Update: October 11, 2024, 10:05 a.m. EDT
We’ve got fresh info on the latest availability!
Guess what? The PlayStation 5 Pro is back in action and ready for purchase. Hopefully, you’ve been stashing away some funds because this latest gaming marvel from Sony won’t come cheap.
The Details
Sony’s mid-generation console, priced at $699.99, is now open for preorders at major retailers. The excitement kicked off at 10 a.m. ET on October 10, and you can find it listed on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart. This is the second blast of preorders for the PS5 Pro, following its initial release on the PlayStation Direct storefront. They sold out pretty quickly after they first appeared, but as of now, they’ve restocked. To snag one, you’ll need a PlayStation Network account. For most stores, you’re limited to ordering just one console, though Target lets you grab up to two.
Mark your calendar: the PS5 Pro is expected to start shipping on Thursday, November 7.
Interestingly, Sony also launched two special limited-edition console bundles to celebrate the PlayStation’s 30th anniversary alongside the PS5 Pro. If you missed out, you’re out of luck because they’re long gone.
Exclusive Bundles
The standout was a $999.99 PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle. This bundle had the PS5 Pro decked out in a retro ’90s gray, reminiscent of the original PlayStation. It was a complete package with DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers, a DualSense charging station, a cover for a separately sold disc drive, a vertical stand, and various collectibles. Only 12,300 units were made, each individually numbered, and they vanished in what seemed like seconds when preorders launched on PS Direct back on September 26, according to IGN. Now they’re popping up on eBay, but expect to pay a hefty premium.
There was also a $499.99 PS5 Slim Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle, which didn’t include the DualSense Edge or charging station. Preorders for this launched on PS Direct in late September, eventually hitting other retailers on October 10, where they also sold out almost instantly. As expected, they’re also making the rounds on eBay at steep prices.
What to Expect
The PS5 Pro was officially announced on September 10 during a concise nine-minute presentation by Mark Cerny, the PS5’s Lead Architect, on the PlayStation YouTube channel. This announcement put an end to months of speculation and leaks, one of which appeared to be an internal slip.
What sets the PS5 Pro apart is its beefed-up GPU compared to the original PS5, enhanced ray tracing capabilities, and new AI-powered upscaling hardware. Cerny described it as the "most powerful console we’ve ever built." It also supports WiFi 7, 8K gaming, and includes a "Pro" version of Game Boost that enhances performance for over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 games. It offers a generous 2TB of storage, doubling the original PS5’s capacity, a notable upgrade considering the console is nearly four years old.
Note, however, that the PS5 Pro doesn’t come with a disc drive—you’ll need to purchase that separately for $79.99. IGN has noted that these are consistently selling out at major retailers. A compatible vertical stand can also be yours for $29.99.
If the PS5 Pro’s price tag, along with its extras, makes you wince, it might be worth considering a refurbished system. Sony is offering certified refurbished PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition consoles through PS Direct for $399.99 and $349.99, respectively, which is $100 less than their brand-new counterparts.
Continuing Legacy
The PS5 Pro is now the fifth version of Sony’s current flagship console, not taking bundles into account. Originally, the launch of the PS5 was anything but smooth, plagued by supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic. The lineup now includes the standard PS5, PS5 Digital Edition, PS5 Slim, and PS5 Slim Digital Edition, building on Sony’s legacy in the gaming world.
