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Digital Foundry Direct: Is PlayStation 4 Pro Worth Buying For 1080p Gaming?

Vashetti

Vashetti

Member
Oct 27, 2017
6,550
Article here



Some interesting points in here, particularly with finally getting a hard confirmation that the Supersampling Mode in the OS is inferior to when developers handle it in game. e.g. They mention MGS5 is a 1440p game on Pro, which then upscales to 4K/2160p. Supersampling Mode takes the upscaled 4K/2160p image and then downscales that to 1080p, rather than taking the superior un-upscaled 1440p image.
 
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Kitten Mittens

Kitten Mittens

Attempted to circumvent ban with alt account
Banned
Dec 11, 2018
2,368
Supersampling makes my already obnoxiously loud Pro run even louder so I turned it off. Pro was a mistake. Or at least my purchase of it was, which is weird given how good the base PS4 was to me. PS4 is just all around disappointing imo. It could have, and should have, been so much more.
 
Godzilla24

Godzilla24

Member
Nov 12, 2017
3,371
If you have never bought a console this gen sure.. If you enjoy ps4 exclusives. But for folks like me who have been spoiled with native 4k gaming on the X, the proposition is much more difficult.
 

Dark1x

Digital Foundry
Verified
Oct 26, 2017
3,530
That's the main topic but be sure to watch the end of the video... ;)
 
shadowman16

shadowman16

Member
Oct 25, 2017
31,863
It got rid of screen tearing in Yakuza 6. Worth it for that alone for me. Well that and various FPS/performance modes in several games like MHW, SotC, Nioh etc.
 
Zoph

Zoph

Member
Oct 25, 2017
2,512
I upgraded to get rid of the stuttering in Valentine and St. Denis in RDR2. I don't know if it's entirely worth it but it's been nice knowing that the machine will handle everything thrown at it well enough.
 
Polyh3dron

Polyh3dron

Prophet of Regret
Banned
Oct 25, 2017
9,860
Absolutely worth it for the performance modes in some games alone. And for the odd times where a multiplatform game runs better on it than the X
 
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Decarb

Decarb

Member
Oct 27, 2017
8,637
I've been saying this forever, the Pro is a better 1080p machine than 4K, especially if you care about stable performances.
 
TheZynster

TheZynster

Member
Oct 26, 2017
13,285
Isn't it the only device to get kingdom hearts 1080p and near locked 60 vs the X because you cannot turn of supersampling on the X at the system level.
 
Genesius

Genesius

Member
Nov 2, 2018
15,476
I've wanted to upgrade for a while but to spend $400 on a pro now when we're a year away from PS5 makes no sense. Wouldn't complain if one fell into my lap though.
 
Tam o shanter

Tam o shanter

Member
Jun 2, 2019
52
Love watching these guys go off script, always makes me chuckle. Also didn't realize these direct videos were going to be a weekly occurrence; I'm definitely looking forward to more.
 
Skittles

Skittles

Member
Oct 25, 2017
8,257
Genesius said:
I've wanted to upgrade for a while but to spend $400 on a pro now when we're a year away from PS5 makes no sense. Wouldn't complain if one fell into my lap though.
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I would say that it wouldnt be that bad of an investment because of a gamestop trade in deal, but i don't know if theyre even gonna make it to next gen
 
Video Games Are Dumb

Video Games Are Dumb

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
6,033
Milwaukee, WI
I just read the article as well. The funny thing is, I finally purchased a 4K monitor after having a PS4 Pro since late launch. I can't honestly say the 4K is much of an improvement, HDR makes far more of an impact. However anyone considering a PS4 should buy the pro model. Unless of course you plan on scooping up all the bargain PS4 titles during the PS5's first couple of years.
 
ClarkusDarkus

ClarkusDarkus

Member
Oct 27, 2017
2,722
The Pro was worth it for PSVR alone, It's no secret base ps4 held back PSVR with it's weak specs for it. So the Pro helped in that regard but PS5 is where the muscles will be flexed.

CB4K is also a treat since personally 4K is wasted resources for devs which could be used elsewhere.
 
monmagman

monmagman

Member
Dec 6, 2018
4,126
England,UK
I was honestly never tempted by the Pro......but I have to say I've been very happy with how my base PS4 has held up.I think I've only played like 2 or 3 games at 900p this gen,everything else has been 1080p.
Next gen will be a true jump for me with my first 4K tv and a PS5.....hope it's as good as everyone says,lol.
 
Ascenion

Ascenion

Prophet of Truth - One Winged Slayer
Member
Oct 25, 2017
10,081
Mecklenburg-Strelitz
I mean the Pro was NEVER a 4K machine. Cerny basically admitted it when he did the whole 8TF thing. The Pro is nothing short of a misfire.
 
Blade Wolf

Blade Wolf

Banned
Oct 27, 2017
9,512
Taiwan
For me yes because my game of the generation, RE2, looks and runs absolutely stunning on it.

Also Pro was never really a true 4K console so 1080p feels like a more appropriate fit. An overpowered 1080p machine is better than an underpowered 4K machine.

TaySan said:
PS4 Pro is a better fit for 1080p gaming than it is 1440p or 4K gaming.
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This.
 
Inugami

Inugami

Member
Oct 25, 2017
14,995
Really don't like the new video format with the first 5 minutes blown on other topics seemingly at random.

