PS4 Pro brings experience to "a new level" without the disruption caused by a new console generation
PlayStation 4 Pro is not the start of a new generation of consoles, nor is it a console which will "blur the lines" between generations, according to Sony's Mark Cerny.
Speaking with the PS Blog in the video above, Cerny discusses the creation of PS4 Pro, which he details during Sony's meeting in New York City yesterday.
With PlayStation 4 Pro arriving mid-generation, Cery said the company's goal is to take the "PS4 experience to a new level" without the disruption which comes with a new console generation.
"The new console is primarily targeted at higher fidelity graphics and smoother framerates," he said. "These are great areas to focus on because they don't alter the fundamental gameplay. The creator's vision is just represented in a richer fashion. Developer and publishers have also been quick to adopt the new platform."
According to Cerny, the team at PlayStation starting thinking about creating the Pro "almost as soon as PS4 shipped." That's because the amount of 4K TVs sold would soon become rather significant. The firm wanted to "get something out there" which would support the install base, and once it realized the processing power which would be needed to support 4K tech, the PS4 Pro became a must.
"A third of TV sets sold this year will be 4K, and HDR is a bit further out there in terms of adoption," he said. "But it's great having the console out now because it means that these gameplay experiences will be ready and waiting as HDR penetration increases."
Those who buy a PS4 Pro won't need a 4K or HDR TV to enjoy the benefits of the console said Cerny, reiterating comments he made in the presentation yesterday. This is because the "experience is enhanced" with any ordinary HDTV. It also "dovetails" with what the company is trying to achieve with VR, by making the graphics crisper and more detailed.
PlayStation 4 Pro will be released on November 10 and it will run you $399/£349.99 or the regional equivalent.