More Than a Year Later, Can PS4 Pro Finally Go?

IT’S BEEN MORE than a year since Sony changed the game for consoles and decided to release a half-upgrade to its PlayStation 4. The PlayStation 4 Pro is a more powerful PS4. It plays every standard PS4 game there is, but has added horsepower to enable high-resolution 4K HDR output for high-end TVs—practically, that translates to prettier visual effects and frame rates.

[Fearmonkey]

Love my pro.

[_-EDMIX-_]

Jealous lol

I've heard nothing but good things but right now I just can't really justify buying one.

[SuperSonic91]

TBH playing Shadow of the Colossus on my PS4 and 1080p TV made gasp and say "Wow that looks gorgeous!"
Also the fact that my TV runs at 120Hz gives me that 60fps gameplay smoothness.

So very satisfied. No jealousy nor envy here. No buyers remorse whatsoever.

4K TVs are rather affordable now and that should be the next logical purchase.

[PhoenixUp]

I’m okay with the cheaper base model.

If I wanted more powerful hardware I’d just get the PS5 after it comes out

[Akarogg]

Or the Xbox One X

[twiggytree12]

1X doesn't play sony exclusives.

[RedDevils]

Xbox One X doesn't have games though.

[PhoenixUp]

Xbox One doesn’t receive as many games that PlayStation 4 does to warrant me getting one, so why would I opt for a premium version of it?

[SuperSonic91]

Or a more affordable PS4 Pro Slim.
The PS5 is a long way off because MS just released the XB1X.

PS4 needs to get to $250 this holiday first and $199 on 2019 holidays with a super slim.

[darthv72]

I plan on getting a Pro at some point but for now the base model is good for me.

[Fullmetalevolust]

I feel like I am in purchase limbo, I want a pro but I know the ps5 is on the horizon. So I'll wait a little longer bc there's a very good chance it'll play ps4 games and might even upscale them and improve performance. I wouldn't put it pass Sony to one up the Xbox 1 X with backward compatibility.

[PUBG]

It would be pretty tough for Sony to match Xbox, much less one up them, without PS2 and PS3 games being playable on PS5. I think Sony will make the PS5 backwards compatible with PS4 games, as they should, but I would be surprised if it goes beyond that.

[UKmilitia]

WOW tough to match xbox? really????
ps3 games will always be a struggle becasue was cell based cpu,but as long as ps5 plays ps4 games it will rocket,half the reaaon MS is pushing BC is becasue there serious lack of new games

[PUBG]

^^^

Yeah, tough to match Xbox..... How many PS2 and PS3 games are backwards compatible?...Exactly! Don't read more into my comment on backwards compatibility other than what it is. Microsoft has excelled in this department, and Xbox is better for it.

[ILostMyMind]

"tough for Sony to match Xbox"

Infinite laughter... 😂😂😵

[WickedLester]

Here we go. Another Xboxer over valuing the BC feature because they have nothing else to play, LOL.

[Alucard_420]

It is easy to one up XboX, keep pushing games for us and not cancelling them, I love going back to play other games but they keep being remastered or remakes and quite frankly I don't mind paying for them. The one thing I want from PS5 is for PS4 games to work the rest i couldn't care. You wanna stay with the flip flop 180 x box 360 X is your choice. But come on man XboX ain't even close to Sony this generation and you know it. So it is not hard to one up or match it, I just hope Sony doen't get cocky like MS did this generation and shoot themselves in the foot.

[blackblades]

Like I said before a year is a long time, then no one knows 100% of when the ps5 comes out or what it will do. So the wait is going to be long. Best I can say is get a pro and when the ps5 is out trade it in or sell it towards it.

[Shineon]

Doesn't feel like a mid gen upgrade but it's the best Ps4 you can buy

[rainslacker]

Before this gen, there was no such thing as a mid-gen upgrade. How exactly is a mid-gen upgrade supposed to feel?

Seems it should feel like a more powerful version of the base system. MS seems more like a next gen console that isn't quite next gen.

The concept of mid-gen is a new one. It may be one that doesn't leave this generation. It seems awfully stupid of people to act like this is ventured territory where one company screwed it up, while the other one did everything perfectly right, because only time will tell if it even matters or what is important in a mid-gen upgrade.

Personally, I'd prefer to see the concept die and never show up again, because it seems that it is ultimately pointless this gen. Maybe not for the X1 fan boys, because they seem insecure in their purchases, but as a PS4 owner, I haven't seen any great reason that they were ever necessary in the first place. Nothing about actual game design has changed with the advent of mid-gens. All we've gotten is prettier graphics. hardly worth an upgrade except for those that are really adamant about having the best looking thing available no matter the price.

