PlayStation is introducing a new choice for console gamers with PS4 Pro, a powerful addition to the PS4 family. It’s designed to offer heightened gaming experiences, whether via your existing HDTV or a new 4K TV.

With its increased performance over the standard PS4, PS4 Pro represents a first for PlayStation — and in many ways, for console gaming. We’re excited by this vision, but we know many of you will have questions. That’s why we’ve built our latest Ultimate FAQ below.

This FAQ will serve as a living document, and we’ll continue to add new questions, details, and specifics leading up to launch on November 10 in North America. If you have questions that aren’t addressed, leave them in the comments below and we’ll add ‘em to the list.

In the meantime: it’s time to get to know PS4 Pro!

New questions added Nov. 3, 2017

Q: What type of buttons are on the front of PS4 Pro?

The buttons are mechanical.

Q: Is there anything else I should know if I own both PS VR and PS4 Pro, and a 4K TV?

If you’re playing a normal, non-VR game on your PS4 Pro, PS VR’s Processor Unit will output a 4K signal to a 4K TV — but in the YUV420 format only. The Processor Unit does not support HDR pass-through, so you will need to plug your PS4 Pro directly into your TV (bypassing the Processor Unit) to view HDR content.

Q: Can I use my PS4 Pro as a “second” primary account?

No, you can only choose one PS4 device to be your primary account.

Q: Can I install a new hard drive in my PS4 Pro?

Yes. As with both models of the standard PS4, you can replace PS4 Pro’s stock 1TB, 5400RPM hard drive relatively quickly and easily using just a Phillips head screwdriver. You will need to select a 2.5’’ (laptop PC sized) hard drive that is no more than 9.5mm thick.

Q: Are there any other changes to PS4 Pro’s hard drive interface?

Yes, PS4 Pro supports the faster SATA-III specification.

Q: Do 4K TVs suffer from increased input lag?

Not necessarily, but the phenomenon known as “input latency” or “input lag” may be an important consideration if you are considering buying a new TV to be used with gaming. The amount of latency differs by TV.

Many TVs feature a “Game Mode” or the like in order to reduce this latency as much as possible, but this performance can vary (e.g. by deactivating special features like HDR). If possible, try to test out a new TV before buying it, connecting your PS4 or PS4 Pro to get a sense of its overall gaming performance. In-depth professional reviews or user reviews can also be valuable.

Q: Can I use an external HDD with PS4 Pro?

As with the standard PS4, PS4 Pro does not support external HDDs for storing game files, but you can use it for storing a system backup, media storage, or save files.

Q: Does PS4 Pro support rendering in full, native 4K?

Yes. While PS4 Pro supports outputting a native 4K signal, many developers are leveraging powerful rendering technologies including a process called “checkerboard rendering” to best balance the heightened clarity of a native 4K signal with other rich graphical features and a smooth performance profile.

PS4 Pro: Basic Questions

Q: What is PS4 Pro?

PS4 Pro is a high-end version of PS4 that is capable of outputting 4K graphics, HDR support, smoother and more stable framerates, and 4K video streaming. Upon its launch, PS4 Pro will make supported PS4 games look better and run more smoothly, while giving developers an upgraded toolset to create even richer, more detailed game worlds. How these powerful new tools are used is up to individual developers and the experience they are creating. You may have seen some of these examples during PlayStation Meeting 2016.

It’s important to note that PS4 Pro is not another generation of console. It won’t make your current PS4 games obsolete, and it won’t split the PS4 player base. PS4 Pro is very much a part of the PS4 family.

Q: When will PS4 Pro be available, where, and for how much?

PS4 Pro will launch in the US and Canada on November 10 for a suggested retail price of $399.99 USD ($499.99 CAD).

Q: Will PS4 Pro have separate or exclusive games?

There will not be any PS4 Pro-exclusive games. Because PS4 Pro and the standard PS4 are members of the same family, both systems will be fully compatible with all past, present, and future PS4 titles, including PlayStation VR. All PS4 games are PS4 Pro games, and vice-versa.

