970°

How The PS4 Pro Made Me A Believer

by Sean Hollister of CNET

"The texture of her face. The detail in the moss. The birds, flying distantly in the background.

It was as if a pair of dirty goggles had been lifted from my eyes. I could see them now. The only difference: the game was running on a $400 PlayStation 4 Pro, instead of the regular $300 PlayStation 4 game console.

Why would anyone pay $100 more to play the same games? That's a question I asked, too. (In case you're not aware, the PlayStation 4 Pro won't have any new, exclusive titles.) "

NewMonday2735d ago (Edited 2735d ago )

" ..with a $400 game console, some of those games did something even my $1,000+ PC still struggles to do: run beautifully on a 4K television"

"..seeing what I've seen, I can only tell you how I felt: when I walked out of my briefing, I wanted a PS4 Pro"

like PSVR, PS4Pro needed hands on time to truly appreciate it, and like PSVR reception is fantastic.

Sony will have plenty of alone time with gamers to communicate both pieces of hardware, Microsoft and Nintendo both got scared and are leaving the holiday slot all open for Sony, it will take both MS and Nintendo several years to even start to recover from this big mistake.

Kingthrash3602735d ago (Edited 2735d ago )

Yeah I bought a 4k hdr tv to take full advantage of the pro..... (really used it as a reason to buy a hdr tv lol) that price really is what sold me on the pro...I was inches away from buying a 1TB hard drive for the ps4...but after seeing the price and the fact that it comes with 1tb im all in. I own alot of supported games already and it will make me go back to them. I own TR on xbox so it will be fun to see my own comparison.
I've been using hdr on some of my ps4 games that don't support hdr and it still makes a stark difference. ...and games that do, like deus ex look super detailed now....so I'm ready for a full on upgrade to matcheck my tv.

miyamoto2734d ago (Edited 2733d ago )

Cerny said we will see a huge improvement on graphics even if TR is running on a PS4 Pro hooked to an ordinary 1080p TV.

I guess gamers will be singing this song when they see Lara's and Aloy's face in checkerboard rendering:

"And I saw her face
I'm a believer
Without a trace
Of doubt in my mind."

1080p or 4K TV PS4 Pro will look very pretty.

Happy Gaming Everyone!

UltraNova2734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

1080p for me for at least another year. When the price gets to 600-800 dollars for current top of the line 60"oled TVs(LG G6) I'll bite.

Edit@ both guys bellow

Thank you both for the tips.

I know they dont come out at 60" I forgot the plus sign :-p.

As for the 600-800 price I mentioned what I meant was that I will bite when the price drops on LG's current G6 series level of performance, not the actual G6 model.

It might not be next year I know but I'm willing to wait for them to perfect oleds and drop their prices to a sane level, just like 1080p back in the day.

Omni, my goal is to get a 65" inch G6 equivalant at 1000 max...hehe I know I'll be waiting for a long time...but I dont care to be honest :-)

Thanks again.

Zeke682734d ago

@ UltraNova:
If you truly are going for a OLED, you need to check 2 things on that TV,
1) OLED TV are really really slow in gaming latency. I'm not sure I would recommend a single one to play console/PC-games on to this date.
2) I read (think it was Trustedreviews) that an OLED TV can't produce 100% HDR content as the OLED can't be bright enough to show the 10-15% highest values on the brightness scale with todays technology.

So that's 2 things you really should look into BEFORE pouring too much mony into the OLED tech. But ofc, if you are comfortable with what OLED can do as off today, and are fine with it's limitations, you should go for it. :)

Omnislashver362734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

UltraNova

First of all, there's only oleds in 55" and 65", not 60". Secondly, the LG G6 is $3000+ for a 55. It's not dropping to $600-800 anytime, ever. The B6 line uses the same panel without the soundbar and is $2000-2500. It's dropping down to $1850 on ebay, but it's not going to be $600-800 in the next 5 years, probably even longer. Unless you can find one used and are extremely, I mean extremely lucky. The price your asking for will never be official though, they'll be phased out before they drop that low.

Remember, LG owns patents to make cheaper, better OLEDs. These ARE the cheaper prices. Samsung can't even produce an OLED cheaply because they don't have the patents. If Samsung were to compete, it would more likely actually drive prices UP, as they'd be $6-10k. Even in the best scenario, you're not getting an OLED from a store for $600-800. You MIGHT get lucky and get a heavily used one in a few years though, but you'd be playing the lottery.

