Many questions remain, like whether the $299 Xbox Series S will truly feel next-gen, since it’ll only have a third the raw GPU performance of the $499 Xbox Series X and less than half that of the PlayStation 5. (They’re all based on the same AMD RDNA 2 graphics architecture.)
But the biggest question is a little more immediate: What will PlayStation do? It’s about time to find out.
There’s a likely reason both Sony and Microsoft have been leading us along for well over a year (Sony confirmed the PlayStation 5 in October 2019, if you’ll recall). Presumably, they’ve been drawing out this fight because neither company wanted to reveal its price first, only to give the other an opportunity to take advantage. Too high, and your competitor can undercut you; too low and you’re leaving money on the table, or even selling your product at a loss. When Sony revealed it had undercut the Xbox One by $100 with the PS4 in 2013, it immediately began to look like Sony had pulled a coup.
But there’s no reason for Sony to hold back now that Microsoft has revealed its hand. The question is how low Sony should go, how low it can afford to go, because as strong as the PS4 has been and as weak as Xbox once seemed, $299 is an incredible starting price that seems impossible to meet or beat.
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Let’s put $299 in perspective. Historically, a “next-gen console” hasn’t cost as little as $299 since the Xbox 360, and only if you picked the “Core” version that omitted a hard drive to hit that price. Otherwise, it hasn’t happened since the original Xbox and PS2 duked it out at the turn of the millennium, and as Kotaku points out realistically not even then: adjusted for inflation, those consoles each cost about $450 in today’s money. While Nintendo’s Switch, Wii U, Wii, GameCube, and N64 have kept up neatly with inflation to cost around $300 each in modern money, they haven’t competed on technical performance since the GameCube in 2001.
($299 is also low enough you can’t just build a gaming PC for the same price — the 512GB NVMe solid state drive in the Xbox Series S alone would eat a sixth of that budget, and a mid-range graphics card from 2017 still costs upwards of $140.)
Meanwhile, there have already been questions about Sony’s ability to sell the PS5 for less than $500 — much less $300. In February and again in April, Bloomberg games industry journalist Takashi Mochizuki reported that component shortages and rising memory prices were forcing Sony to consider higher prices at launch than the PS4 or PS4 Pro, with one estimate suggesting it would cost $450 for Sony just to manufacture the new console.
But before we count out the PS5 being price-competitive with Xbox, let’s also consider Sony’s advantages — like how both its digital-only and disc-drive equipped model are likely to be more powerful than the $300 Xbox Series S; Sony’s track record of recent exclusive hits (like Spider-Man and Horizon Zero Dawn, both of which have PS5 sequels); how Sony is making a case for next-gen with next-gen exclusive games; and how weak Microsoft’s first-party lineup is looking by comparison.
Sony may be able to argue it has the games you want — and perhaps also that the Xbox Series S isn’t a “true” next-gen console.
Besides, back when Bloomberg reported on the PS5 pricing woes, Sony had yet to reveal that it would be shipping two consoles this holiday season, and it’s quite possible that Sony’s “PlayStation 5 Digital Edition” will give the company some serious pricing leverage.
As far as we can tell, the only difference between the two PS5s is the removal of a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive — “The PS5 gameplay experience will be the same,” says Sony — but a disc drive isn’t necessarily a cheap part. When Microsoft introduced a similar drive in the $299 Xbox One S in 2016, research firm IHS estimated that drive alone cost $33.50. When Microsoft removed that drive to create the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition three years later, it shaved a full $50 off the price of the console.
The savings for Sony aren’t just in the components, either; Sony won’t have to pay Blu-ray and DVD licensing fees, which could cost $8 per console all on their own. Anybody who buys a PS5 Digital Edition likely gives Sony a larger cut of each game, because they’re sold through the PlayStation Store instead of Amazon, Target, GameStop or the like. Digital games also can’t be resold, so more buyers will have to purchase them at higher prices new. Even those who prefer discs may find fewer used discs in the market because digital buyers won’t have any to drop off at their local GameStop.
Considering all this, it might be easier for Sony to decide to sell the PS5 Digital Edition at a loss (or break-even), because those factors could make the razor-and-blades business model work better than it ever has before. Assuming people buy the PS5 to begin with, of course.
Imagine for a moment that Sony prices the PS5 Digital Edition at $400, and the disc-equipped version at the same $500 that Microsoft is asking for the Xbox Series X — perhaps even $550, if the PS5 is supply-constrained and thus more desirable for early adopters anyhow. Imagine Sony (and journalists) pitting Microsoft’s $300 Xbox Series S against its $400 PS5 Digital Edition, and showing you vividly how much uglier cross-platform, cross-gen games like Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War look on that particular Xbox.
Heck, imagine Sony taking advantage of the black-box nature of its ridiculous invite-only PS5 preorder queue to steer gamers towards whichever version of the console will help its bottom line, while only offering the other system to a select few.
Not too hard to imagine, right? Microsoft might be thinking bigger picture than consoles now, and some will absolutely pick the Xbox Series S if it costs less than PS5, too. They probably won’t be wrong to do so: it sounds like it could be a phenomenal gaming box for the money. But overall, this console race is Sony’s to lose. We’re just waiting on Sony’s choice — and Microsoft has all but ensured it won’t be “599 US dollars” this time.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
