Review: Playstation 4 Pro – Worth the Upgrade?

The Playstation 4 Pro, Sony’s mid-console generation upgrade to the Playstation 4, was released on November 10th. This review examines the key differentiators between the new machine and the original PS4, and assesses whether it warrants a purchase or upgrade.

Note: This article will be updated continuously in the coming weeks with new game releases that support PS4 Pro, along with our evaluations.

It’s satisfying to see predictions validated. Earlier this year, we published an article arguing that the traditional console paradigm needed to evolve, mirroring the upgrade cycles seen in PCs, home computers, and mobile phones. At E3 in Los Angeles in the summer of 2013, Sony representatives indicated a ten-year life cycle for the then-upcoming Playstation 4. We approached that statement with considerable skepticism. In the technology sector, ten years represents an exceptionally long period. While Apple’s iPhone feels ubiquitous, even it hasn’t reached its tenth anniversary yet (due in 2017). The contrast between the first iPhone unveiled by Steve Jobs in 2007 and the current iPhone 7 is substantial. Today, consumers routinely upgrade their smartphones every year or two. So, why should consoles remain unchanged for significantly longer? In retrospect, we can interpret Sony’s 2013 statement as a commitment to maintaining the PS4 format for ten years, while secretly planning to disrupt a long-held tradition: upgrading an existing console within a generation’s life cycle. Successful platforms like the PS3 and Xbox 360 enjoyed peak lifespans of only six to seven years.

What is PS4 Pro?

The new PS4, initially codenamed PS4 Neo but officially designated Playstation 4 Pro (PS4 Pro), is an enhanced iteration of the original PS4’s x86 architecture. This ensures complete backwards compatibility. Key upgrades include a slightly higher CPU clock frequency for the eight Jaguar cores (2.1GHz versus 1.6GHz, approximately a 30% increase), a significantly more powerful graphics processor (2.3x GPU, based on AMD Polaris) designed to support 4K and HDR output, and improved memory management (512 MB additional usable memory and approximately 24% increased bandwidth, though the total remains 8 GB). The PS4 Pro incorporates the faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard; however, a wired Ethernet connection is recommended for optimal performance and reliability, especially given the large patch downloads. USB 3.1 is supported via the ports, and the base model now includes a 1TB hard drive and SATA3 connection as standard, facilitating upgrades to larger and faster drives (we will publish an updated article on upgrading the hard drive in your PS4 shortly). Regrettably, like its predecessors, the PS4 Pro does not support external hard drives connected via USB for game installations, a convenient feature offered by competitors for expanding storage capacity without disassembling the console. UPDATE: Firmware 4.50 introduces support for external hard drives up to 8TB, and also enables boost mode, potentially improving performance in older PS4 games, even without specific patches.

Sony mandated that the PS4 Pro and the original PS4 (or PS4 Slim, which has replaced the base model) maintain complete compatibility. This was a logical decision, preventing the abandonment of 40 million PS4 users after only three years and precluding the release of a de facto Playstation 5. However, this requirement imposes limitations on the PS4 Pro’s capabilities, as Sony has committed to avoiding exclusive games that do not function on the original 2013 machine, which therefore sets the baseline for compatibility.

4K and HDR Enhance Gaming Experience – But There are Caveats

The primary advancement offered by the PS4 Pro is the introduction of 4K gaming to the console market. Coupled with 10-bit HDR support, this provides a substantial visual improvement for compatible games (refer to our comprehensive article: Everything You Need to Know About 4K, HDR, and TV Selection). Both new and existing games will receive patches to enable higher resolutions (potentially up to four times greater), faster frame rates, and expanded color palettes (thanks to High Dynamic Range – HDR). It is important to note that some media outlets have inaccurately reported HDR support on PS4. HDR is supported on all PS4 models (including the original) via firmware 4.0 or later. Initial games receiving HDR support via downloadable patches include Uncharted 4, Rise of The Tomb Raider, and The Last of Us: Remastered (which received its HDR and 4K patch on November 1st). However, these enhancements require a 4K and/or HDR-compatible display (TV or projector) to be realized.

