Several game industry analysts are projecting that Sony will likely launch PS5 Pro later this year. This is a reinforcement of similar claims that circulated on the Internet last year. It is also believed that the upcoming console will have a proprietary DLSS-like solution. In a recent report, analysts told CNBC that Sony will likely launch PS5 Pro in the second half of this year.
“There seems to be a broad consensus in the game industry that Sony is indeed preparing a launch of a PS5 Pro in the second half of 2024,” said Serkan Toto, Kantan Games CEO, a Tokyo-based games consultancy.
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“And Sony will want to make sure to have a great piece of hardware ready when GTA VI hits in 2025, a launch that will be a shot in the arm for the entire gaming industry.”
What seems to add credibility to the new claim is that retailers are offering major discounts on PS5 Slim in Europe. Although the redesigned console was launched last November for £479.99 / €549.99 it has now been temporarily discounted by £70 / €75 in some countries.
Companies usually discount their products for two main reasons. Firstly, discount is usually used to boost sales. The second reason is when a company wants to clear shelves of old products in anticipation of new alterations. Considering that the PS5 Slim launched last November, the case here is likely about boosting sales. But it may still be a bit of both.
In the company’s latest earnings report, Sony revised its earlier projected PS5 console sales of 25 million. It is projected to miss that target by as much as 4 million consoles. Therefore, the discount is likely an attempt to push the sales numbers up.
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Traditionally, launching a new console has helped Sony to push up sales. However, Omdia’s senior principal analyst told CNBC that it is highly unlikely that launching a new console will help the Japanese company boost console sales this time.
“A scenario where Sony launches a PS5 Pro, but still experiences declining year-on-year hardware sales is very much within the realms of possibility,” the analyst said.
Sony has announced February’s PlayStation Plus games
While PlayStation Plus Essential games are available for all subscribers to claim, the Game Catalogue’s titles are only reserved for the Extra and Premium tier subscribers. The February collection includes Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Need for Speed Unbound, and The Outer Worlds.
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The higher PlayStation Plus Premium subscription tier also provides a handpicked collection of classic games from PS1, PS2, and PSP for download. Also, some PS3 games are available for play through cloud streaming. Below is a full list of the games available to the higher tier subscribers for download this month.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium – Game Catalogue
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PS4, PS5)
- Lego Jurassic World (PS4)
- Lego Worlds (PS4)
- Need for Speed Unbound (PS5)
- Rogue Lords (PS4)
- Roguebook (PS4, PS5)
- Tales of Arise (PS4, PS5)
- Tales of Zestiria (PS4)
- The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (PS5)
PlayStation Plus Premium – Classics
- Jet Rider 2 (PS4, PS5)
- Resistance: Retribution (PS4, PS5)
- Tales of Symphonia (PS4, PS5)
- Tales of Vesperia (PS4, PS5)
Platforms are increasingly moving away from physical game releases in preference to digital copies. In recent years, digital copies of games seem to be outselling physical copies in some markets around the globe.
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When the PS5 Slim launched last November, Sony made the disc drive an optional upgrade that could be detached from the console. That design cue further suggests that physical releases are becoming unpopular.
However, the total elimination of physical releases will be bad news for video game conservation. Now and then, companies pull the plug on marketplaces and server support leading to the death of thousands of games. Physical releases and the option to play games without always being online are both vital for video game preservation.
