Sony: PS4 Pro Targets The “Knowledgeable and Committed” Gamer

Not so long ago, Sony unveiled the PS4 Pro, a revised version of the original console sporting a better specification. During the presentation, Sony discussed 4K gaming and the benefits HDR brings. Despite this, the reaction from loyal fans was fairly muted and the product caused some confusion regarding the issue of native 4K gameplay. Evidently, the Ps4 Pro has divided opinion and still needs to convince those who are sceptical of its purpose to upgrade. In an interview with DigitalSpy, Sony’s Andrew House weighed in on the PS4 Pro’s target market and said:

“I think that the industry probably needs to take more time not just in explaining the benefits, but showing what those benefits are. One of the reasons we elected to pursue PS4 Pro is that 4K and HDR in particular are a natural for games – it’s very easy for most people to be able to see a demonstrable difference between those two technologies.”

“That being said – you phrased the question around the “average user” – we did call it PlayStation 4 Pro … so I think it’s inherent in the name – I’m not being facetious, honestly!”

“We are targeting this towards someone who is probably pretty knowledgeable and committed in the kind of entertainment they want.”

He also went on to discuss the controversy about the PS4’s support for native 4K gaming and claimed that most titles will be upscaled:

“I would say the majority will be upscaled – at least based on the game portfolio I have seen to date. I think that whatever the term is, it’s a question of whether people see a demonstrable difference in the game experience or not, rather than the term we use to apply to it.”

“I think that’s what people are looking for and they’ll make their judgement as to whether that’s working for them or not.”

It’s interesting to hear Sony market the PS4 Pro as a premium device intended for those who follow the gaming industry closely. Saying that, the wording has to be very careful because early adopters of the PS4’s base model invested well before other users and could be described as the hardcore console audience. Therefore, Sony doesn’t want to insult this section of their customer base.