My goal is to get a 55" B6 or equivalent for $1500 by time PS5 comes out.

SirBradders2734d ago

I did the same my misses weren't happy 😊

Omnislashver362734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

@Zeke

Actually the G6 has 20ms latency. The B6 is at 60ms, and some are hoping with a firmware update may match the G6. If not, the next line may have one. Again though, the G6 is $3000-4000, the B6 is still $2000 though.

As far as brightness goes, OLED is the only TV that can produce perfect black, which makes it's need for brightness slightly lower. Still, 600 nits is very bright though, and I actually keep my current 1080p a bit darker for eye strain. I'd pick the OLED any day, but I need the money.

I'm really hoping the B6 line gets a firmware update for better latency though. It uses the exact same panel as the G6, so it should be feasible. Even if I had the money for a G6 though, I wouldn't bite. Why? The soundbar is FUGLY. Seriously. I'm not paying an extra $1k for ugly looks and a soundbar, I can find other sound solutions.

rainslacker2734d ago

@Ultra

While OLED is nice, the LED's from Samsung, LG, and Sony are quite remarkable in picture quality if you move from the bargain versions of the Samsung(which are mostly older models).

HDR on the Samsung is as bright, and much more vibrant than even an OLED, with a touch of sacrifice to the black levels, which would probably not be an issue for gaming since blacks often get clipped anyhow for faster rendering.

While I would love an OLED myself, realistically, price vs value, LED from the better manufactuerers tends to be much more beneficial. I also don't see the OLED's coming down in price any time soon, and likely will end up being the DLP of yesteryear, where the tech fades away for TV's. LED's keep getting better too, so by next year, this years model of LED's will be in the range your looking for, with the nicer, faster ones, being in the $800-1200 range.

Nothing wrong with waiting a bit though. Changes to the sets tend to come after the Super bowl, after the game clearance sales, so after that, you can get some of the newer TV's for a reasonable price, and the older one's can be brought cheaper, or often times there are good deals in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.

Omnislashver362734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

@Rainslacker

Yeah, perfect black can be an issue with OLED. The reasoning is most content is aimed at LEDs now, so adding perfect black is effectively crushing blacks when the content isn't mastered for an OLED. I assume that only gets worst with gaming. However some are saying they can calibrate some black detail into OLEDs, but it's not very well documented on websites. In short, if you buy an OLED for gaming, you'd better know what the hell you're doing, know the risks(latency may never be patched), and be willing to pay the price.

That's why my contingency is OLED by time PS5 is released. Hopefully some bugs, calibration details, and price get resolved by 2019-2020.

2734d ago
Hardiman2733d ago

Which tv did you go with? I went with the 65 inch Samsung UN65KS9000.

2733d ago
Zeke682733d ago

@ OmnislashVer36
Taken from Hdtvtestco.uk:
"Input Lag
The LG OLED65G6’s input lag measured as being 34ms using the Leo Bodnar testing device. While it’s not as snappy as the fastest televisions (which come in at the 16-21ms mark), it’s on the right side of acceptability and is a significant improvement on previous iterations. During the test process we tested out a mix of both 30fps and 60fps games on the 65G6 and were very happy with the performance. By its nature, lag was less noticeable on the 30fps remaster of Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess on the Wii U (yes, we have one), than it was on 60fps shooters like Halo 5."

And this is WITHOUT HDR, HDR will make that value more or less double, trust me on that !
If you buy an expensive TV like this you really want it to be able to game in HDR with a latency UNDER 30ms... :)

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 2733d ago
miyamoto2735d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

Mark Cerny sensei is a really 'smart' guy.

I can't wait to see the comparison between Uncharted 4 running on a PS4 and a PS4 Pro but both just using 1080p TV screens and how this checkerboard technique makes all the improvements in graphics.
So no one needs to sell that 1080p TV yet.

NET_Nomad2734d ago (Edited 2677d ago )

The sensei has a sensei. http://abload.de/img/0351_4...

2734d ago Replies(2)
C-H-E-F2734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

Yeah, I have a question to everyone that owns a PSVR. When someone asks you how is VR? How do you reply? I have a hard time explaining to someone what exactly the experience is like. lOl They try to youtube it and I always say DONT DO THAT, because the games look shitty on there, like it is far from the real experience lOl, but it's hard to explain the real experience.

