Julian Chokkattu/Digital TrendsThe PlayStation 4 Pro isn’t a full-blown generational improve over the standard PlayStation 4, however the 4K-enabled console does characteristic a number of tweaks and efficiency upgrades that make it a worthwhile improve over the unique console.
While a few of these enhancements are passive — you’ll see efficiency boosts in sure video games, each with conventional shows and PlayStation VR — others require a little bit extra tweaking. We’ve compiled a listing of ideas and tips you should utilize to get essentially the most out of the PlayStation 4 Pro, whether or not you’ve upgraded just lately or are maximizing your time with the console earlier than the PS5 takes over.
Please observe that the following pointers solely apply to the PlayStation 4 Pro. Check out our listing of efficiency ideas and tips for the unique PlayStation 4 to learn basic recommendation on the way to get essentially the most out of any PlayStation 4 system.
Further Reading
Improvements to count on
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends4K decision and HDR on sure video games: A handful of PlayStation 4 video games have been optimized to show in an upscaled 4K decision on the PlayStation 4 Pro. A number of these additionally helps high-dynamic vary, or “HDR,” giving your video games extra vibrant colours. We have a complete listing of supported video games out there right here.
Better PlayStation VR efficiency: Certain PlayStation VR titles, comparable to Battlezone and Rez Infinite, had been designed to make the most of the improved efficiency increase of the PlayStation 4 Pro. These video games usually profit from crisper visuals and extra particle results, and will usually run at the next decision.
Bigger arduous drive: The unique PlayStation 4 solely got here with a 500GB arduous drive, however the Pro consists of 1TB of area. A portion of this the arduous drive is reserved for the system software program, however you nonetheless have way more room to work with when contemplating the file measurement of at present’s AAA video games.
Wi-Fi choices: The PlayStation 4 Pro features a 5GHZ Wi-Fi possibility, which might result in quicker obtain instances on massive video games. It is probably going enabled by default in case your router helps it, however you are able to do so manually by urgent the “options” button when establishing your web connection by the console.
How to make use of a vertical stand
The PlayStation 4 Pro has a bigger footprint than the unique PlayStation 4 or the redesigned “slim” mannequin, and in its customary horizontal place, it will possibly eat up fairly a little bit of area in your shelf on leisure middle — area that you just may want when you’ve got different consoles or PlayStation VR. To higher use that area, take into account putting in the PlayStation 4 vertical stand. It has been utterly redesigned to suit the newer consoles, and although it does look so much nicer than the previous model as soon as it’s arrange, the method is a little bit bit tough.
Take the stand out of the field, together with the included items of plastic. Be cautious to not lose the only screw additionally included, as that is required to put in the stand.
You ought to have small items of black plastic — one with a picture of the “slim” PlayStation 4, and one with a picture of the Pro. Grab the one with the Pro picture and put apart the opposite one.
This piece of plastic has 4 PlayStation button symbols jutting out of it. Line these up with the symbols on the underside of your PlayStation 4 Pro and push the plastic into place.
Take the stand itself and place it on high, with the PlayStation 4 Pro picture pointing up in order that the screw gap is obvious. Sandwich these two items collectively and put the screw by this opening.
Screw the stand into place till it’s tight.
With the stand put in, you’ll have more room in your shelf, and the system seems to be an entire lot extra elegant! (We suppose so, anyway).
How to switch knowledge out of your unique PlayStation 4
Julian Chokkattu/Digital TrendsIf that is your first PlayStation 4, there’s no want to fret about this step. But because the Pro is extra of an incremental replace than a brand-new console, there’s a great probability you could have already got a PlayStation 4, on which you’ve downloaded video games, saved your knowledge, and created a private profile. Luckily, shifting these information to your new system is a chunk of cake. Here are the fundamentals to get your knowledge transferred.
On your unique system — offered you’ve gotten a PlayStation Plus subscription, add any related saved knowledge to the cloud to make sure that it isn’t misplaced in case of an issue. Sync your trophies by clicking the “trophies” icon on the system dashboard, as effectively.
On your PlayStation 4 Pro, flip the system on and run by the preliminary setup directions. Install the most recent system software program, let it reboot, and check in to your PSN account.
Connect the 2 techniques with an Ethernet cable. Once the PlayStation 4 Pro restarts, it can ask for those who want to carry out a system switch. Confirm this and let the system switch course of start: It shouldn’t take various hours. Once it’s full, the console will ask if you wish to make the PlayStation 4 Pro your “primary” system. Confirm this, as it’s the solely means you possibly can play any downloaded software program ought to your web go down. Now you’re able to play all of your video games on the PlayStation 4 Pro!
If you desire to a extra detailed walkthrough of the way to switch knowledge from a PS4 to a PS4 Pro, we have now a step-by-step information about that course of.
How to alter 4K decision settings
The largest draw of the PlayStation 4 Pro is its capacity to play video games at 4K decision. The course of requires altering some settings on each your PlayStation 4 Pro and your tv.
On your TV, there must be a setting referred to as “display,” “video,” “resolution,” or one thing comparable. Select this and select to allow 4K decision. Also guarantee that your console is related to a high-speed HDMI port, as some HDMI ports could solely assist 1080p.
On your PlayStation 4, go to “settings,” “sound and screen,” and “video output settings.” The decision must be “automatic,” however this may be modified to 2160p — that’s 4K — if it doesn’t look like functioning correctly. You ought to now be good to go.
If you’ve gotten the PlayStation VR processor field connected to your system and are splitting your HDMI sign by it, you possibly can nonetheless play video games in 4K in your tv. All you need to do flip off the headset. This won’t work for HDR content material — you should plug the HDMI twine immediately from the PlayStation 4 Pro into your tv for that.
How to alter HDR settings
In addition to 4K decision, you may also play video games on the PlayStation 4 Pro with HDR, or high-dynamic vary. This characteristic, out there on many new 4K shows, permits for brilliantly darkish blacks and vivid whites that may utterly rework a recreation. Please observe that the PlayStation 4 solely helps HDR10 and never Dolby Vision HDR.
With the included “premium” HDMI cable, join your PlayStation 4 Pro to your HDR-supported tv.
Next, allow HDR in your tv. This course of varies by producer, so we’ve included brand-specific directions beneath.
Sony: Go to your HDMI settings and select “Enhanced Format.”
Vizio: Go to “inputs” and select “HDMI Color Subsampling,” then allow it.
Samsung: Go to “picture” from the menu, then select “picture options,” and “HDMI UHD Color.” You can now flip HDR on for particular person HDMI ports.
LG: Go to “settings” and “general,” then choose “HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour.” You can now flip HDR on for particular person HDMI ports.
Now, flip in your PlayStation 4 Pro, go to “settings,” “sound and screen,” and “video output settings” to substantiate that your tv is now supporting an HDR sign.
If it isn’t, guarantee that the HDR setting is on “automatic.” This will let your console routinely detect when an HDR-supported recreation is being performed.
For extra info on the nuances of high-dynamic vary, we have now a useful explainer that goes into way more element.
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