The PlayStation 5 Pro is priced at $700 USD, a price point that surprised some when the system was announced in early September. PlayStation designer Toshi Aoki explained in a recent interview that the price is justified because the console is not intended for everyone.
"It's for the enthusiasts, the most dedicated players," Aoki told GameSpot. "This could include our initial early adopters who bought the PS5. Additionally, it's for people who haven't yet joined us, perhaps on other devices, but would like to play on large-screen TVs. The console now offers that capability, potentially attracting new users as well." Aoki clarified that the PS5 Pro is not just for current PS5 owners but for game enthusiasts seeking an enhanced gameplay experience.
Aoki also mentioned to IGN that the PS5 Pro's technological advancements, including a 2 TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7 enhancements, and "new technologies that enhance gameplay," justify the high price tag. In Australia, the PS5 Pro starts at $1,200 AUD.
"It's a comprehensive package that offers exceptional value to the most engaged players we're targeting," Aoki said.
Regarding the decision to make the PS5 Pro a disc-free console with an optional disc drive available for $80 USD, Aoki explained it was about offering players choices. "We believe it provides a complete package for most players," he said. "The disc drive is an optional addition for players who still use discs, but we wanted to balance the value proposition by giving players the choice."
Analyst Mat Piscatella believes the PS5 Pro's price point is not a concern for its target audience, the enthusiast market, which he estimates is a "very small portion" of the total PlayStation fanbase.
PS5 Pro preorders will be available starting Thursday, September 26. For more details, check out GameSpot's PS5 Pro preorder guide. GameSpot had the opportunity to test the PS5 Pro, and editor Jordan Ramee admitted he wasn't immediately convinced to upgrade.