Anywho, back on topic this is awesome news. Nov. 10th is so far yet so close :( 2 weeks 3 days.

NewMonday2734d ago

call it a mind travel machine

VR is a jump similar to going from radio to TV

C-H-E-F2734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

lOl @NewMonday
Dude, i'm so close to just telling them to watch that Bruce Willis movie Surrogates and imagine that movie in video game graphics and that's what VR is like haha. It's just so hard to explain/display, this is why I don't broadcast my VR gaming because it's just a bad representation of the real product and I would rather people try it in demo form before viewing it in 2D video form.

And you're right this is a HUGE leap for gaming, those who have used the PSVR and experienced it, knows how different gaming is now, some in N4G I see haven't went back to 2D gaming since. It's a huge leap, but the thing is, you can't display how big it is without the headset actually on your head haha.

S2Killinit2734d ago

You cant explain it. Just put the headset on them when they ask

Chevalier2733d ago

I tell my customers that it is immersive. My example I use is in Batman if it were a regular game you can look down from a building and the railing can get in the way of your vision, with VR you can lean over the bar and look down into that alley.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2733d ago
meche3342734d ago

Then you wasted 1000 by choosing the wrong pc. 1000+ pc's can run 4k and vr lol.

RegorL2734d ago

Maybe he bought it a year ago?

Master of Unlocking2734d ago

Damn, that makes me want the PS4 Pro even more. If even the mainstream press, usually so nitpicky about anything Sony and Playstation, is convinced, that goes to show you Sony's worksheet is an A+.

miyamoto2734d ago

And he was gaming on a 65" TV and his eyes can't tell the difference beyond 5' away!
And who plays games 5 ' away from a 65" TV?
XD

2734d ago
Sitdown2733d ago

"Microsoft and Nintendo both got scared and are leaving the holiday slot all open for Sony"

And it's these kind of comments that continue to divide the gaming community. What exactly would they be scared of? It's not even that serious... Microsoft has the xbox s this holiday season, and Scorpio next. No need for Nintendo and Microsoft to be reactive. You might not realize this, but all three can be successful at the same time.

2733d ago
PlayableGamez-2733d ago

You honestly believe a 400 dollar console cant outperform a 1000 PC?

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 2733d ago
2734d ago Replies(2)
DerekFlint0072734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

Got mine today in the UK online from www.very.co.uk and took advantage of their 10% off your first order. So i got it for 318 pounds with delivery instead of 352 and i pay for it completely interest free within 3 separate monthly payments spreading the cost. I'm really looking forward to seeing the boost in clarity and graphical fidelity to 4k chequer board on my tv.

I think this offer ends 31st October. That's a 34 pounds saving and is nearly enough to purchase a new retail game.

G20WLY2734d ago

Top tip! Thank Derek. :^)

DerekFlint0072734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

www.very.co.uk/first-credit-or der-discount.page

G20WLY and others from the UK - be mindful to create a new very account and when you are placing your order make sure to accept the 'take 3' payment option and apply the discount code KR4VD at the checkout - this will bring the price down to £318.98 including delivery.

Razrye22734d ago

Derek I used your code KR4VD and got it for 12 months buy now pay later. Also thanks for the code. It wasn't on their website

DerekFlint0072733d ago (Edited 2733d ago )

Terrific stuff Razrye2. Have a fantastic time when your shiny new console arrives.

2734d ago
2733d ago
Immorals2733d ago

Make sure someone is in when they deliver. They tend to use yodel who will be happy to leave it on your doorstep without it being signed for.

I had a delivery delivered at one address once, with the delivery note saying a completely different address!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2733d ago
Urzusix2734d ago

Got to play Zero Dawn on the pro and its amazing! cant wait~

Rimeskeem2734d ago (Edited 2734d ago )

Where?

Ye lucky bastard XD

2734d ago
2734d ago
Show all comments (98)
100°

Sony's Stellar Inzone Gaming Earbuds Are On Sale For The First Time

The premium Sony Inzone earbuds are designed for PC and PS5, and they're finally getting a discount after launching in late 2023.

Read Full Story >>
gamespot.com
Babadook73h ago

These seems like one of the best options for use with a PS5, high quality sound and design. However, you will likely need a dongle for use with many of your bluetooth devices such as an iPhone as it requires a LE signal.

