Sony PS5 Pro launch nears: Here's when pre-orders might start
Gamers are eagerly anticipating the next iteration of Sony's popular console, the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro). Naturally, the rumor mill is buzzing with speculation about its launch date, specs, and pre-order details. While an official release date has not been confirmed yet, speculation suggests that pre-orders for this upgraded console could commence as early as September. This prediction is based on Sony's consistent pattern of opening pre-orders shortly after official announcements.
Sony's consistent pre-order timeline
Historically, Sony has initiated pre-orders for its consoles soon after their official unveiling. Both the PS5 and PS4 Pro were made available for pre-order in September of 2020 and 2016, respectively. These consoles were then released in November. The only deviation from this pattern was the PS5 Slim, which was launched in November without a preceding pre-order phase.
PS5 Pro's potential unveiling at Tokyo Game Show
Rumors suggest that Sony may introduce the PS5 Pro at the Tokyo Game Show, scheduled to begin on September 26. If this speculation proves accurate, pre-orders for the console could start shortly after its reveal. The upcoming console is expected to generate significant demand among gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
Sony's strategy to boost demand amid falling sales
The launch of the PS5 Pro comes at a crucial time for Sony, as PS5 console sales have reportedly declined in 2024. Historically, the introduction of new PlayStation hardware has successfully stimulated demand. For instance, the PlayStation console became the best-selling gaming accessory of 2024 in the US, selling out every month for nearly eight months.
Sony faces limited competition in console market
Sony is likely to face minimal competition if it successfully launches the PS5 Pro in the coming months. No new Xbox console from Microsoft is expected to be announced this year. The only other big release in the consumer tech space could be Apple's iPhone 16 line-up, whose release date may coincide with that of the PS5 Pro pre-orders if they begin in September.
What to expect from PS5 Pro?
PS5 Pro is set to be a game-changer with a larger, faster GPU for enhanced ray tracing, a CPU that can run at higher speeds, and an additional 1.2GB of system memory. It will also feature a custom architecture for machine learning, supporting Sony's unique upscaling solution for improved frame rates and image quality. Sony expects game developers to create a single package compatible with PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles, with existing games able to be updated for superior performance.