Following PS4 Pro’s launch on November 10 in North America, virtually all new PS4 game releases moving forward will be able to take advantage of PS4 Pro capabilities on day one, or in some cases shortly after launch via a downloadable update. Some titles previously released will be updated to take advantage of PS4 Pro features, including Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, The Last of Us Remastered, Infamous Second Son First Light, Shadow of Mordor, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and more.

Q: Will all PS4 games be compatible with PS4 Pro?

Yes, all existing PS4 games are fully compatible with PS4 Pro. Developers are able to add PS4 Pro enhancements to previously released PS4 games via a downloadable update if they choose to.

Q: Will I need to pay to update my existing PS4 game with new PS4 Pro features?

A: While nothing specifically prevents publishers and developers from this, we don’t anticipate it at this time. Software updates enabling PS4 Pro features on any existing first-party title (such as inFamous First Light or Uncharted 4) will be free.

Q: Will SIE continue to sell and support the standard PS4?

Yes. PS4 Pro is an evolution of the PS4 generation platform, which will continue to include the standard PS4 system. PS4 Pro was designed for gamers who want to be at the forefront of gaming innovation. Whether you decide to purchase the new system or continue playing on the standard PS4 system, you’ll enjoy the same games that make PlayStation the best place to play.

Q: Will PS4 Pro require a 4K TV?

No. PS4 Pro can display much higher resolutions than the standard PS4 when using a 4K TV. But if you own an HDTV (720p, 1080i, 1080p), PS4 Pro can still improve your gaming experience.

Q: What benefits does PS4 Pro provide when played on a non-4K HDTV?

PS4 Pro offers benefits even if you play on a HDTV that isn’t 4K. Depending on how the developer chooses to use the increased processing power, games with PS4 Pro support are able to render higher or more consistent framerates, increased environmental and character model detail, improved overall visual quality, and other related visual enhancements. For a look at how games are using the power of PS4 Pro, watch some of the first game footage on our YouTube page.

Additionally, PS4 games that render below native 1080p (maximum quality for HD TVs) on the standard PS4 can be elevated to render at full native 1080p on an HDTV.

See below for a chart detailing how PS4 Pro will display based on different TV types.

4K content 2K or less than 1080p content 2K TV Optimized to 1080p If less than 1080p,

upscale to 1080p 4K TV If 4K (2160p), display as is Upscale to 4K (2160p) 4K/HDR TV If 4K (2160p), display as is

If content is HDR supported, display in HDR Upscale to 4K (2160p)

If content is HDR supported, display in HDR

Q: What resolutions does PS4 Pro support?

On 4K TVs, games are capable of running at up to 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels, also known as “2160p”) resolution. On HDTVs, games will run at 1080p.

Q: Will PS4 Pro be compatible with my existing PS4 downloaded games, saved data, and PlayStation Network Friend lists?

Yes. PS4 Pro exists in the same digital ecosystem as the standard PS4 in all regards; two PS4 console systems, one PlayStation Network, one PS4 community. This means you can start playing a game on your PS4 Pro, upload the saved data to online storage using PS Plus (sold separately), and pick up your progress on a standard PS4 in another room. It also means that all content and saved data that you already own on PS4 are fully compatible with PS4 Pro on day one.

Q: What if I already own a standard PS4? Is there an easy way to transfer my games, saved data, and Share captured content from a standard PS4 to PS4 Pro?

Yes. You will be able to copy your games, saved data, captured videos and screenshots, system settings, and other content from a standard PS4 to PS4 Pro using a standard Ethernet cable. This process will also work from standard PS4 to standard PS4, PS4 Pro to standard PS4, and PS4 Pro to PS4 Pro provided that both units have system software update 4.00 or higher installed, and the same PSN account is signed into both systems.

Alternatively, you can log-into PSN with your PS4 Pro, access your games and content library, and re-download your previously purchased games and content. Of course, your saved data in online storage will transfer as well.

Q: Will the PS4 Pro system introduce any improvements to DUALSHOCK 4?

The latest version of DUALSHOCK 4 will be included with PS4 Pro, as well as the new slimmer standard PS4. But it does not introduce any significant new functionality. The new DUALSHOCK 4 allows the light from the light bar to emit on the touch pad, making a new luminous line that illuminates in the same color as that of the light bar. It also supports USB communication in addition to Bluetooth communication. Existing DUALSHOCK 4 controllers going back to the launch of PS4 are fully supported on PS4 Pro; the updated DUALSHOCK 4 will, in turn, be fully supported by every PS4 model.

