September 14th 2024.
As a passionate PlayStation fan, I have to admit that the recent reveal of the PS5 Pro has left me feeling quite disheartened. After taking some time to process the news, I am shocked by the number of people who seem to be okay with the console's hefty price tag of £800 for the disc drive version. Don't get me wrong, the hardware itself looks impressive and the promise of higher fidelity and smoother gameplay is definitely desirable. But let's face it, not many of us can afford to drop that kind of money on a gaming console.
Gaming has always been a luxury or enthusiast hobby, with expensive entry points, pricey games, and subscription fees for basic features like online play. And let's not forget about the numerous accessories that we are encouraged to purchase. However, the £800 price tag for the PS5 Pro feels like a slap in the face to the average consumer, especially those who are deeply invested in the PlayStation ecosystem like myself. I have been a loyal customer, buying the console at launch, investing in accessories, and subscribing to their membership. Yet, it seems like Sony is now telling me that I am not a good enough customer because I cannot afford their upgraded model.
Looking back at the previous generation, the PS4 Pro offered similar benefits to what the PS5 Pro is promising, but at a more accessible price point for everyone. Even the Xbox One X, with its higher price tag, was not completely unreasonable and had a marketing approach that felt more genuine. But the specific omission of the disc drive in the PS5 Pro is a sign of Sony's future intent. It seems like they are pushing for an all-digital future and making the disc drive an additional purchase for those who want it. This not only feels like a way to rip off consumers but also brings us closer to the reality of next-gen consoles not having a disc drive at all.
Another concern I have is how future game reveals will be handled. It's safe to assume that from now on, all first-party games will be running at their highest fidelity on the PS5 Pro, making the regular PS5 the second choice. Mark Cerny's comments about "choppy" gameplay on the regular PS5 only add to this worry. While the games will still run fine on the regular PS5, there will always be that nagging feeling that we are missing out on the best experience if we don't have the expensive high-end console.
This decision by Sony makes me question their understanding of their consumer base. As someone who has always been loyal to the PlayStation brand, my faith in the company has significantly wavered. I know that corporations care more about profits than individual customers, but I can't help but feel that there are many others like me who are now feeling overlooked and irrelevant.
In conclusion, the PS5 Pro has sparked controversy among fans, and it's understandable why. The steep price tag, the omission of the disc drive, and the implications for future game reveals have all contributed to the disappointment and frustration of many loyal PlayStation fans. As we eagerly wait for the next generation of consoles, I hope that Sony will listen to their consumers and reconsider their approach to the PS5 Pro.
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