While Sony opted not to have a PlayStation booth at this year’s Gamescom, held in Cologne, Germany, the absence of official representation did little to quell the talks about the PlayStation 5 Pro.
In fact, multiple sources claim that developers at the event openly discussed the yet-to-be-announced console, with some expressing their intentions to optimize their games for the new hardware.
One of the most intriguing aspects of these reports, led by Italian journalist Lorenzo Fazio, is the suggestion that some developers are considering slowing down their game development processes to align with the PS5 Pro’s launch. This strategy would allow them to take full advantage of the upgraded hardware from day one instead of releasing a game for the base PS5 and later patching it for the Pro version.
Marketing-wise, it’s a win-win situation for both parties. Sony gets more graphically improved “PS5 Pro Enhanced” titles to showcase when the PS5 Pro is finally ready and the developers get free marketing.
Part of the reason why developers are willing to wait for the PS5 Pro are the potential hardware improvements that it offers. Anonymous sources at Gamescom reportedly claimed that Unreal Engine 5 would run “much better” on the upgraded hardware, resulting in more visually impressive and technically advanced games.
However, the lack of official information from Sony leaves unanswered questions. It’s still unclear what’s hiding the hood of the PS5 Pro, though rumors suggest a marked upgrade in processing power. Some reports indicate that the Pro model’s GPU could be up to 45% faster than the base PS5, potentially allowing for improved raytracing and overall graphical fidelity.
One technology that’s generating particular interest is the PS5 Pro’s use of the PSSR (PlayStation Shader Reconstruction), a potential game-changer. If it’s implemented correctly, PSSR could dramatically enhance visual quality and performance, possibly rivaling or surpassing current high-end PC capabilities.
Despite the excitement, not all developers share the same enthusiasm for the PS5 Pro. Back in March, a number of anonymous developers argued that the current PS5 model has yet to reach its full potential, questioning the necessity of an upgraded version so soon after the original’s launch.
With Microsoft’s recent decision to allow more of its games on PlayStation, it’s also fair to wonder how they will handle cross-platform releases. If Sony makes PS5 Pro enhancements mandatory for AAA titles, this would mean that the best place to enjoy a first-party Xbox title is on the opposing platform.
For now, all eyes are on Sony and when it will reveal the PS5 Pro. The consensus is that this will happen in September at the Tokyo Game Show, mirroring the strategy it used with the PS4 Pro. Coincidentally, Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions will attend the event. If the rumors hold true, Death Stranding 2, a PlayStation 5 exclusive title, might receive the honor of showing off the PS5 Pro’s graphical capabilities.
Amidst these uncertainties, one thing is clear: the PS5 Pro isn’t short on games that could use the added hardware push.
With Astro Bot, Black Myth: Wukong, and Death Stranding 2, as well as several upcoming and existing games set to receive a PS5 Pro patch, the only thing missing from the lineup is Grand Theft Auto 6.
As we reported earlier this year, Sony may bundle the upcoming Rockstar Games with the PS5 Pro when it finally hits the market sometime next year.
It’s a shame, though, that if Sony reveals the PS5 Pro in Tokyo, most Japanese gamers won’t be able to afford it, given the upcoming price hike for the base models.
