Whether you should be upgrading to Sony's high-powered model of the PlayStation 4 Pro console depends solely on one device: your Television. Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro, which was officially introduced this month, boasts a lot more horsepower, and the ability to provide 4K resolutions in selected games as well as other compatible video services like Netflix. But unless you own a native 4K TV or is planning to buy one, Sony's standard video game console will still serve you just fine.
Setting up PS4 Pro
For those who are leaning towards the pricier move to 4K, setting up the PS4 Pro is no different than the standard PlayStation 4. Users just plug in the included HDMI cable to their television, fire up the console and go through the step-by-step setup process, which includes logging in or creating an account for the PlayStation Network.
From PS4 to PS4 Pro
If you already own a PS4, users will be prompted to transfer every data from their current PS4 console to the PS4 Pro. To make this happen, an Ethernet cable will be required to perform the transfer. Using a PS4 that occupied nearly all of the 500 GB of storage available, it will take between 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete the transfer to the PS4 Pro.
Advantages of the Pro
The big advantage of the PS4 Pro is the jump into 4K gaming. Several games have already supported the higher display resolutions. These games include Uncharted 4, NBA 2K17, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, as well as the company's roster of games for PlayStation VR, its virtual reality platform. Along with 4K, the PS4 Pro also supports HDR functionality, which boosts the color depth and contrast on games by a certain degree.
No 4K TV, no problem
Without having a 4K TV set, Sony claims that owners of standard high-definition sets will still see improvements, including better visual quality and better, more consistent framerates than ever before. Another important note when hooking up the PS4 Pro to a TV is that it doesn't support HDR pass-through, which means you won't get HDR if, for example, you have PlayStation VR already hooked up. PS4 Pro also doesn't support Ultra 4K Blu-ray discs, which is something to keep in mind if you hope to watch those on this console.
Other features of the PS4 Pro
Outside 4K, PS4 Pro also introduces some minor touches and enhancements. This includes a larger overall size compared to the standard PS4, some minor tweaks to the DualShock controller, and the much-anticipated debut of a 1 TB hard drive, which is essential for a player who prefers downloads over physical discs.
It will all depend on you
Spending the extra $100 to jump onto PS4 Pro will depend on your own personal preference for 4K. If you own a 4K TV or is planning on getting one very soon, then it is definitely worth the upgrade, especially with the larger 1 TB hard drive. But the standard PS4 is still a great video game console. If you already own one and aren't in any kind of rush to buy a 4K display, you can wait it out to go Pro.
