As the anticipation for a mid-generation PlayStation 5 upgrade mounts (no doubt intensified by the release of Grand Theft Auto VI), the rumors regarding its potential capabilities have intensified. However, the recent leaks regarding the specifications of the PlayStation 5 Pro might not be the uplifting news that fans were initially hoping for.
Despite the excitement surrounding the possibility of a mid-cycle upgrade to Sony’s flagship console, the recent leaked specifications suggest a more modest improvement over the existing PS5, dampening the expectations of enthusiasts that are eagerly awaiting a significant leap in console performance.
A source known for hardware leaks, Tom Henderson, has indicated that the full hardware specifications of the PS5 Pro are expected to leak soon. This prediction stems from the ongoing distribution of PS5 Pro development kits to third-party studios, which increases the likelihood of detailed information reaching the public. While this suggests that Sony is progressing well with the development of the PS5 Pro, it also opens the door for potential disappointment among fans who might have set their expectations higher.
Can't comment on other peoples leaks because I don't know.
Internally, Sony is expecting full specs to leak this month because of dev ket distribution to 3rd party studios. https://t.co/sJ9x4OGjtQ
— Tom Henderson (@_Tom_Henderson_) December 11, 2023
The rumored specifications, initially leaked on a forum and responded to cautiously by Henderson, paint a picture of a console that, while undoubtedly powerful, may not represent the significant advancement some were hoping for. The PS5 Pro is said to feature an upgraded GPU with AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, potentially offering double the number of Workgroup Processors as the current PS5. Additionally, improvements in ray tracing, derived from AMD’s forthcoming RDNA 4 architecture, are expected to enhance the console’s graphical capabilities.
One of the most notable rumored upgrades is the inclusion of AMD’s XDNA2 neural processing unit, aimed at AI-driven image upscaling. This feature is particularly significant as it suggests Sony’s intent to rival Nvidia and Intel’s upscaling technologies, promising higher image quality. However, the CPU upgrade appears to be modest, with a slight bump in clock speed to 4.4 GHz, which may not be the substantial enhancement some gamers were hoping for.
Despite these improvements, the reaction among fans has been mixed. While the upgrades in GPU and AI upscaling are welcomed, the seemingly minor improvement in CPU performance has led to concerns. Gamers who were anticipating a more dramatic boost in processing power might find the rumored specifications underwhelming. This is a pronounced concern among those who view CPU performance as crucial for achieving higher frame rates and more fluid gameplay.
The expectation for a mid-cycle console refresh to offer significant hardware enhancements stems from the most recent console generation, where such updates typically provided noticeable improvements in performance and graphics. The rumored specs of the PS5 Pro, while representing an upgrade, might not align with these expectations. Fans who were hoping for a console capable of pushing the boundaries of gaming technology to new heights may feel that the PS5 Pro falls short of delivering a transformative gaming experience.
Moreover, the timing of the PS5 Pro’s release, speculated to be around the three-year mark since the launch of the PS5, adds to the sense of disappointment. Many gamers who have only recently managed to secure a PS5 due to the supply shortages might find the prospect of another console upgrade so soon both frustrating and unnecessary. This is likely exacerbated by the modest nature of the rumored improvements, leading some to question the value of upgrading to the PS5 Pro.
There is a silver lining to this. It’s possible Sony’s focus for this console generation is polishing ray tracing instead of the higher resolutions and frame rates that the PS4 Pro aimed for. The boosted clocks are just enough for the PS5 Pro to be able to handle the extra load necessary for better ray tracing going forward while allowing it to maintain 30 FPS at 4K at a more consistent clip. Although it doesn’t sound like a pronounced upgrade at first glance, Cyberpunk 2077 as well as Alan Wake 2, have proven that higher frame rates aren’t always key to award-winning gameplay. Grand Theft Auto VI, which wowed audiences with its record-setting trailer, will likely aim for similar results, at least on consoles.
As with all rumors and leaks, it’s important to take this information with a degree of skepticism until official details are released by Sony. However, if the rumors hold true, the PS5 Pro may not be the groundbreaking upgrade that many were anticipating.
