Performance Mode, an option that can be toggled on in some of today’s most popular video games for those seeking smoother visuals, enabling higher frame rates (e.g., 60 FPS) at the expense of reduced graphics quality, is the preferred choice among PS5 players, according to new statistics that PlayStation lead architect Mark Cerny has shared in a new technical presentation for the PS5 Pro, Sony’s latest video game console. The new system, which will arrive on November 7 for $699.99, was designed to run even higher fidelity graphics with smoother frame rates at 60 FPS, explained Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Platform Business Group.
Cerny on graphics modes and what PS5 players prefer:
- “Fidelity modes emphasize the visuals, typically through higher resolution rendering.”
- “These modes might also have enhanced detail, or use more ray tracing, but the games only run at 30 frames per second. The visuals can be choppier, and the controls less responsive.”
- “Performance modes emphasize frame rate and interactivity, typically choosing to run at 60 frames per second…mainly by reducing the graphical detail until those frame rates can be achieved.”
- “When asked to decide on a mode, players are choosing performance about three quarters of the time.”
- “Removing that decision, or at least narrowing that divide, is one of the key targets for PlayStation 5 Pro.”
The full presentation:
Nishino on what else the PS5 Pro will bring:
Other enhancements include PS5 Pro Game Boost, which can apply to more than 8,500 backward compatible PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro. This feature may stabilize or improve the performance of supported PS4 and PS5 games. Enhanced Image Quality for PS4 games is also available to improve the resolution on select PS4 games. PS5 Pro will also launch with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in territories supporting this standard. VRR and 8K gaming are also supported.