PS4 Pro: Technical Specifications

Q: How does PS4 Pro compare to the standard PS4?

PS4 Pro is significantly more powerful than the standard PS4 model. PS4 Pro’s advanced graphics processor unit incorporates many features from AMD’s latest “Polaris” architecture, as well as some fully custom hardware innovations, and is considerably more powerful than the GPU included in the standard PS4.

All in all, this increase in processing power enables developers to tap into far more demanding visual features for PS4 Pro owners, including smoother or more stable framerates, support for 4K rendering, advanced graphics features, and more.

Q: What video output settings does PS4 Pro support?

At launch, PS4 Pro supports all of the HD video output settings found on the standard PS4. Notably, PS4 Pro introduces 4K output, with settings for both 2160p YUV420 and 2160p RGB (recommended if your TV supports it) at up to 60 frames per second when using a supported 4K TV and Premium High Speed HDMI Cable.

Q: Does PS4 Pro support High Dynamic Range (HDR)?

Yes, PS4 Pro is fully compatible with the HDR10 specification at launch. HDR10 is a widely supported HDR format embraced by major entertainment companies.

Q: What is HDR?

High Dynamic Range, or HDR, is an emerging display standard that allows for massively increased color depth and greater contrast compared to Standard Dynamic Range, the decades-old specification currently employed by traditional HDTVs. In general, HDR-enabled content played on an HDR-compatible TV produces a noticeably fuller, richer image, that’s closer to what the eye naturally sees. That means much deeper black levels that retain finer details; brighter, more dazzling highlights; and a much wider color spectrum than is possible on older HDTV technology.

It’s actually impossible to demonstrate the true benefits of HDR technology here because you need an HDR-enabled screen and content to experience it. You can, however, watch this video from Sony that shows some simulated before-and-after scenes.

Q: Will PS4 Pro include support for Dolby Vision HDR?

There are currently no plans to support Dolby Vision.

Q: Does PS4 Pro require any specialized equipment?

Only if you want to experience 4K and HDR. Otherwise, no. Like the standard PS4, PS4 Pro fully supports existing HD TVs (720p / 1080i / 1080p). PS4 Pro can also output a 4K signal on supported 4K TVs when using a Premium High Speed HDMI Cable (one will be included with PS4 Pro). To enjoy HDR features, you’ll need an HDTV that’s compatible with the HDR10 format, and HDR10-enabled games or content.

Q: Outside of higher gaming performance, 4K TV features, and support for 4K video streaming, are there any other benefits to PS4 Pro?

Yes. PS4 Pro will come standard with a 1TB HDD, faster Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and a third USB 3.1 Gen.1 port on the rear of the unit. PS4 Pro’s more powerful hardware can also benefit PlayStation VR games, enhance streaming features such as Share Play and Remote Play, and enable higher resolution output for media captured using the Share button.

In most other ways, PS4 Pro will be very similar to the standard PS4. This includes the user interface and functionality.

Q: Why do I need a Premium High Speed HDMI Cable for using PS4 Pro on my 4K TV?

For maximum quality, you’ll need a PS4 Pro system, a 4K TV with a Premium HDMI input port (often marked in blue), and a Premium High Speed HDMI Cable. Users can of course use the HDMI Cable is included with PS4 Pro, but those who need to purchase a longer cable should remember to get one that meets the Premium High Speed HDMI spec.

The newer Premium High Speed HDMI format can display a 4K signal at up to 60 frames per second (60Hz). When using older High Speed HDMI Cables, users may experience issues such as flickering TV screens or images being displayed incorrectly.

Q: Is there anything else I need to know about PS4 Pro support on my 4K TV?

Given that 4K display standards and HDR features are still cutting edge, we recommend that you carefully consult your 4K TV’s manual and other reference materials to fully understand its capabilities.

Q: Will PS4 Pro support PlayStation VR?

PS4 Pro will fully support PlayStation VR just like the standard PS4. It’s important to note that PlayStation VR’s integrated display tops out at 1920 x 1080; it does not support 4K output. Also, the PS VR headset does not support HDR features.

