PS5 Pro and Switch 2: Next-Gen Consoles Ready for Mass Production
The latest news suggests that Sony and Nintendo are actively preparing to launch their respective new consoles, the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) and Switch 2. Both consoles are reportedly in the final stages of production.
PlayStation 5 Pro
The PS5 Pro is expected to feature significant technical and hardware upgrades, despite its design remaining largely unchanged. Game developers have received notifications to optimize their games for the new console, which includes a new super-resolution technology called "Spectral Super Resolution" (PSSR).
PSSR is similar to DLSS, a technology used in PC games to stabilize frame rates and improve image quality. The official expectation is for the PS5 Pro to achieve smooth 4K 60FPS gaming and 8K 30FPS picture performance, although it's unclear whether this goal can be achieved.
The PS5 Pro will also feature upgraded GPU and CPU performance, with the GPU rendering speed 45% faster than the standard PS5. The CPU will be the same as the standard PS5, but an overclocking mode can be enabled to increase the main frequency by 10% to 3.85 GHz.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro will increase its memory bandwidth by 28% to 576GB/s and available game memory from 12.5GB on PS5 to 13.7GB. With an improved cooling system and more efficient power management, the console will be able to ensure smooth performance during high-performance operation and extend its service life.
The recent price discount campaign by Sony may be a precursor to the official release of the PS5 Pro, suggesting that the company is preparing to launch the new console soon.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to bring several upgrades to the original console, including a larger 8-inch screen with 1080p resolution in handheld mode and up to 4K in docked mode. Despite the potential for an OLED screen, Nintendo has opted to stick with an LCD display to maintain cost control.
Under the hood, the Switch 2 will feature a custom processor based on NVIDIA's Orin chip, known as the T239. This 8-core Cortex A78 processor will offer options for 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB of eMMC storage, as well as an NVMe SSD. With support for technologies like DLSS and ray tracing, the T239 promises to enhance graphics quality while optimizing power efficiency.
Old Nintendo fans may be worried about compatibility with older games and cartridges. Fortunately, the Switch 2nd generation card slot will support backward compatibility with the Switch 1st generation physical cartridges, but the 2nd generation cartridges will not be compatible with the 1st generation console.
The Joy-Con controller on the Switch 2 will retain its detachable design, but will be larger and feature a magnetic suction type instead of a slide rail structure. The controller will also feature an additional button on each side, as well as a new function button on the right controller.
Interestingly, the Switch 2 will not support the first-generation Joy-Con controllers, but will be compatible with the Pro controller.
As for release dates, sources suggest that the PS5 Pro may hit the market later this year, while the launch of the Switch 2 may be delayed until between April and June 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments!
