From Console to PC: PlayStation 4 Pro Confirmed, Arriving November 2016 at $399

September 7, 2016

It's been over six months since rumors of the PlayStation Neo hit the internet. At first, it sounded like absolute absurdity, but consoles becoming PCs is now a reality.

Sony has announced the PlayStation 4 Pro—alongside the PS4 Slim— a console that is equipped with upgraded PS4 hardware. It will have not only a much faster AMD Polaris based GPU, but an overclocked CPU, resulting in significantly more horsepower. Specific details regarding the CPU and GPU were not discussed, resulting in some concern among gamers.

Sony spent a great deal of time demonstrating how big of a jump 1080p to 4K is, assuring gamers that it is the next important technological step for console gaming. Games such as Watch Dogs 2 and Killing Floor 2 were shown running in 4K, although it was difficult for viewers to discern how big of a jump it was.

The new PS4 Slim is shown on the left, while the PS4 Pro is on the right.

But PlayStation 4 Pro isn't just about 4K. High dynamic range, or HDR, will be supported by all PS4 consoles going into the future. This will allow a much greater breadth of color representation without taxing the CPU or GPU.

One of the greatest concerns among gamers originates from those who aren't ready to invest in a 4K TV, and are satisfied with 1080p. Sony was glad to share that developers will have the option to offer upgraded visual experiences at 1080p. This will make the console attractive for not only the average consumer, but also those interested in PlayStation VR, as performance will be greatly improved by the hardware.

The official pricing and release date was shown at the end of the presentation.

Ultimately, the PlayStation 4 Pro is exactly as was leaked, for better or worse. Mid-generation console updates are now a thing, providing a solution for gamers who are willing to pay extra for improved image quality. It'll be at a cost, though. The PlayStation 4 Slim will be priced at $299, while PlayStation 4 Pro will debut at $399.

Sony will be first to market with a mid-generation refresh with a release date of November 10th, 2016, while the competing Xbox One Scorpio won't release until late 2017.

Although Jonathan Leack began covering the gaming industry in 2009, his earliest roots date back to 2004 when he wrote his first of many reviews to come. Equipped with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and several information technology certifications, he provides a unique perspective that is technological and business conscious. Having acquired the role of Executive Editor in 2016, his mission is to make GameRevolution a gaming site that thoughtfully considers the consumer perspective, and has a knowledgeable presence of PC gaming, console, hardware, and eSports coverage.