After significant rumour and speculation, the updated PlayStation 4 – officially called the PS4 Pro – was announced at the PlayStation Meeting in NYC this morning.
Focusing almost entirely on the technical aspects of the upgraded console, the PS4 Pro supports 4K output and High Dynamic Range. It’s pitched to the certain hardcore gamer that wants the best tech for their games and already owns a 4K and HDR enabled television.
Games will looks better on 1080p displays. Although the animations between the original PS4 and the PS4 Pro are the same, overall fidelity is improved on the Pro with improved anti-aliasing, render distance and more. Nothing was said about frame rates, with the discussion predominantly revolving around the purely visual aspects.
PS VR is marginally better supported with the PS4 Pro with the additional power allowing developers to improved visuals or increase frame rates for a more ‘immersive experience’.
The PS4 Pro will be released November 10 this year for $399 USD. The Australian price was later confirmed to be $559 AUD.
UPDATE: The PS4 Pro will not include a 4K Blu-ray drive, so cannot play 4K Blu-rays. Additionally, HDR functionality is coming to the original PS4 via a console update.