Game Scoop! Episode 779: PS5 Pro - Sony Spared No Expense
Release Date: September 12, 2024
Hosts:
- Damon Hatfield (Host)
- Sam Claiborne
- Ethan Gach
- Justin Davis
- Mark Medina
- Greg Miller
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with Damon Hatfield welcoming the regular cast: Sam Claiborne, Ethan Gach, Justin Davis, Mark Medina, and Greg Miller. He outlines the week’s agenda, which includes discussions on the newly announced PlayStation 5 Pro, updates on popular games like Space Marine 2, Star Wars Outlaws, Astrobot, Shadow of the Erdtree, and a potential dive into the September 1993 issue of EGM if time permits. However, the main focus rapidly shifts to the central topic: the PlayStation 5 Pro announcement.
2. PlayStation 5 Pro Announcement
Damon Hatfield introduces the PlayStation 5 Pro, highlighting its hefty price tag of $700. He notes that this upgrade does not include a disc drive or a vertical stand but boasts enhanced compute units, superior ray tracing, and PSSR (machine learning upscaling akin to NVIDIA’s DLSS).
Notable Quote:
[02:32] Mark Medina: "I don't know what it stands for, but it's their machine learning upscaling."
Despite the high cost, Damon mentions that Sony’s die-hard fans are unabashedly supportive, willing to shell out the extra money for improved performance and graphics.
3. Price Point and Market Reaction
The conversation delves into the historical pricing strategies of Sony, comparing the PS5 Pro to previous models like the PS3, which debuted at $699. Ethan Gach reminisces about the PS3’s initial pricing and the comparison Sony made between its consoles and types of meat— positioning the higher-end models as "fine steaks."
Notable Quote:
[03:24] Ethan Gach: "So you lovers out there, which we pulled, there's about 10% of you will very much enjoy this as an upgrade to your systems."
Greg Miller criticizes Sony’s cyclical approach to console releases, suggesting that the PS5 Pro is not a strategic move to expand the install base but rather a revenue booster targeting the most enthusiastic segment of their audience.
Notable Quote:
[05:55] Greg Miller: "Sony knows all about its hyper engaged fans who want the best experience possible... This is a high end device for the platform's most enthusiastic fans."
4. Design and Features of PS5 Pro
The hosts analyze the design choices of the PS5 Pro, noting its more compact, rectangular form factor which is a departure from the original PS5’s bulky structure. Ethan Gach appreciates the aesthetic improvements, stating it "looks better than the PS5" and praises the decision to omit the disc drive for a sleeker appearance.
Notable Quote:
[08:10] Justin Davis: "Nobody cares about this 2 terabyte SSD apparently, right?"
Justin Davis points out that the PS5 Pro includes a 2TB SSD, contrasting it with Xbox’s upcoming Starry Edition Xbox priced at $600 with a similar storage capacity. This inclusion aims to cater to enthusiasts requiring ample storage for high-end games with large patch sizes.
5. Affordability and Consumer Impact
The discussion shifts to the affordability of the PS5 Pro. Greg Miller and Justin Davis speculate on Sony’s inability to reduce production costs, leading to the elevated price. They debate whether consumers are willing to pay the premium, especially considering the current economic climate and inflation.
Notable Quote:
[14:29] Damon Hatfield: "We have that decision like they used to."
Justin Davis reflects on the necessity of the high price, suggesting it may be due to Sony refusing to subsidize hardware costs, especially with recent game sales not meeting expectations. This strategic shift could indicate challenges in sustaining lower-priced consoles in future generations.
6. Future Implications for Console Pricing
Damon Hatfield and Greg Miller discuss the potential long-term implications of the PS5 Pro’s pricing on future consoles like the PS6. They worry that setting a precedent with a $700 price tag could hinder Sony’s ability to offer more affordable consoles down the line.
Notable Quote:
[29:41] Greg Miller: "Maybe they'll make Indiana Jones run really poorly on the PS5 Pro."
Damon Hatfield further emphasizes the concern that the PS5 Pro could price out a significant portion of the market, limiting accessibility for a broader audience and potentially stunting the growth of the console’s user base.
7. Additional Features and Refurbished Models
Justin Davis highlights that the PS5 Pro’s 2TB SSD is a significant selling point, especially for storage-intensive games. However, he criticizes the lack of a 1TB model, which could have been priced around $600, making it more accessible while still catering to enthusiasts.
Notable Quote:
[14:57] Justin Davis: "Nobody's looking at it in that form. Sony could have done themselves a favor by being like the 1 TB model 600, the 2 TB model 700."
The hosts also touch upon Sony's refurbished PS5s, available at discounted prices of $350 and $400, aimed at competing with other marketplace offerings and providing more budget-friendly options.
Notable Quote:
[05:10] Mark Miller: "Sony is going to start selling its own refurbished PS5s... they’re both come in at 100 bucks less than just a brand new PS5 base."
8. Consumer Sentiment and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with mixed sentiments towards the PS5 Pro. While Justin Davis expresses personal interest in acquiring the Pro for his gaming setup, Greg Miller remains skeptical about its reception beyond the dedicated fanbase.
Notable Quotes:
[25:36] Justin Davis: "If you save money, you know, like this big, dumb, big box that's super Ugly... that's what console users aren't ready for."
[29:59] Justin Davis: "The market will decide whether or not the world is ready for a $700 console."
Damon Hatfield underscores the importance of Sony’s upcoming showcases and game announcements in potentially ameliorating the Pro's market reception.
9. Wrap-Up and Community Engagement
Before wrapping up, the hosts briefly discuss other ongoing projects and games, including Space Marine 2 and Astrobot, but these are secondary to the main discussion on the PS5 Pro. The episode closes with a segment on video game 20 questions, engaging listeners in interactive content, and reminders about the show’s schedule.
Key Takeaways:
- PS5 Pro announced at $700 with enhanced graphics and a 2TB SSD, but lacking a disc drive and vertical stand.
- Sony’s strategy seems focused on maximizing revenue from die-hard fans rather than expanding the user base.
- Historical pricing comparisons suggest potential challenges in future console affordability.
- Design improvements appreciated, yet concerns about market saturation and accessibility persist.
- Refurbished models offered as a more affordable alternative to the new Pro.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- [02:32] Mark Medina: "I don't know what it stands for, but it's their machine learning upscaling."
- [03:24] Ethan Gach: "So you lovers out there, which we pulled, there's about 10% of you will very much enjoy this as an upgrade to your systems."
- [05:55] Greg Miller: "Sony knows all about its hyper engaged fans who want the best experience possible... This is a high end device for the platform's most enthusiastic fans."
- [08:10] Justin Davis: "Nobody cares about this 2 terabyte SSD apparently, right?"
- [14:29] Damon Hatfield: "We have that decision like they used to."
- [25:36] Justin Davis: "If you save money, you know, like this big, dumb, big box that's super Ugly... that's what console users aren't ready for."
- [29:59] Justin Davis: "The market will decide whether or not the world is ready for a $700 console."
Conclusion: Episode 779 of Game Scoop! offers an in-depth and critical analysis of Sony’s latest venture with the PS5 Pro. While the console promises significant technical enhancements targeted at enthusiasts, its steep price point raises concerns about broader market acceptance and the sustainability of Sony’s pricing strategies in future console generations. The hosts provide a balanced view, acknowledging the Pro’s appeal to die-hard fans while questioning its value proposition for the average gamer.