At the time of the launch of the current PS5 console, it was already speculated that Sony could develop a Pro version of its console in a similar way to what it did with the PS4. While there is no information (leaks and otherwise) on what this potential PS5 Pro might look like, now some patents have been leaked that seem to suggest that the future Sony console could challenge the hegemony of the performance that the Xbox Series X currently has.
The PS5 Pro patent: dual GPU, dual CPU, more RAM and more SSD
The patent is called “Scalable Game Console CPU / GPU Design for Home Console and Cloud Gaming,” or Scalable Game Console CPU / GPU Design for Home Console and Cloud Gaming. In this, a concept is described that presents two CPUs and two GPUs in the same console, with the idea of being able to distribute the workload to improve efficiency and obviously performance. The patent application report says the following:
“In a multi-GPU simulation environment, the management of the frame buffer can be implemented by several GPUs representing the respective video images or by representing the respective positions of each of the images. One of the GPUs controls the image output of the other GPUs and plays full images through a physically connected HDMI output port. In addition, the outputs of the GPUs can be multiplexed together. “
The patent notes that both GPUs render the same image simultaneously or that the binen can be split between the two, but ultimately only one of the GPUs sends the final combined video to the screen. Several methods by which this can be achieved are detailed in the patent, with an approach that would allow better local and cloud gaming, while potentially delivering much better virtual reality. The patent also suggests “plural SoCs” in a “high end” version of the console with increased memory and storage.
If the prospect of a future PS5 Pro console with two GPUs seems exciting, there are many challenges to overcome, especially on the software side. There is also the issue of thermal management, which becomes much more complex and if the normal PS5 already has temperature problems on certain occasions, if you double the number of CPU and GPU then a complete overhaul of its ecosystem. thermal would be really necessary.
Will Sony launch a PS5 Lite in 2021?
On the other hand, the Chinese magazine Sina Daily publishes that Sony will launch a simpler version of its current console, potentially a PS5 Lite, towards the second half of 2021. The objective of this launch will be twofold: on the one hand to mitigate the problem of shortage that currently exists in its normal PS5, and on the other hand to cover the demand of users who do not seek better performance but a more affordable gaming system, just like Microsoft did with the Xbox Series S.
The specifics of this console are unknown at this time, but several things are assumed:
- You will have simpler equipment that will allow you to reduce your selling price. Surely it wouldn’t support 8K resolution.
- The PS5 GameSense controller will remain.
- The design will be changed, as the current one has been widely criticized.
However, nothing that we have told you in this article is confirmed; You already know that even if a patent is filed, it does not mean that it will later be reflected in an actual product, as it may just be a Sony project regarding the potential PS5 Pro but then it will be left in. nothing or missing. several years to become reality. As for the PS5 Lite, we don’t even have a patent yet, it’s just speculation, so it’s something we have to take for what it is: mere rumors.