The PS5 is Sony’s very latest console. It first came out nearly 3 years ago in November 2020 is home to an ever-growing library of popular games. From Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart to Marvel’s Spider-Man and God of War: Ragnarök, there is something for everyone on the console. However, as the PS5 approaches its third anniversary, its technical limitations are becoming ever more apparent. It was originally marketed as a 4K console, but most AAA titles target 1440p 60 FPS, or dynamic 4K at best. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a recent title that only runs at native 1080p 60 FPS, upscaled to 1440p on PS5.
As a result of all this, many are wondering when, if ever, there will be a PS5 Pro? Looking further ahead, the rumour mill over the inevitable PS6 is also starting to spin. At almost 3 years old, the PS5 is nearing the mid-way point in its lifecycle and so the PS6 is closer than ever. In this article, I will be addressing when both the PS5 Pro and PS6 are most likely to release.
When will the PS5 Pro Release?
The first upcoming console to address is the PS5 Pro. At first glance, it seems highly likely that there will be a PS5 Pro sooner rather than later. The PS4 Pro first launched back in 2016, just 3 years years after the launch of the original PS4. It provided a substantial boost in performance allowing it to run certain games in checker-boarded 4K. It was a welcome addition for many and allowed the console to better compete with the latest PC’s at the time.
One of the latest rumours concerning the PS5 Pro is from reliable leaker ‘Tom Henderson‘. He claimed last July that the PS5 Pro is codenamed ‘Project Trinity’ and is twice as powerful overall as the original PS5. The console will supposedly target 4K at a more consistent framerate in addition to having an 8K performance mode. In terms of a release date, devs kits are meant to be out this autumn in preparation for a November 2024 launch.
This release window would make sense. The pandemic caused this generation to get off to a slow start. Even going into 2024, the PS4 will still be getting some new titles. As a result, it is logical for there to be a year longer between the base console and pro edition than in the past.
When will the PS6 Release?
After the PS5 Pro, inevitably there will be a true next-gen successor to the PS5. The gap between both the launch of the PS4 and PS5 was 7 years. This was also the same for the PS3 and PS4. Therefore, it would seem logical for the PS6 to release in 2027.
However, the best indication for the PS6’s eventual release comes from court documents concerning the Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Microsoft stated, in relation to a 10 year Call of Duty deal, that the expected launch date for the next generation consoles is 2028.
2028 would make a lot of sense. Due to this generation’s slow start, making it one year longer would allow the current gen consoles to sell more units and to better establish themselves before being replaced.
The PS6 is likely to boast more full support for 8K gaming compared to the PS5 Pro. Another focus may be on Path-Tracing once the next generation arrives. The Cyberpunk Overdrive update showcased some truly jaw-dropping visuals going beyond what had previously been seen. The Path-tracing update offered a more complete, and complex form of ray-tracing that is even more intensive. Only the best graphics cards can support Overdrive mode. Without upscaling, even the RTX 4090 is humbled when trying to run it at 4K. This is clearly out of reach of current generation consoles, but a future PS6 should allow for much more complex ray-traced and even path-traced visuals.
To summarise, the PS5 Pro can be expected in around November 2024. The PS6, on the other hand, should launch in November 2028. These consoles will undoubtedly be graphical powerhouses capable of going toe-to-toe with the latest PC’s. From 8K visuals, to even more impressive ray-tracing, there is a lot to look forward where they are concerned.
Lastly, in case you regularly use the PS5 and are wondering what accessories you can get for it, feel free to check out this article here.
