Sony is developing a PS5 Pro, a new premium version of the PS5 console, expected to launch later this year. The PS5 Pro, internally referred to as “Trinity,” aims to offer significant enhancements for both existing and upcoming PS5 titles.
Key features of the PS5 Pro include:
- PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR): This new technology enables games to upscale to 4K resolution while maintaining a 60fps frame rate and incorporating ray-tracing effects.
- Enhanced Graphics Mode: Specifically for the PS5 Pro, this mode will leverage PSSR for a superior visual experience.
- Ultra-Boost Mode: Designed to improve the performance of older games on the PS5 Pro, enhancing frame rates and potentially rendering at higher resolutions.
Sony’s strategy involves:
- Encouraging developers to implement a PS5 Pro-exclusive graphics mode that utilizes the console’s advanced capabilities.
- Offering the “Enhanced” label for games that meet certain criteria, such as higher resolution or frame rates, or the inclusion of ray-tracing effects.
- Requiring games to be updated with Sony’s latest SDK to fully utilize PS5 Pro features, although some improvements will be available for games not updated.
The PS5 Pro Enhanced label will not be applied indiscriminately. For instance, games that only see a minor increase in variable resolution without hitting the maximum will not qualify. The label is reserved for games that demonstrate a clear enhancement over the base PS5 version.
Developers can use PSSR to upscale games and benefit from additional system memory, even if they don’t update to the latest SDK version. However, Sony cautions that many games without patches may not exhibit improvements in ultra-boost mode.
The PS5 Pro Enhanced label carries forward the approach used with the PS4 Pro, allowing developers flexibility in choosing the enhancements they wish to implement. Games that earn the Enhanced label will be able to showcase this feature on their disc packaging and PlayStation Store listings.
