the current generation’s experience.

Release Timeline and Design Insights

As for when we can expect to see the PlayStation 5 Pro, leaker billbil-kun suggests a launch by the end of 2024.

This aligns with Sony’s typical product cycles and the general industry expectation for mid-cycle upgrades.

Interestingly, it seems we won’t be getting a grandiose PlayStation Showcase event for this announcement. Instead, it might just be rolled out in a more understated Sony State of Play event.

On to the design – the leaked information is tantalising if a big uninspired, looking more like an iteration than a new full-blown design.

Billbil-kun reportedly had a look at the console’s packaging and recreated its design in a sketch. While we haven’t seen the actual photo due to copyright restrictions, the sketch reveals some interesting details.

The PlayStation 5 Pro is expected to resemble the PlayStation 5 Slim, featuring a sleek, thin white chassis with two USB ports and a front power button.

However, the design adds a new twist with three black stripes on the outer shell, giving it a distinct look compared to its predecessor.

What to Expect from the PS5 Pro

The PlayStation 5 Pro is likely to bring several enhancements to the table. Historically, "Pro" versions of consoles offer upgraded hardware for better performance and graphics.

We can expect the PS5 Pro to support higher resolutions, improved frame rates, and potentially some form of ray tracing upgrades. Enhanced VR capabilities might also be on the horizon, especially with the growing interest in virtual reality.

Sources suggest that the PlayStation 5 Pro will focus heavily on enhanced raytracing and performance improvements.

Developers are being encouraged to optimise games for this new console, and those making significant upgrades could use the ‘Trinity Enhanced’ label, referencing the Pro’s codename.

The PS5 Pro is expected to have a GPU that performs 45% faster than the standard PS5, while its CPU will remain the same but with a higher-frequency mode for increased power.

Additionally, the Pro might feature “PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution” (PSSR), a technology similar to Nvidia’s DLSS, aimed at improving image quality and frame rates. Design details remain unclear, but the console may retain a similar look to the original PS5, following the pattern seen with the PS5 Slim.

This update is a signal Sony is committed to refining their current generation of consoles rather than rushing to the next one, which could mean more stability and better support for the games and applications we love.

While details are still emerging, the PlayStation 5 Pro is shaping up to be a significant step forward for Sony’s gaming lineup.

Keep an eye out for more announcements, likely coming this September, and get ready for an enhanced gaming experience that builds on the solid foundation of the PlayStation 5.