(Example video. Remember to select 4K mode using the cogwheel icon in the lower right corner and view in full screen.)

The PS4 Pro’s exterior design closely resembles that of the original PS4. The black, parallelogram form factor remains consistent, with an additional layer added to the main unit. The Dual Shock 4 controller received minor revisions prior to the PS4 Slim’s release; the differences are subtle. It maintains the same ergonomics and core functionality as the original, with the addition of a thin light source above the touchpad. This feature was apparently requested by players, as the controller’s light can indicate in-game status, such as a character’s declining health.

In-Game Differences with PS4 Pro

The PS4 Pro’s enhanced hardware enables higher resolutions and more stable frame rates. However, these improvements are not automatic and require game-specific patches (which have been free to date, but may potentially incur costs from some publishers in the future – a practice we strongly discourage, as it can generate significant consumer dissatisfaction). (Disclaimer: See also boost mode, which attempts to enhance performance across all games automatically, though without guaranteed results.)

To ensure complete backwards compatibility with the original PS4, Sony has opted to downclock the PS4 Pro to the same CPU clock frequency and half the GPU capacity as the older console in games that have not been patched. Microsoft took a slightly more aggressive approach with its upgrade; the Xbox One S provided a minor performance boost to games with dynamic frame rates due to slightly increased hardware resources (approximately 7% faster GPU). As of the PS4 Pro’s launch (November 10), around 45 existing PS4 games have received, or will receive, compatibility patches (see list below). To avoid introducing unforeseen bugs in older titles, Sony appears to have adopted a conservative approach. Nevertheless, a substantial library of games will be available at launch, and virtually all future PS4 games will incorporate some form of PS4 Pro enhancement.

Game Performance on PS4 Pro

We at senses.se strongly value 60 fps performance, and it is a pleasure to see games such as The Last of Us—which already exhibited variable frame rates up to 60fps in its remastered form—achieve greater stability, combined with improved color fidelity (though not 4K at this time; the image appears to be scaled up to 2160p at 30 fps and 1800p at 60fps, an improvement over the original 1080p). The HDR mode is particularly impressive, showcasing the technology’s ability to revitalize light sources through enhanced dynamic contrast. In the opening scene, where Joel’s daughter, Sarah, explores the abandoned house at night, the lighting creates a completely new atmosphere. While HDR mode is available on all PS4 models (provided a compatible display), the PS4 Pro offers the advantage of unlocking the frame rate from 30fps. Although the game doesn’t consistently maintain 60fps, it does so more frequently and reliably than on the original PS4. The resulting experience is remarkable. Despite being nearly four years old, the game remains one of the most visually stunning and atmospheric titles on the platform, employing advanced anti-aliasing techniques to minimize visual artifacts.

Insomniac Games has released a patch for their acclaimed Ratchet & Clank reboot on PS4, adding both HDR and “higher” resolution support (unspecified, but we estimate 2160p) via a proprietary “temporal injection” technique. This technique aims to eliminate aliasing and jagged edges. While Ratchet & Clank was already visually impressive at launch, these enhancements elevate the experience further, delivering richer colors, improved lighting (HDR), and exceptional clarity.

Rise of The Tomb Raider stands out as one of the most graphically impressive titles from day one. The PS4 Pro patch introduces three selectable modes: 1) “Enriched Visuals,” which provides slightly more detailed textures and improved object quality at close range, but introduces noticeable object pop-in and artificial sharpening at a distance. 2) A smooth 60fps mode in Full HD. 3) A crystal-clear 4K mode at 30fps, significantly enhancing visual fidelity and detail (though lacking HDR support).

In summary, 4K theoretically provides four times the resolution of Full HD (Full HD = 1920 x 1080p, 4K = 4096 × 2160p). Mathematically inclined readers may observe that 2160p is only twice the resolution of 1080p, which is accurate. The apparent discrepancy arises from conflating pixel count with pixel dimensions. However, a 4K source contains four times as many pixels (approximately 8.8 million) as a Full HD source (approximately 2.1 million). Calculate for yourself!

