PS4 Pro vs PS4 Slim

Sony launched not one, but two gaming consoles in 2016. You were probably expecting at least one of them to be a PS5, but it didn't happen. Actually, it looks like it won't happen until 2019 or so . According to Sony, they need to sell more PS4 consoles before releasing the PS5, because they invest a lot of money into R&D.That's good news for me, because it means that I won't have to add the fourth console to my arsenal (Wii, Wii U, PS4 Pro) anytime soon. It's surprising that Sony chose to launch PS4 Slim alongside PS4 Pro, though. Why did they do that, and how do these two gaming consoles compare? Let's find out!In a nutshell, PS4 Pro's unique features are 4K video output and HDR (High Dynamic Range) effects. This means that, to get the most out of it, you'll need a 4K TV that supports HDR.PS4 Slim has the same specifications with the original PS4. The smaller form factor makes PS4 Slim attractive for people who don't have too much room for yet another console.However, as bulky as it may be, PS4 Pro packs an impressive computing power. To begin with, the CPU is 228% faster than the one that can be found in the original PS4. The 3D graphics power has been increased to 200% as well.If you compare PS4 with PS4 Slim, you will see that they've got a very similar set of features. There are a few minor differences, though.1. The supported Wi-Fi standards: 2.4 GHz for PS4, and 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz for PS4 slim. Before jumping with joy, you should understand that the 5 GHz band is useless if the console is 20 feet or more away from the router. The 2.4 GHz band is much better, and its range can be significantly extended by replacing the internal Wi-Fi antenna with one that has a higher gain. An extension cable is needed , of course. And here's a guide that shows how to replace the antenna . Don't try this if you aren't into electronics, though.2. The second difference has to do with the supported Bluetooth standards: 2.1 for PS4 and the much faster Bluetooth 4.0 for PS4 slim. It's a nice feature if you plan to use a Bluetooth keyboard with the console, for example. It will successfully register your key strokes even if you move to an adjacent room.But that's pretty much it! Frankly, I can't find too many reasons why you should update from PS4 to PS4 Slim. But what about a PS4 -> PS4 Pro upgrade?If you've got a 4K TV, you owe it to yourself to purchase the Pro version of the console. The number of pixels has significantly increased, and this means that you'll be able to see many more details and special effects in games.All the new games will be able to utilize the improved GPU to its full potential, rendering higher quality textures and adding realistic lighting to the scenes. In addition to this, the faster GPU will also lead to higher frame rates, making it much easier for our tired eyes.Sony has promised that any PS4 game will run on PS4 Pro and vice versa. Yes, some PS4 Pro games will be unable to run at a full 4K resolution (3,840x2,160 pixels) but they will use an upscaling technology that delivers great results. Most people aren't able to tell the difference between a native 4K game demo and an upscaled demo anyway.So, should you buy the bulkier PS4 Pro, even if you don't have a 4K TV? If you don't have a PS4 console, the answer is a sound "YES!". PS5 is several few years away, and it'd be a pity to be unable to play all the great PS4 titles that are currently under development.If you already own a PS4, my recommendation is to keep your money. PS4 Pro may deliver better graphics, but if you don't have a 4K TV you won't see too many differences in games. Of course, things change if you've got that TV. PS4 Pro coupled with a 4K HDR television set is guaranteed to provide an extraordinary gaming experience.