[Kribwalker]

i would consider the Sega CD, Sega 32x and the Nintendo DD (although it never made it outa japan) as mid gen upgrades. You could also throw the N64 ram expansion pack as it added more power to your N64 with more ram. Could play better versions of games like perfect dark and donkey kong and majoras mask with it

[VINNIEPAZ]

"Maybe not for the X1 fan boys, because they seem insecure in their purchases,"

Omg will you PS fan boys get off your high horse. Jesus you're the worse gamer ever. So you even hear yourself?

[Alucard_420]

@VINNIEPAZ I am not English, but I am pretty sure you miss a lot of plurals in that mini rant. Take a deep breath man, why are you being so butt hurt?

[rainslacker]

Out of all the systems you list, the N64 is about the only one that falls into the mid-gen category, as it wasn't a requirement for any game that I'm aware of. All the other systems were their own platform, and couldn't run games across two versions.

I'd say that both the PS4P and X1X, and even the N3DS are significant improvements compared to the n64 RAM expansion, and as such, there is no real baseline to go off of. Both systems do essentially the same thing. Give you prettier versions of the games you could otherwise play on the base systems. No additional game play or design mechanics have been implemented, so in the end, there is nothing to chastise or praise one company over the other for until we get more than prettier graphics, or higher resolutions.

If you want to claim the N64 RAM expansion as a baseline though, consider that it does essentially the same thing. Gives you better graphics, and in a couple cases, less loading time, although that's not really the case with the current mid-gens, although they do appear to be shorter, just not fewer. If you want to use that as a base line, the current mid gens do less than the N64 RAM expansion, because with the N64 expansion, and even some PC-Engine Super CD hybrid games, actually gave fewer load times as more could be stored in memory, and it was actually taken advantage of in quite a few cases on the PC-Engine.

@Vinnie

Maybe actually realize I'm talking about the fan boys, not the Xbox fans in general. The more moderate Xbox fans I haven't seen acting like the X1X is something so spectacular that it's an absolute necessity. They recognize it for what it is, and overall, I'd say they don't feel insecure because they aren't going around acting like the X1X is the right way to do something, while the PS4P is just a half measure. They seem to believe that both are half-steps, and ultimately pointless unless you just want the best....just like I feel with both current mid-gens.

[Obscure_Observer]

@rainslacker

"Maybe not for the X1 fan boys, because they seem insecure in their purchases, but as a PS4 owner, I haven't seen any great reason that they were ever necessary in the first place."

And yet you were one of the first in the line to buy a Pro. You say that mid gen aren´t necessary now because Sony fail to deliver proper experiences and enhanments and got you disappointed. This fact alone only allows you to express your personal opinion over your personal experience with the Pro. Nothing more nothing less. In contrast, you´ll have a hard time finding Xbox One X owners complaing about lack of proper support. Be that first or third party enhancements.

"Nothing about actual game design has changed with the advent of mid-gens."

Then you haven´t been paying much attention. "Graphics and Performance" modes are old news on PC but it´s new and an exclusivity of mid gen consoles, and a HUGE step in consoles evolution. It´s not all about resolution boost. It´s about better lighting, shadows, draw distances, sound, textures, LOD, AA, better framerate, better loading times and much... much more!

Xbox One X plays ALL generation of Xbox consoles BETTER BY DEFAULT. Something that the PS4 Pro can´t do for you. Microsoft will take things further now that first party studios will develop their new games using the X as the base hardware! That´s HUGE news.

PS5 and X2 will only benefit from Sony and Microsoft mid gen console experience! You can thank them later!

[rainslacker]

First in line? Hardly. I brought mine I think 3 months after release. On an impulse because I got tired of waiting for PSVR to be back in stock. I brought the PS4P with the money I had set aside for a PSVR.

Before the mid-gen release, I was critical of the paradigm. Now, I'm not so critical, but I don't really think they're necessary or worth spending the extra money to upgrade. I see no reason not to get one for someone just coming into the generation though. Even after buying the PS4P, I was not all gushing over it as a must have, so stop acting like you're proving me a hypocrite for holding an opinion I have never held. I have been quite vocal about how neither mid-gen was necessary, and I know you know this, because I have said it to you on several occasions. I have time and again said that neither mid-gen upgrade offers up copious or enough significant enhancements to make it worth while. You may disagree, which is fine, but I have stayed steady on my belief on this so far, which is what forms my argument in my original post.