Abnor_Mal1h ago

The only purpose I could see me buying them is that they would be more comfortable to wear with PSVR2 compared to their Pulse/Pulse Elite over the head/over the ear cup headphones.

Babadook720m ago

Thats why I want them. Lower weight is a big plus for VR.

70°

Tomb Raider is coming to Evercade!

The first three Tomb Raider games are coming to an Evercade Cartridge!

Read Full Story >>
evercade.co.uk
darthv722d ago

Their newer giga cart tech should make for even bigger games coming to the platform. I'm hoping for a Resident Evil collection with the first 3 games.

150°

With Larian Out Of The Picture, Will The Baldur's Gate IP Be In Safe Hands?

Huzaifah from eXputer: "With Larian Studios washing their hands of the IP, what is the ultimate fate of the legendary Baldur's Gate series?"

RaidenBlack1d 3h ago

If anybody's gonna mention BioWare, then look at Archetype Entertainment, they're the new BioWare
or else
Obsidian is still a good choice but not independent anymore.

anast1d 3h ago (Edited 1d 3h ago )

No, WoTC is pivoting to mobile. They can use Larian's work to justify DnD Go and everyone will accept it.

RiseNShine1d 3h ago

Short answer, nope. Long answer, f*ck nope.

robtion9h ago

Correct answer. Most people don't realise that the companies that are still making good games using common sense and a customer focus are generally not American. They are from Poland, Belgium, Japan, or other countries that have not yet become completely corrupted by 'extreme capitalism'.

Before you down vote me into oblivion I am not anti-american. I just don't like greed and corruption which unfortunately seems to correlate with power.

I would guess the next Baldurs gate will probably be filled with GaaS.

Christopher1d 2h ago

Honestly, we're talking completely new engine and none of Larian's built-in stuff with regard to environments and the like that they had from their past divinity game. No one is going to have that just ready to go. So, they need to shop for a dev studio that has a past game that shows what they want.

Obsidian doesn't have that, maybe the closest being Dungeon Siege 3 or Pillars of Eternity, but those are very basic, not as open, very little environment related and altering capabilities. So, we're talking a step way back on what Larian delivered. Zero scene experience to line up with what was done in BG3. Okay conversation tree designs, but still needs more complexity.

inXile has Wasteland 3 as a base model engine, and I think that's better than Pillars of Eternity from Obsidian. But, still needs to be more open world, more environmental effects, and a much heavier rules set adaptation. But, not a bad overall engine as a base, but still a ton of work. Zero scene experience to line up with what was done in BG3. Needs a ton of work on that entirely.

Tactical Adventure did the Solasta game. Really good and more accurate as far as 5e rules than BG3. But, again, if the expectation is similar to what made BG3 a big hit, engine isn't designed for moving the camera, is a bit outdated in graphics, doesn't have in-game scene elements, and needs much better writers/voice actors.

Owlcat of pathfinder games is another choice, even though they've recently moved on to WH40k licensed games. Again, though, the engine is the biggest issue here to match up, but it's a much better option overall than Tactical Adventure. Another question is writers/story telling, as much of their overall story telling bits are very limited with a lot of random worldbuilding elements that are just +\- of some attributes.

TBH, no matter who takes over, it's just not going to be like BG3 much like how BG3 isn't at all like BG1/2. And BG3 was so successful because of how much Larian was able to put in with their engine and how focused they were on players having ridiculous control over the story being told. I just don't see the next BG being the same and depending on what it is, it might be good but I'm not as big of a reach as BG3. It's way more likely players are going to go into BG4 (or its spiritual successor if it moves away from Baldur's Gate and into Neverwinter or something like Plansescape) expecting much of what is in BG3 with more options, new and older characters, and the same level of control over what they're doing. If it doesn't have that, regardless of who makes it, it won't be as successful, IMHO.

exputers10h ago

Yes, I completely concur.

As good and talented as inXile and Obsidian are in their own specific way of making their particular games, none of them have Larian's attention to detail, dynamic worlds, and reactivity, so even if they end up making a new Baldur's Gate, it's going to be a significant step-down in terms of gameplay if not narrative.

CrimsonWing691d 2h ago

Probably not, but maybe… just maybe…

Show all comments (8)