That said, PS4 Pro’s upgraded processing power will give VR developers the ability to enhance their experiences with higher quality graphics, smoother or more stable framerates, and visual improvements in supported games. Developers can also choose to add PS4 Pro features to PS VR games post launch via a downloadable update.

Q: Which PS VR games will support PS4 Pro features?

As neither PS VR nor PS4 Pro has launched at the time of publication, we’ll wait until closer to PS4 Pro’s launch to begin confirming these titles.

4K Entertainment

Q: Does PS4 Pro support Ultra 4K Blu-ray Discs?

No, PS4 Pro’s internal Blu-ray drive does not support the new Ultra 4K Blu-ray Disc format. It supports the same Blu-ray Disc specs as the standard PS4. The Blu-ray Disc Player application, however, will support high-quality upscaling of DVD and Blu-ray Disc content.

Q: What 4K entertainment options will PS4 Pro support?

4K streaming apps for Netflix and YouTube are in development. Though 4K streaming is still in its early days, other services are likely to offer 4K video content in the future as well.

Q: Will there be any 4K PlayStation Store movies or TV shows?

There are no plans for this at PS4 Pro’s launch, but the PlayStation Network team is looking into it.

Other Questions

Q: How large is PS4 Pro, physically?

PS4 Pro is slightly larger than the original PS4 model introduced in 2013, and will measure approximately 295×55×327 mm (width × height × length).

Q: Will PS4 Pro owners have a performance advantage in online games when competing against standard PS4 players?

Generally, no. Playtesting and balancing is up to each game developer, and while it’s true that PS4 Pro’s more powerful hardware can drive smoother or more stable frame rates in supported titles, developers have many tools and processes they can use to prevent imbalances.

Q: Will there be any changes to Remote Play or Share Play with PS4 Pro?

Yes, PS4 Pro’s increased processing power can offer significant streaming benefits if the internet bandwidth is fast enough. Remote Play users on PC, Mac, or Xperia will be able to stream gameplay from a PS4 Pro system at up to 1080p. Share Play users on a standard PS4 or PS4 Pro will also be able to stream gameplay from a PS4 Pro system at up to 1080p.

With both Remote Play and Share Play, PS4 Pro’s adaptive streaming technology will attempt to optimize streaming quality to make the most of available internet bandwidth. For the best experience, we recommend a 15Mbps or higher connection and using a wired Ethernet connection (not Wi-Fi) whenever possible.

Q: Will the Share button capture higher quality game content with PS4 Pro games?

When playing a game with PS4 Pro features, using DUALSHOCK 4’s Share button will generate higher resolution gameplay clips and screenshots compared to the standard PS4. Specifics will vary by game, but some games will support full 1080p video capture, and screenshots at up to 3840 x 2160 (4K) pixels.

Q: Will I be able to Broadcast my gameplay at higher settings?

Yes. At launch, you will be able to broadcast a YouTube stream at as high as 1080p and 60 frames per second.

Q: Are Sony’s new 4K TVs a good fit for PS4 Pro?

While we won’t provide a specific recommendation for PS4 Pro at this time, Sony has a long history of designing TVs with advanced technology, and that reputation has extended to the 4K TV realm.

Q: What size 4K TV should I get?

We can’t give an official recommendation on TV size due to variables in room size, seating distance, and media types. 4K games and movies can feature up to four times the total resolution of a 1080p signal, so to take full advantage of 4K’s greatly increased fidelity, you’ll want a 4K TV that’s big enough to show it off comfortably.

Unofficially, the staff of PlayStation.Blog has observed good results in average living rooms with 4K TVs sized 60’’ and up. If you’re in the market for a new 4K TV for PS4 Pro, we strongly recommend selecting a model with HDR10 compatibility, which will enable increased image vividness and contrast in HDR10-enabled games and movies.

Q: If I’m using PS4 Pro on a 4K TV, and I’m playing a PS4 game without PS4 Pro features. Will it still output in 4K?

Yes, older PS4 games without dedicated PS4 Pro features will output at 4K when played on PS4 Pro and a supported 4K TV using a Premium High Speed HDMI Cable. You will not, however, see any visual benefits without support for PS4 Pro features.