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided also benefits from HDR and nearly doubles its resolution dynamically (shifting between 1800p-2160p). The opening scene is particularly striking, featuring a sunset that feels tangible, along with detailed skin textures and realistic water effects (dependent on display quality).

The InFAMOUS games, despite their age, are among the titles receiving enhancements for PS4 Pro. Both Second Son and First Light showcase impressive lighting and neon effects. Players can choose between a higher frame rate (up to 60fps) or higher resolution with more detail (1800p via checkerboarding).

Finally, Uncharted 4 receives HDR support, revitalizing the game’s contrast, colors, and lighting. This is a natural fit for a game with such richly detailed and varied environments. While the resolution doesn’t reach true 4K (we estimate around 1440p), the image appeared somewhat soft on our reference display, lacking the sharpness and clarity of Rise of the Tomb Raider’s 4K mode. Nevertheless, PS4’s arguably best-looking game has taken another step forward. Multiplayer gamers will also appreciate the resolution increase from 900p to 1080p.

Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor has been patched for PS4 Pro, promising “native 4K” and “better visuals.” We investigated these claims. The 4K mode offers significantly more detail and a “calmer” image compared to the original. However, as suspected, this isn’t true 4K (which “native” implies), but dynamic upscaling up to 4K. Unlike Rise of the Tomb Raider, aliasing is more pronounced, and the overall level of detail is inferior to Lara’s adventure. The “Better Visuals” mode, seemingly aimed at Full HD users, is less impactful. Due to the need to exit and re-enter the main menu to switch graphics modes, direct A-B comparisons are difficult, but the graphical improvement is minimal, if noticeable at all. Furthermore, the lack of 60fps support at lower resolutions is disappointing. We would have preferred HDR support, which could have greatly enhanced Shadow of Mordor’s murky environments with their abundance of dark brown mountains, deep green forests, and pitch-black areas.

Activision’s latest Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, developed by Infinity Ward, delivers a more compelling experience. The PS4 Pro enhancements are significant, combining a resolution near true 4K (3840x2160p when the game is stationary or nearly so) with a slightly lower resolution (approximately 1560p) during periods of intense action, maintaining a smooth 60fps utilizing checkerboarding and temporal anti-aliasing to mitigate artifacts. The results are impressive, potentially making this the game that comes closest to achieving “true” 4K and 60fps simultaneously. It is a must-have title for PS4 Pro owners, and also a genuinely fun and intense FPS action adventure, featuring Kit Harrington (from GOT) as the antagonist (purchase the Legacy edition to also receive a remastered version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, enhanced with the same dynamic upscaling on Pro – 1560p-2160p).

One of the games supporting true (native) 4K is Bethesda’s re-release of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition. Even on the standard PS4, the game exhibits significantly improved graphics compared to the 2011 original (though the game’s age is still apparent in areas such as facial models). Skyrim underperformed on PS3 due to limitations imposed by the Cell processor, resulting in better performance on Xbox 360. Now, the game performs best on Playstation, with the PS4 Pro version supporting true 4K (3840x2160p), which generally looks excellent. However, the frame rate suffers at high resolution, occasionally dropping noticeably below 30 fps, an absolute minimum. While still worth experiencing in 4K on a suitable display, improved Full HD support is desirable, allowing for enhanced detail at 1080p. We anticipate a patch addressing these issues in the near future.

IO Interactive’s episodic reboot of Hitman also receives notable improvements on PS4 Pro. In addition to upscaling to 1440p, the game supports an unlocked frame rate, enabling a noticeably smoother experience, potentially reaching up to 60fps—though it rarely maintains this consistently. Locking the frame rate to 30fps results in a more inconsistent and jarring experience. While Hitman lacks HDR support, lighting and aliasing are noticeably improved, potentially due to the higher resolution. Objects and surfaces also exhibit greater detail and improved reflections.

