The PS5 Pro is not cheap but it will enhance PSVR 2’s performance
Sony has officially unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro, set to launch on November 7, 2024, with a price tag of $700. The PS5 Pro is designed to bring enhanced performance and graphical fidelity to PlayStation gamers, particularly through its advanced PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology. This new feature aims to elevate the gaming experience by using machine learning to upscale visuals in a manner similar to NVIDIA’s DLSS technology on PC. Though its initial focus is on flatscreen PlayStation games, PSVR 2 users can also look forward to major improvements via a future firmware update that will integrate PSSR into virtual reality games as well.
What Is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)?
At the heart of the PS5 Pro’s new feature set is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which functions much like NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) on PC. PSSR uses a neural network trained on gameplay footage to upscale games, providing significantly better image quality compared to traditional upscaling techniques. This machine-learning technology enhances visuals by reconstructing high-resolution frames from lower-resolution inputs, resulting in smoother edges, clearer textures, and more detailed environments.
For now, PSSR will only work on flatscreen PlayStation games, offering improved visuals without developers needing to patch their existing titles. Sony has confirmed in an interview with CNET that a firmware update will eventually extend PSSR’s benefits to PlayStation VR2 (PSVR 2) games, though no specific release date has been provided for this update.
PS5 Pro’s GPU: A 45% Power Boost
Beyond PSSR, the PS5 Pro packs a substantial hardware upgrade over the standard PlayStation 5. Its GPU is 45% faster, allowing it to handle more graphically intensive games with greater ease. This extra power will be particularly beneficial for PlayStation VR2, where maintaining smooth performance is critical for comfort and immersion. VR games are notoriously demanding, often pushing consoles to their limits, and the PS5 Pro’s enhanced GPU could help developers significantly improve the VR gaming experience.
Enhanced Performance for PlayStation VR2 Games
The PS5 Pro’s increased power will allow VR developers to push the PlayStation VR2 to new heights. One of the biggest potential improvements will be the ability to increase the frame rates of graphically intensive VR games. Currently, many PSVR 2 titles run at 60 frames per second (FPS) and rely on a technique known as reprojection to simulate a higher refresh rate of 120Hz. While this works, it often results in double-imaging artifacts, which can detract from the overall experience.
With the PS5 Pro’s faster GPU, developers may be able to natively run games at 90 FPS, reducing the need for reprojection. This will lead to a smoother experience, with reduced motion blur and fewer visual artifacts. Although higher frame rates won’t necessarily result in an increase in resolution, they will provide a more fluid and immersive gaming experience. For players who have struggled with motion sickness or visual discomfort in VR, the higher frame rates could make a noticeable difference.
Future Benefits of PSSR for PSVR 2
While the PS5 Pro will offer immediate performance benefits for PlayStation VR2, the real game-changer will come once PSSR is updated to support VR games. PSSR’s machine-learning upscaling technology could drastically improve the visual quality of VR titles, which often need to balance resolution and performance to maintain a smooth experience. With PSSR, PSVR 2 games will be able to run at a lower native resolution while being upscaled to look sharper and more detailed, all without sacrificing performance.
When PSSR is fully integrated into VR, it will not only make games look better but also complement the PS5 Pro’s higher frame rates. This combination of upscaled resolution and improved performance could lead to a significant enhancement in both the visual and gameplay experience. VR environments will feel more immersive, character models will appear sharper, and overall, the sense of presence in virtual worlds will be greatly enhanced.
Is the PS5 Pro Worth the Investment?
For PlayStation VR2 users, the PS5 Pro’s benefits are clear. The combination of higher frame rates, smoother performance, and future upscaling support through PSSR could transform the PSVR 2 experience. However, the PS5 Pro comes with a hefty price tag of $700, making it a significant investment, particularly for gamers who have already invested in the standard PS5 and the PSVR 2 headset.
For some, the improvements in VR performance alone may justify the cost. Smoother frame rates and enhanced visual fidelity will lead to a more comfortable and immersive experience, which could be especially important for those who play VR games for extended periods. The fact that PSSR will eventually support VR further sweetens the deal, as it promises to improve the visual quality of even the most demanding PSVR 2 games.
However, it’s also worth considering the alternatives. For $700, some players might be tempted to explore the world of PCVR, which offers a more customizable experience and access to a wider range of VR titles. PCVR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and Valve Index, combined with a high-end gaming PC, provide a broader ecosystem with support for mods and a wide array of both indie and AAA VR games. For players who are particularly interested in the bleeding edge of VR technology, going the PCVR route might offer more flexibility and longevity than investing in the PS5 Pro.
The PlayStation 5 Pro promises to deliver a significant upgrade for both flatscreen and VR gaming, with its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution technology offering a cutting-edge approach to upscaling. While the initial impact will be felt most in flatscreen games, the PS5 Pro’s hardware boost and eventual support for PSSR in VR games make it a compelling option for PlayStation VR2 users.
That said, at $700, the PS5 Pro is a costly investment, and some gamers may find better value in exploring PCVR alternatives. However, for those who are committed to the PlayStation ecosystem and looking to get the most out of their PSVR 2, the PS5 Pro represents a major leap forward in performance and visual quality. With future updates set to unlock even more potential, the PS5 Pro could well become a must-have for serious PlayStation VR2 enthusiasts.