OK. So...which is it? Those old consoles you listed as mid-gen upgrades were the precursors to determine what is suitable for a mid-gen upgrade, or, now mid-gen upgrades are an innovative and a huge step forward in console evolution. You do realize that back when the N64 RAM expansion released, it too, was a huge step forward by your reckoning. Memory expansion was about as huge back in the day, as more powerful graphics are today.

Name me all those games that have more than graphics and performance attached to their enhancements. Things like better AI. More enemies on screen. Added game play features not in the base game. Things like that. Sorry, as of right now, people are only paying for added graphics and in some cases performance gains to frame rate, and maybe load times.

My argument has nothing to do with which one can do more now, or do it better. It has to do with the fact that neither is necessary to enjoy the games or the generation. It's a nice option for those that care, but as I have said on countless occasions before, one will be fine with the stock consoles....including the less powerful OGX1. Same thing I've said over and over again. I haven't given either company a free pass, because I don't feel there is any reason either company needs one, and realistically, I've become rather indifferent. But when I see it used as one company screwed up while the other has done it right, I just wonder by what metric that is being held to, because as I said, there is no history of mid-gens, nor do their affects on console gaming have the advantage of long term retrospective.

[gangsta_red]

"Maybe not for the X1 fan boys, because they seem insecure in their purchases,"

Sony Fanboy Mode:
[ ON ] OFF

You were actually on a roll, but I knew you couldn't resist.

[rainslacker]

@Gangsta

Are you saying that fan boys are rational and don't go apesh*t crazy over the stupidest things? I make one offhanded comment, and all else gets ignored in my comment? Was the rest of my comment off base? If not, why only focus on that one thing?

I do actually discern between fans and fan boys, and the fan boys are crazy on both sides. The normal Xbox fans aren't really hyping up the system that much, or at least not acting like it's yet another 2nd coming of Jesus...or 3rd, 4th, possibly 5th when it comes to X1 this gen. But the deep rooted fan boys act like the X1X is the best thing since sliced bread, and Sony just can't compete against it, and that is what I was asking the original poster. What exactly is a mid-gen upgrade supposed to feel like, when this is the first time we've had one....or at least one of worth if you want to include the N64 memory expansion. The implication was that Sony just screwed it all up, while the X1X got it all right....despite there being no actual gauge to judge by, and neither system has been looked at through the lens of time.

At least krib tried to address my argument. Obscure looked like he was going to, but just turned it around into a way for him to try and win out something over me in yet another desperate attempt to discredit me by not even responding to anything I say that matters. Vinnie just ignored everything I wrote.

Tell me....was anything else in my comment worth commenting on, or is all that matters is trying to paint me as a fan boy, and because of that, nothing I say is worth considering?

[RuleNumber5]

Horizon is incredible on pro and with a 4KTV. The difference is far bigger than I expected.

[Shineon]

Horizon also looks just as incredible on base ps4 hardware

[BrettAwesome]

No it doesn't. It looks amazing on base ps4, but pro gets higher texture resolution, better texture filtering and much higher resolution

[Miss_Vixen]

Sure, but it looks even better on the PS4 Pro on an 4K TV.

[UKmilitia]

yeah it looks grreat on base model but on pro its defo a huge boost

[MegamanXXX]

It's only good for Sony first party exclusives at the moment. Take a looks at Horizon Zero dawn in 4K HDR. One of the best looking games this generation:)

[TyrellCorp]

That’s exactly why I got one. Amazing upcoming games like GoW, Spider-Man, TLoU2 etc are titles I wanted the best version of. Also why I haven’t upgraded to the 1X, 5years into the generation I’m not paying $500 when 6+ year old games are the biggest selling point.

[TheOttomatic91]

Pro has been going to release mainly thanks the Sony First party exclusives and the support the Pro gives towards those games.

[chiefJohn117]

No, I'd wait for ps5

[NoPeace_Walker]

I have a PS4 Slim for the occasion PS4 exclusives and a Xbox One X for everything else for my 4K TV..so I have no need for a PRO. I'M good for this gen. 👍🏼

[Muigi]

I have a Pro I got it for $250. I had just got a Sony x900e so it was a no brainer. PS5 isn’t realistically coming out for at least another three years. There’s nothing wrong with the standard but end of the day the pro is better; live within your means.

[VerminSC]

I have one, it’s not a huge difference but it’s nice. I got it 100% for the last of us 2. So here’s hoping that game will look as amazing as I think it will.

[AKS]

Varies by game. It's huge with games like GT Sport, Horizon, and Ratchet.

