It Could Become 2024's Hottest Gaming Release: PlayStation 5 Pro Reportedly In Development

Insider Gaming sources have confirmed that the PlayStation 5 Pro is currently in development, and gaming enthusiasts could expect its release tentatively by late 2024.

While specific details regarding the console's features remain limited, recently published patents by PlayStation architect Mark Cerny suggest that Sony Interactive Entertainment (NYSE: SONY) aims to improve ray tracing performance in video games.

See also: Sony Wanted To Block Activision Microsoft Merger, But May Be Giving Ammo To Antitrust Fight

The PS5 Pro is expected to build upon the success of its predecessor, the PS4 Pro, by delivering improved graphics, performance, and processing speeds. However, as with most tech developments, leaked specifications have yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, a new PlayStation 5 model with a detachable disc drive is set to launch later this year. While this new model is expected to phase out the current PlayStation 5 to reduce production and shipping costs, it should be noted that this is not the PS5 Pro model that is expected to release in 2024.

"This is just the beginning of new hardware coming to PlayStation users this generation," a source told Insider Gaming when speaking about the detachable disc drive console.

Sony Teases New Console In Response To Microsoft's Activision Acquisition

Moreover, Sony has already set its sights on the next generation of consoles, with plans for an unnamed device, as reported by Inverse. 

See also: Ready for the PS VR2? Here's the Complete List of Games That Will Be Available

In a document submitted to the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Sony referenced its next system comes in response to Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)'s pending acquisition of Activision (NASDAQ: ATVI). While anticipated dates have been censured in some places, the document reveals enough information to piece together a pretty clear picture of Sony's plans.

On page eight of the document, Sony's lawyers revealed that Microsoft "has offered to continue making Activision's games available on PlayStation only until 2027." However, by the time Sony launched its next-generation console, "it would have lost access to Call of Duty and other Activision titles, making it extremely vulnerable to consumer switching and subsequent degradation in its competitiveness," the document reads.

Considering Microsoft's offer and the expected release date of Sony's next system, which is likely to occur around late 2027 or 2028, it seems that the new gaming system will follow the seven-year cycle of previous Sony hardware. The PS3 launched in 2006, followed by the PS4 in 2013, and then the PS5 in 2020.

Next: Is Sony Phasing Out PS4? PS5 Exclusives Like 'Spider-Man' And 'FF16' Take Priority

Photo by Kerde Severin via Unsplash