The PlayStation 5 is set to welcome a new addition, the “Pro” version, which has recently emerged in leaks. This upgraded console has been the subject of speculation within the gaming community for some time, and an official announcement from Sony is anticipated later this year. Previous discussions and rumors have outlined potential hardware enhancements that distinguish the PS5 Pro from its predecessor, the PS5. Recent leaks have also given insight into the console’s design and Sony’s unveiling plans.
“PS5 Pro” Reportedly the Official Designation
Insights regarding the PS5 Pro come from renowned leaker billbil-kun, who has a strong track record for accurately predicting information about unannounced games and hardware. In a report published on Dealabs, he disclosed the likely official name of the console, along with design elements and the expected release timeline.
According to the leak, the upcoming console will bear the name “PS5 Pro,” a predictable choice given Sony’s previous naming strategy which included the PS4 Pro that debuted in September 2016, three years after the original PS4 release.
Design Insights for the PS5 Pro
The report also included a sketch of the supposed PS5 Pro, drawn from an image of the final packaging box, although it could not be shared due to copyright restrictions. The illustration hinted at a design resembling the recently introduced PS5 Slim. Notably, the faceplates of the PS5 Pro are said to feature three horizontal black stripes, and the front of the console includes two USB Type-C ports alongside the power button, mirroring the PS5’s layout. It appears that the new console will maintain the iconic white color scheme of its predecessor and is expected to be bulkier than the PS5 Slim.
Interestingly, the sketch did not depict a disc drive, suggesting that the illustration may represent the digital edition of the console. While the existence of a disc drive version remains unconfirmed, it is suggested that users might have the option to connect an external disc drive, similar to the PS5 Slim. This choice could reflect a strategic decision by Sony to position the PS5 Pro competitively in terms of pricing. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the PS5 Pro will ship with the same DualSense controller that comes with the original PS5.
Illustration of the PS5 Pro allegedly based on a visual of the console packaging
Photo Credit: Dealabs
Expected Launch Schedule for PS5 Pro
Finally, billbil-kun shed light on Sony’s timeline for unveiling the console. Rumors had been circulating regarding a potential State of Play presentation at the end of September, with suggestions from Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb that the PS5 Pro might be announced at this event. The leaker indicated that an official announcement for the PS5 Pro could take place “very soon,” possibly before the first half of September 2024.
Despite the ongoing leaks about the PS5 Pro, Sony has yet to officially confirm the existence of the new console. With a noted decline in PS5 sales, an upgraded version could provide a much-needed boost to the console’s performance in its later lifecycle stages. According to its latest earnings report for the March to June quarter, Sony sold 2.4 million PS5 units, falling short of the three million anticipated by analysts.