[BrettAwesome]

I bought mine on launch day, 10 days after I picked up a 65" HDR tv. So I might have been slightly more impressed because I was still in awe of how great a picture the new tv had. But I'm still really happy with my pro :) some games really do get a meaningful upgrade to visuals!

[spoonard]

What's with all these Nintendorks pretending to PS gamers? Go get your Switch and shut up about it. Have fun playing the 26th iteration of the SAME mario/zelda/smash bros game. Meanwhile i'll be playing games that have fresh ideas and are NEW. The last Nintendo console I bought was an original Wii because it was new and had some neat ideas. Since then, Nintendo has run out of ideas. If it weren't for the DS and Poke'mon, Nintendo wouldn't exist today.

[Elda]

Your comment was shady but somewhat true.I will admit I like the concept of the Switch hardware but I just can't buy one at this time due to my lack of interest in most of it's software line up,which looks pretty boring.I'll stick with playing my Pro knowing there are some fabulous interesting exclusives being released for the PS4 this entire year & beyond.

[NotoriousWhiz]

Please tell me all about these "fresh ideas" that aren't just different characters with a different story.

For every "fresh" game you name, I bet I can name one on a Nintendo console. Sure the IP may be overused, but they use them in different ways for different games.

[Akarogg]

why so salty? Calm down

[Miss_Vixen]

I love my PS4 Pro. It works beautifully in tandem with the 4K OLED TV that I'm using.

[ninsigma]

Any issues with image retention or burn in on the oled caused from playing games??

[Miss_Vixen]

I was a little wary of going with an OLED TV when I first read about possibly image rentention or burn in issues, but went and got one anyway. I'm happy to say I haven't expericened such issues.

[AKS]

You'll only get retention from long term exposure to static images. If you left a game with a busy HUD paused for days without a screen saver or auto shutoff, that could damage it. Web browsing for many hours on end might do it if you have the same static image or symbol on the screen. It probably wouldn't happen under normal circumstances/ play.

[ninsigma]

Nice. I do want to get one at some point and that is the worry. I guess with each passing year the likely hood of it happening is less and less likely on each new model. Thanks for replying 😁

[bluefox755]

Well, it's the best place to play the best games on console. That being said, I will probably stick with ps4 classic unless mine breaks down.

[Donjune]

If you have a 4k setup it's a great choice!

[Hardiman]

Got mine at launch and right after got a Samsung 65 KS9000 and was in heaven! Still loving it! SOTC looks stunning on the Pro and I'm just counting the days till GOW!

[ScootaKuH]

We kind of went the opposite. We replaced our PS4 with a Pro in the black Friday deals (pro with fifa 18 and Crash bandicoot for £299) and then had to get a 4K tv to make the most of it. Don't regret it one bit. I do see a difference in games like Horizon, AC Origins so for me it's worth the extra outlay

[sizeofyou]

I think it's time that Sony made the Pro the standard, dropped base model and sold Pro at base price (maybe with a small reduction to prompt mad seasonal sales). I'm sure that the age of the technology and cost per unit is low enough through economies of scale to make profit still. It would also force the MS hand further.
BUT I stress, NOT drop the support for the base model ever in this gen. There's a huge, proud and dedicated user base that need to have software written in the same way it is now - base support with a few tweaks for Pro (whether detail, frame or res).

[Elda]

Bought mine day one & I love it.It'll tie me over until the PS5 releases.

[Hedstrom]

I really like the pro, i think its a to small price differential to not go pro. But tje great thing is that you get access to a awesome game library wichever you chhose :)

[ILostMyMind]

What does "half-update" mean?

[Ozzy2407]

Most Pro owners got the pro for the Psvr I did and it's well worth it

[Silly gameAr]

Still rocking the base.

[HeisenbergX]

Right now i’m playing SOTC Remake in smooth 60fps, GT Sport in 60fps supersampled on a 1080p tv and Monster Hunter World in an unlocked framerate which makes it 5 times better than the regular ps4 version and 10 times better than xbox one. Love my pro totally worth the buy.

[Trueflames]

Xbox one x delivers in 4k the pro its just an ultra 1080p console

[senis_kenis]

xbonex has absolutely nothing to beat pro in graphics department. Only slightly better looking multiplathorms, but compare it to sony first party ant it look like generation behind pro. power is nothing without software.

[ILostMyMind]

Your second statement is not far from the truth and who owns a Pro is satisfied with it. Your first statement is just a delusion.

[Einhander1971]

Thought about the pro, but wait for PS5 now. Happy with PS4 and switch thanks.

