Sony to Launch ‘Pro’ Version of PS5 Ahead of GTA 6 Release in 2025: Report
GTA 6 Set for Release on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X Consoles: Confirmation
Reports suggest that Sony may unveil a Pro version of the PlayStation 5 later this year, marking a strategic move to rejuvenate PS5 sales amidst a slowing trend in console purchases. Since its debut in November 2020, the PS5 has garnered significant traction, surpassing 50 million units sold. However, recent figures indicate a plateauing in sales, prompting Sony to reevaluate its sales projections for fiscal year 2023. With an anticipated shortfall of four million units compared to its 25-million target, the Japanese tech giant faces the challenge of reigniting consumer interest in its flagship gaming console.
According to industry experts interviewed by CNBC, Sony is poised to introduce a refreshed PS5 lineup in 2024, potentially including a Pro variant boasting enhanced hardware capabilities. This iteration is expected to command a premium price tag compared to the base PS5 model, catering to enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance and features. Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based games consultancy Kantan Games, affirmed industry speculation, asserting a widespread consensus regarding Sony’s preparation for the launch of a PS5 Pro in the latter half of 2024.
Notably, industry insiders suggest that the timing of the PS5 Pro release aligns strategically with the anticipated launch of Rockstar Games’ highly awaited title, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), slated for 2025. Regarded as one of the most eagerly anticipated games in gaming history, GTA 6 holds the potential to invigorate the gaming industry at large.
As the next installment in the iconic franchise, GTA 6 is confirmed to launch on current-gen consoles, including the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X. With the absence of a confirmed PC release, industry analysts anticipate a surge in demand for next-gen consoles upon the game’s release, positioning the PS5 Pro to capitalize on this heightened consumer interest.
Sony launched a slimmer and lighter version of the PS5 with slightly bigger internal storage and a detachable disc drive in November last year. The PS5 slim retains the original console’s processing power, graphical capabilities and pricing. A PS5 Pro would bring considerable upgrades to the console hardware, likely promising better framerates at higher resolution.
It’s also worth noting that Sony launched a pro version of the PS4 around three years after the original PS4 launched in November 2013. The higher-end PS4 Pro featured an upgraded GPU and supported 4K resolution.
