Sony introduces an enhanced, more potent PlayStation 5 variant, dubbed PlayStation 5 Pro.
The upcoming PS5 Pro will hit the shelves on November 7, priced at $700, marking a 40% price hike compared to the original PS5 launch price in 2020, as announced by Sony on Tuesday. Pre-orders will commence on September 26.
Lead architect for PS5 Pro, Mark Cerny, revealed during a video conferrence that the new console boasts enhanced computing capabilities, capable of rendering games up to 45% faster. "It's the most powerful console we've ever crafted," he touted.
Sony has integrated custom hardware for machine learning and an AI Library that enhances image sharpness, according to Cerny. The console, however, won't feature a built-in disc drive, which is available separately.
In a digital note, Sony announced the new console will boost the performance of legacy titles, stating "various games will receive complimentary software updates, allowing players to capitalize on the capabilities of the PS5 Pro."
As of now, Sony has reportedly sold over 56 million PS5 units since its launch. The tech giant anticipates selling 18 million PS5 consoles during this fiscal year. However, this is a slight decrease compared to the 20.8 million devices it sold in the same period the previous year, as per Reuters' report.
Sales of the PS5 have trailed behind its predecessor, the PS4, which has garnered over 114 million units since its debut in 2013. The PS4 had a strong grip on the gaming market and significantly outperformed its competitor, the Xbox One, developed by Microsoft Gaming.
The integration of custom hardware for machine learning and the AI Library in the PS5 Pro is expected to revolutionize the gaming industry, providing businesses with new opportunities in tech development. In the tech sector, Sony's announcement of the PS5 Pro's enhanced performance for legacy titles is a significant step forward, attracting interest from tech-savvy gamers worldwide.