[Ittoittosai]

I got a Ps4P and a 4k tv and Im very happy with both purchases. I agree with some on here partly if you havent purchased a Ps4 yet of any type may as well wait for Ps5 but id never say buy a Switch.

[Felsager]

For new players who doesn't own a ps4 the console is a fair bargain and a good choice.

But I already have a ps4 classic. I'll wait for the PS5.

[KillBill]

The title is wrong. It should read "A year after its release, one question remains: Is it finally time to go Pro?"... the title suggests just the opposite, as if Pro needs to go away.

[sizeofyou]

That's the way I read it too...

I think it's time the PS4 base hardware should go - but NOT the support for it, given it's by far and away the bigger user base.
As per comments above...

[Youngindy21]

I have the Pro, but that's only because I never owned the original PS4. I traded my Xbox One and games for it, so it wasn't too expensive and because I plan on getting the One X in the future. The graphics on the Pro look pretty darn good to me. To me it looks good on both a 1080p TV and a 4K TV.

[Xenophon_York]

Not sure if I would have a Pro if not for having an OLED LG C7 4K television. I do know, however, I wouldn't want to have a standard PlayStation 4, now.

[AKS]

Have a B6. Same for me.

[Xenophon_York]

Awesome. 55" or 65"? C7 and B6 are basically the same television. The only picture difference is the C7 has slightly darker/brighter HDR/contrast.

[AKS]

55". The layout of my apartment is unusual. It's around 1450 sq ft, but the balcony, living room, fireplace, and kitchen are all crammed into the center somewhat limiting how big of a TV should fit in the middle of all that. My brother has a C7.

[senis_kenis]

If you have good 4k tv then pro is stunning. Nothing beats HZD, GTS, R&C and others made by sony first parties in 4k hdr. For 2k users buy one if you want better performance or supersampling. I changed my base model to pro only for $100 and I'm very happy.

[DFresh]

I like my PS4 Pro.
It's a great gaming machine.
I have a 4K HDTV so it takes advantage of it just fine.
Still have my original Xbox One waiting for a promotion deal to upgrade to the Xbox One X.
It's going to be common thing now to see Mid-Generation upgrades after seeing the success of both the PS4 Pro/Xbox One X.

[greywolf39]

The console is great. WTF is this Guy talking about?! Best games are yet to Come and Show the power of Pro. With games like Detroit, God Of War, Days Gone, Last Of Us Part II, Tsushima... And remember one important thing: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PLAYSTATION

[welly300]

They hurt the x and pro, not letting them have own exclusives at least let them have ui that makes it standout from the norm.

[1nsomniac]

Sony really screwed us with the Pro & PSVR V1. What concerns me now is it puts me in the position where I genuinely don’t know when to dip in when the PS5 arrives. Do I wait a year for a new Pro version? I’ve been stung twice now in the past 12 months by them. I would like to hope I’m not stupid enough to let them sting me again a 3rd time.

This half cycle really was a complete balls up. It’s going to end up biting them in the ass come their next release.

[ChickenMan34]

another bs article by another troll!! PS4 pro does exactly what its supposed to do. If you dont like it dont fing buy it !! you points are completely invalid!! Everything about the pro is better but if you dont want to buy it then wait for ps5 its that simple. Talking shit about a console you dont want to use is just ignorant.

[ocelot07]

I like the Pro. But I wish they could of put in a better CPU it's what lets the whole system down. If you have a PS4 slim I would just stick with it until the PS5. You still get to enjoy all the PS4 exclusives this year.

[AKS]

I have a Pro and 1800x/ GTX 1080 PC both output to an LG B6. I wouldn't consider going back to a base PS4 after playing GT Sport and Horizon on an OLED.

[Enate]

I am right there with you we have two PS4 Pros day one. Paired with the Samasung KS8000 55 anf 65 inch along with two GTX 1080ti PC's. We have never looked back and never will. Horizon, AC Origins, KH 1.5 and 2.5 among other games have all looked amazing on our PROS.

[Teflon02]

Pro is better than ps4 by far, but not really for upgrade purposes unless you have 4k. If you're getting ps4 in the future, just get the pro, you pay $100 more for a better console that's more future proof so why not

[kevnb]

Love the pro, extra performance in monster hunter world is great!

[gangsta_red]

As impressive as these mid gen upgrades are, I'm still not convinced they're necessary or needed.

Every time I see how beautiful some of the game look i'm reminded of what is necessary in terms of $$$ to see that.

I'm good with what I have but more power to anyone who has the set up.