PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro consoles revealed

On Sept. 7, Sony held a press briefing in New York, unveiling two new versions of the PlayStation 4 console. For those who didn’t watch the presser or just need a recap, I’ve got your back. Here’s everything that happened at the PlayStation Meeting.

A slimmer PS4 model is here. Not surprisingly, Sony is releasing a “slim” version of the PS4, just as they’ve done with consoles in the past. It is a “slimmer, lighter, more energy-efficient” model, and it will now serve as the standard PS4. If you already own a PS4, yours will now be loosely referred to as the “fat body” PS4. By the time you read this, the slim model will be available in stores and online for $299.

The PS4 Pro was announced. Previously referred to as the PS4 Neo, the PS4 Pro was finally formally announced at the PlayStation Meeting. Now we finally know exactly what this machine is: A 4K and HDR-capable PS4 with a 1TB hard drive that is “more than twice as powerful” as the original PS4. Gamers who want to be, as Andrew House writes on the PlayStation Blog, “at the forefront of innovation” will want to keep the PS4 Pro on their radar. House also mentioned that even if you own an HDTV that does not support 4K or HDR, PS4 Pro will still be of some use to you if graphics are a priority; all games will run in 1080p resolution on PS4 Pro, and “some” will run in a more stable framerate. A 4K-compatible Netflix app will be available on PS4 Pro at launch, and a 4K-compatible YouTube app is being developed, as well. The console will be released in just a couple short months on Nov. 10 for $399.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare among games compatible with PS4 Pro. Some games that are already on the market will be updated with a patch for PS4 Pro. For example, if you own a copy of Uncharted 4 and load it into your PS4 Pro, you will be able to download a patch that enhances its visuals. Future releases, such as Horizon: Zero Dawn, Mass Effect: Andromeda, and Days Gone will have PS4 Pro enhancements built-in on day one. Please note that all PS4 games will work on all versions of the system; however, certain games will offer enhancements for those who choose to buy PS4 Pro.

All PS4 models will receive the HDR update. Even if you own a launch day PS4, you will have HDR capability as of this week, thanks to a firmware update.

The takeaway: If you don’t already own a PS4 and are on a budget, the PS4 Slim, the new standard PS4 model, is probably your best bet for $299. If you want to future-proof your console or just want the latest and greatest PlayStation, the PS4 Pro is for you. If you already have a PS4 and don’t really care about graphics, you will still enjoy all the same games and features as those who buy the Slim or the Pro. It’s all about what you aim to get out of your PS4. Personally, I’ll be sticking with my Uncharted 4 PS4 that I bought in May to replace my launch day console. Because I don’t own a 4K TV, I can’t justify getting rid of my beautiful, blue PS4 just yet.

What do you think of the announcements from the PlayStation Meeting? Let’s talk on Twitter: @gottosaurus.