Regarding multiplayer performance on PS4 Pro, there is considerable debate regarding whether Pro users will gain an advantage in patched games due to faster performance. Sony maintains that to ensure a level playing field, all players will experience the same (locked) frame rate, dictated by the capabilities of the original PS4. Thus, there is no risk of unfair advantages, nor will purchasing a PS4 Pro guarantee improved multiplayer performance. Update: Reports have emerged indicating that Battlefield 1 players are experiencing higher frame rates in multiplayer, and that certain new games run slower on PS4 Pro than on the original PS4. This is concerning and likely due to software bugs, which Sony has stated it is investigating and intends to resolve.

4K, supersampling, and HDR place significantly greater demands on the hardware, requiring the processing of nearly four times the calculations and graphical information while maintaining smooth performance. Given this, the PS4 Pro’s performance increase – 30% more CPU power and approximately 2.3 times faster graphics – may not fully translate into rendering four times more image information, despite innovative software solutions. The technical specifications may therefore be somewhat limited. Consequently, no games that we have tested so far (though this may change in the future) achieve completely true 4K resolution, instead relying on upscaling from a lower resolution using techniques such as checkerboarding or geometry upscaling (reminiscent of the PS4 vs. Xbox One debate at launch, where the PS4 often rendered at 900p upscaled to 1080p, while the Xbox One upscaled from 720p, giving the PS4 a resolution advantage in many titles). However, we predict that this distinction will be imperceptible to 95% of all players, as it is exceptionally difficult (if not impossible) to discern resolution differences in motion on displays 50″ or smaller when viewed from a typical viewing distance.

In terms of power consumption, the PS4 Pro generally draws less power than the original PS4, thanks to more efficient FinFET circuits, although more than the PS4 Slim. The fan noise is audible, reaching around 55db at its maximum. While not excessively distracting with reasonable game volume, it is still noticeable. The PS4 Pro performs best when adequately ventilated and not confined within enclosed TV furniture.

There is no question that games supporting 4K and HDR look significantly better on PS4 Pro than they do in Full HD on the standard PS4. The visual fidelity approaches that of PC gaming, although high-end PCs still surpass the PS4 Pro’s specifications. At a target price of around SEK 4,000, the PS4 Pro offers exceptional value, as no PC can compete at this price point (while a SEK 20,000 machine will undoubtedly perform better, it will not offer five times the visual quality). However, fully realizing the PS4 Pro’s potential may require upgrading your existing TV or projector, unless you already own a recent flagship model. The 4K and HDR landscape can be complex, and we offer a dedicated guide to 4K and HDR – but a key recommendation is to avoid purchasing the cheapest “4K” and “HDR” TVs advertised by major retailers. Just as with the initial rollout of HD, where 480p (a relatively low resolution) was permitted to be labeled “HD Ready,” significant quality differences exist between budget and premium 4K and HDR displays.

Playstation’s recently released Playstation VR also benefits from the PS4 Pro’s increased resources. The initial games receiving patches are Battlezone and Until Dawn: Rush of Blood. The latter remains appropriately terrifying, but the low-resolution graphics and aliasing persist from the original PS4 (these may be further improved in a future patch). Crytek’s recent title, Robinson: The Journey, is significantly more impressive in terms of graphics and execution, and ranks among the best adventure games with a compelling narrative available on PSVR. It also incorporates appropriately paced movement to mitigate motion sickness. For upcoming VR titles, the PS4 Pro’s enhanced hardware is beneficial; however, PSVR’s external processing unit only supports HDMI 1.4 and cannot transmit 4K and HDR signals to your display (requiring HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2). This necessitates frequent reconnection when switching between PSVR and PS4 Pro with 4K and HDR. This inconvenience requires addressing.

Disadvantages of the Playstation 4 Pro?

The PS4 Pro’s primary limitation is that most users will only experience enhanced frame rates and smoother gameplay in a subset of titles that are specifically patched to support it (and only a fraction of the 1300 existing PS4 games have Pro-specific patches; notably, our beloved Witcher 3 is not among them. (Update: a Pro patch is scheduled for release in autumn 2017, coinciding with the Xbox One X launch.) Furthermore, unpatched games receive no performance benefits whatsoever due to backwards compatibility requirements – although they may receive some improvements through Boost Mode).

A smooth frame rate is highly desirable, and a game running at 60 fps on a quality Full HD plasma/OLED display offers a compelling experience.