If you‘re wondering whether the PS4 Pro is still a worthwhile console purchase in 2024, the answer is yes – the PS4 Pro remains an excellent value option for playing the latest games in 4K and experiencing PlayStation exclusives. In this detailed guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about the PS4 Pro‘s capabilities, game library, expected lifespan, and how it compares to the PS5 to help you decide if it‘s the right choice for your needs and budget this year.
A Quick Look at the PS4 Pro‘s Enhanced Hardware
The PS4 Pro is powered by a boosted 2.1 GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU and a 4.2 teraflop AMD graphics card with 36 enhanced compute units. This gives it significant performance advantages over the base PS4‘s 1.6 GHz CPU and 1.84 teraflop GPU with just 18 compute units.
Here‘s a quick specs comparison between the consoles:
| Spec | PS4 Pro | PS4 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2.1GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar | 1.6GHz 8-core AMD Jaguar |
| GPU | 4.2 teraflops, 911MHz, 36 CUs | 1.84 teraflops, 800MHz, 18 CUs |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR5 + 1GB DDR3 | 8GB GDDR5 |
| Storage | 1TB HDD | 500GB HDD |
With this improved hardware, the PS4 Pro displays games at up to 2160p (4K) resolution and in vibrant HDR color when connected to a 4K TV. The extra horsepower also allows it to hit higher framerates for smoother performance.
Seeing the 4K and HDR Gaming Difference
When playing on a 4K HDR display, the visual improvements the PS4 Pro delivers are immediately apparent. Here‘s a look at the resolution and fps performance upgrades in some popular titles:
| Game | PS4 Resolution/FPS | PS4 Pro Resolution/FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 1920×1080/30 fps | 3840×2160/30 fps |
| Horizon: Zero Dawn | 1920×1080/30 fps | 3840×2160/30 fps |
| God of War | 1920×1080/30 fps | 2560×1440/60 fps |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 1920×1080/30 fps | 3840×2160/30 fps |
These benchmarks demonstrate how the PS4 Pro is capable of pushing games to 4K resolution at 30fps minimum, and hitting 60fps on many titles by rendering around 1440p and upscaling. Compare this to the base PS4‘s 1080p/30fps performance, and the enhancements are substantial.
In addition to higher resolutions, the PS4 Pro‘s HDR support lets compatible games display a wider range of colors and increased brightness. This means you‘ll get to see titles like Uncharted 4 and Ratchet & Clank at their visual best. The benefits are especially noticeable on a high quality 4K HDR television.
PS4 Pro Is Ideal for PlayStation VR
The PS4 Pro also provides meaningful improvements for PlayStation VR performance. The increased processing power allows VR games to render at higher resolutions before outputting images to the headset. This results in noticeably sharper visuals that help alleviate the notorious "screen door effect."
Some PSVR games also achieve higher, more stable framerates on the PS4 Pro, reducing motion sickness-inducing jitter or lag. Faster load times are another bonus when running PSVR games off the Pro‘s SATA III hard drive interface rather than the SATA II connection in original PS4s.
So if you enjoy VR gaming, the PS4 Pro is hands-down the best way to experience PSVR right now in terms of visual fidelity and play comfort.
Long-Term Support Means Continued Game Releases
Sony has stated they plan to continue supporting the PS4 platform until at least 2024. This means major upcoming releases like Final Fantasy XVI, Hogwarts Legacy, Assassin‘s Creed Mirage and dozens more are still slated for PS4 launch.
"We plan to support the PS4 for three to four years beyond the launch of PS5," said Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan in an interview. This indicates PS4 support will continue through 2023 at a minimum, and likely into 2024.
Third party publishers like Ubisoft and EA have also confirmed upcoming games in 2024 and beyond will still be released on PS4. So the Pro will be fully capable of playing all key new releases for several more years.
Used PS4 Pro Provides Much More Value than New PS5
Let‘s compare the value proposition of buying a used PS4 Pro versus picking up one of the new PS5 models:
| Console | Used/New Price |
|---|---|
| PS4 Pro | $200 – $250 used |
| PS5 Digital Edition | $450 – $500 new |
| PS5 Standard | $550 – $600 new |
Since you can readily find a used PS4 Pro for under $250, it provides tremendous value compared to the PS5‘s $500+ price point. Yes, the PS5 is Sony‘s latest and greatest – but its high cost and low availability make it unattainable for many gamers right now.
Purchasing a used PS4 Pro for a fraction of the price is an extremely cost-effective way to play the latest games and access the entire PS4 library. If budget is a consideration, the Pro easily beats out even the PS5 Digital Edition in sheer bang-for-your-buck.
Huge Library of Exclusives and Multiplatform Games
With over 1,400 titles released for PS4 since launch, the Pro gives you access to an enormous library of games – including beloved PlayStation exclusives and multiplatform blockbusters.
A few standout exclusives you can dive into right away include God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us Remastered, Uncharted 4, Persona 5, Bloodborne, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon Zero Dawn. Sony also has more iconic franchises like God of War, Gran Turismo, and Ratchet & Clank coming to PS4 in 2024.
Major third party games from the past couple years like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II also look and run fantastically on the PS4 Pro. Given the immense catalog at your fingertips, you‘ll have no shortage of great games to keep you occupied for years to come.
Worthwhile Upgrade for Base PS4 Owners
If you currently own an original base PS4 from 2013, upgrading to the Pro is absolutely recommended to get the best experience from your games library and take advantage of your 4K TV if you have one.
The performance benefits like increased resolution, higher fps, faster load times, and PSVR improvements will be immediately noticeable compared to your aging launch model. Sony made some cost reductions on the base PS4 over time as well, so its components and outputs aren‘t as robust.
For only around $200, you can give the games you already own and love a major visual and smoothness boost. For base PS4 users it‘s an inexpensive no-brainer upgrade.
Key Drawbacks and Considerations
While the PS4 Pro brings outstanding capabilities and value, there are some downsides to weigh as well:
Pros:
- 4K and HDR gaming
- Enhanced PlayStation VR performance
- Faster load times over base PS4
- Huge 1,400+ game library
- New releases supported until ~2024
- Great value buying used vs new PS5
Cons:
- Aging, soon to be obsolete hardware
- Some compatibility issues with PS5 games
- Lacks next-gen features like ultra fast SSD
- Visual fidelity and fps still limited vs PS5
- Used console means no warranty protections
The aging hardware and lack of certain next-gen functions indicate the PS4 Pro should be seen as a temporary, budget-friendly stopgap vs a long-term investment. It‘s unlikely to remain your primary console more than 2-3 years.
But with extreme supply challenges plaguing the PS5, the Pro provides a low-cost way to enjoy PlayStation gaming and wait for the market to stabilize.
Final Verdict – Still a Worthwhile Buy in 2024
Considering its excellent 4K and VR gaming performance, immense software library, continued developer support, and great value proposition buying used, the PS4 Pro absolutely remains a smart console purchase in 2024.
Upgrading from a base PS4 or buying a used Pro to hold you over until you can get a PS5 are especially compelling options. While not as future-proof as a PS5, the PS4 Pro delivers a ton of value and entertainment for the money. Its affordability and accessibility mean it should keep flourishing for at least a couple more years.
So if you‘re looking for an inexpensive path to play the latest PlayStation releases at 4K resolution, or want to enjoy PSVR‘s best experiences, the PS4 Pro is a fantastic choice that will reliably meet your gaming needs in 2024 and beyond.
