It’s become something of a Digital Foundry tradition to pull out all of the stops when a new first-party console exclusive arrives, especially from a developer with a rich history in elevating the state of the art. We plan to do exactly that with Naughty Dog’s The Last of us Part 2 – one of the most technologically impressive games of the generation and a fitting farewell to PlayStation 4 from one of its most talented studios. However, stringent embargo conditions mean that this coverage will arrive the day the game launches. For now, video restrictions means that we can’t show you any new game areas beyond those from the preview phase, and by extension, attempting to produce our style of video review would do the game a disservice as a result – we don’t feel we can show you what makes this game great. Our choice is to wait until the embargo phase is over before delivering our (still spoiler-free) tech review coverage, but in the here and now, we can at least address platform comparisons and performance – and the picture here is rosey.
Flashback to June 2013 and the release of The Last of Us on PlayStation 3. In delivering its post-apocalyptic America, the developer faced a huge challenge – not only to create the most detailed, visually dense environments it had ever created (heavy on foliage and organics – not so easy to render) but also to light them appropriately. The key issue here is the lack of direct light sources in the game, with most of the lighting delivered via indirect lighting from the sun. Naughty Dog needed to simulate how sunlight would bounce around the world via baked and real-time calculated lighting. Meanwhile, the developer also upped the ante with GPU-intensive transparency effects and particle work – particularly intensive with the Infected’s spore cloud attacks. Add that to improvements in physics, animation and AI and the end result was a game that pushed PlayStation 3 hard, really hard, and to put it simply, it couldn’t quite cope. 30 frames per second was the target but much of the game would play out in the low to mid 20s. It took the graphics-heavy horsepower PS4 and PS4 Pro to deliver a TLOU experience that eliminated the game’s performance limitations.
And that’s why it’s important to put The Last of Us Part 2 through its paces, something we can do in the here and now. We’re seeing Naughty Dog tackle many of the same objectives here that it had with its PlayStation 3 epic but with a generational leap in ambition. Environments are even more detailed, more overgrown and foliage-rich – delivered with a far wider scope (something only hinted at in the media revealed by Naughty Dog so far). Indirect lighting is also expertly rendered and there are moments in the game where you just have to sit back and appreciate the spectacle – the way that light interacts with physical materials has been elevated to another level this generation and The Last of Us Part 2 succeeds in delivering an eerily natural look. It achieves all of this with a level of performance that its predecessor lacked. Running at 30fps isn’t the target, it’s the default for the vast majority of the experience.
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John Linneman and Rich Leadbetter share their embargo-friendly thoughts on The Last of Us Part 2.
It’s not a perfect read-out – water in particular seems to cause some minor problems – but as you’ll see in the embedded video, the frame-time graph shows just a few dropped frames in affected areas – a mere handful really – taking frame-rate averages down from a locked 30 to the high 20s. Interestingly though, it’s only really PlayStation 4 Pro that is really affected – the ride is smoother still on the base unit. All of which is to say that both PS4 and PS4 Pro play out pretty much flawlessly, and while we can only show a small part of the game in the video, we have played it almost all of the way through and the outlook doesn’t change from what you’re seeing here.
Resolution-wise, we’re looking at an evolution of the same engine that delivered Uncharted 4, so it comes as little surprise to see that the same basic presentation is delivered. We’d already noted that PlayStation 4 Pro runs at a native 1440p (albeit aliasing-free thanks to one of the best TAA solutions on the market) but it’s nice to confirm that the base PS4 delivers the full 1920×1080 resolution we’ve come to expect. The highly effective HDR solution is identical on both systems, and we can also confirm that whether your Pro is set to 1080p or 4K output, you’re getting the same internal 1440p pixel-count.
All of which is to say that with The Last of Us Part 2, Sony has delivered effective platform-parity in terms of the visual specification, with just a resolution boost delivered to those who’ve bought the enhanced machine. Yes, the base PS4 has a tiny, marginal performance advantage but it’s essentially a non-issue and didn’t stop us playing through the game on Pro hardware.
As mentioned, this is just the tip of the iceberg and we have so much more to say about The Last of Us Part 2, so join us on launch day or thereabouts for the full Digital Foundry perspective on what is a landmark title.
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.
