New PS4 Models Now Finally Officially Announced

After multiple rumors prior to release, and then the full-on video proof of there being a new model of a “PS4 Slim,” and the imminent release about Sony’s new “PlayStation Neo,” concrete news is finally here. The two models are releasing this fall, with some major changes in the coming months.

In title, there actually is no “PS4 Slim.” In reality, Sony has released this new, slimmer model of the standard PS4 as what they call a “new standard moving forward.” There are improvements on the hardware, other than it being quieter and cooler, but the price has dropped to $300 and it releases soon on September 15th. 

Introducing the PlayStation 4 Pro

Next is the codenamed PlayStation “Neo,” which has been kept under wraps for some time. At their latest PlayStation conference, Sony representatives Andrew House and Mark Cerny have unveiled the PS4 Pro.

First and foremost, it has over double the GPU power of the standard PS4, which becomes evident in the improved framerate and ability to play PS4 games in 4K resolution. Sony assured that players without a 4K TV will still be noticing the graphical improvements because of the bolstered GPU. The console will support 5GHz Wifi and will allow for 1080p streaming via Remote and Share Play. The PS4 Pro will be able to play all PS4 games just as well.

In fact, for some games it plays them better with the new high dynamic range (HDR) compatible content. With this, Sony has stated that the PS4 Pro has “forward compatibility,” meaning there are graphical features that games out now can show off that the standard PS4 can’t do.

The odd omission from the new platform’s capabilities is the ability to run 4K Ultra Blu-Ray discs. This essentially only affecting those movie and TV watchers that like owning their ultra-high definition movies on disc — the PS4 Pro can stream content in 4K.

The PS4 Pro will be out on November 10, 2016, for $399. The new edition of the PS4 will be out September 15, 2016, starting at $299. Both systems will be compatible with the PS VR headset, which will be released October 13, 2016, at $399.