I like the things they were discussing, but when you're promised pie, but you have to eat a cookie first it sours your appetite a little.
 
ArkhamFantasy

ArkhamFantasy

Member
Oct 25, 2017
13,544
My brother bought a Pro because Darksiders 3 was chugging badly on his base PS4. (plus the OG PS4 was super loud, literally hair dryer levels of noise).

Granted that's more of case of the PS4 not doing it's job correctly rather than the Pro being an amazing platform.
 
Arklite

Arklite

Member
Oct 27, 2017
3,638
Pro's biggest advantage is consistency with performance. It'll run everything notably smoother (and louder).

If I had to recommend one today, it'd be the PS4. Visually, it's stones throw from the Pro for most games.
 
Cyborg

Cyborg

Banned
Oct 30, 2017
1,955
If you can afford it its the logical choice. I have one (500MIL) and its amazing.
 
cowbanana

cowbanana

Member
Feb 2, 2018
13,663
a Socialist Utopia
My Pro is a jet engine piece of shit, I actually wish I could turn off supersampling in the games that force it on the Pro, just to play without the insane noise coming from the ineptly engineered PS4 Pro.

Now I often just play games on my old PS4 Amateur to have a good experience. Currently playing DQXI and it forces supersampling on the Pro resulting in too much noise from the shitty hardware. Playing on my old PS4 is whisper quiet, so I'll live with the drop in image quality.

The Pro is a huge misfire and whoever incompetently designed the cooling solution shouldn't be allowed near console engineering ever again.
 

Dark1x

Digital Foundry
Verified
Oct 26, 2017
3,530
KojiKnight said:
Really don't like the new video format with the first 5 minutes blown on other topics seemingly at random.

I like the things they were discussing, but when you're promised pie, but you have to eat a cookie first it sours your appetite a little.
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That's the whole point, though. A chance to go off topic for a change.
 
antitrop

antitrop

Member
Oct 25, 2017
12,576
I still have a 1080p TV and want one for FF7 Remake, because I know it's gonna run like shit on my normal PS4, but I can't justify it for 1 game with the PS5 only a little over a year out.

EDIT: well, 2 games, I kind of forgot about The Last of Us: Part II, but 2 games still isn't enough, the PS5 is just too close. I'm expecting both of these hardware-intensive games to absolutely destroy the original PS4. I still remember how TLoU ran on PS3 at the end of its gen...
 
efr

efr

Attempted to circumvent ban with alt account
Banned
Jun 19, 2019
2,893
Video Games Are Dumb said:
I just read the article as well. The funny thing is, I finally purchased a 4K monitor after having a PS4 Pro since late launch. I can't honestly say the 4K is much of an improvement, HDR makes far more of an impact. However anyone considering a PS4 should buy the pro model. Unless of course you plan on scooping up all the bargain PS4 titles during the PS5's first couple of years.
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I'd argue that unless you buy a super nice 60in+ oled with hdr and 10bit, 4k isnt worth it for games yet.
 
chandoog

chandoog

Member
Oct 27, 2017
20,071
<3 my Pro.

The fact that some games have hidden performance modes in 1080p is a bit iffy and weird that it doesn't get communicated well (or the option isnt added native in the game). Third party games often tend to struggle getting close to 1800p or 4K, but first/second party games are superb on the Pro.

Spider Man, Detroit, God of War, Horizon etc all benefit greatly from their superb up-scaling methods (Death Stranding should too).
 
Ohri-Jin

Ohri-Jin

Banned
Jul 11, 2019
1,129
The Netherlands
antitrop said:
I still have a 1080p TV and want one for FF7 Remake, because I know it's gonna run like shit on my normal PS4, but I can't justify it for 1 game with the PS5 only a little over a year out.

EDIT: well, 2 games, I kind of forgot about The Last of Us: Part II, but 2 games still isn't enough, the PS5 is just too close. I'm expecting both of these hardware-intensive games to absolutely destroy the original PS4. I still remember how TLoU ran on PS3 at the end of its gen...
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This and for Cyberpunk. Gotta start saving lol or just wait for next gen...I'm in limbo.
 
TaySan

TaySan

SayTan
Member
Dec 10, 2018
31,389
Tulsa, Oklahoma
AegonSnake said:
this is ridiculous lol.

ive been playing pro games at 4k, fake 4k and 1440p for almost 3 years now since launch and its a fantastic machine for higher res games.
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Probably not at a stable 60 fps though. The Pro definitely struggles at Native 4k and 1440p games. Give me 1080p 60+fps max settings over 4K/30 or 1440p/ sub 60 any day of the week.
 
Smokey

Smokey

Member
Oct 25, 2017
4,175
That Pro Red Faction Guerilla 4k footage, whew. Why would the developers even do that? How is 15fps acceptable in any way?
 

Fredrik

Member
Oct 27, 2017
9,003
antitrop said:
I still have a 1080p TV and want one for FF7 Remake, because I know it's gonna run like shit on my normal PS4, but I can't justify it for 1 game with the PS5 only a little over a year out.

EDIT: well, 2 games, I kind of forgot about The Last of Us: Part II, but 2 games still isn't enough, the PS5 is just too close. I'm expecting both of these hardware-intensive games to absolutely destroy the original PS4. I still remember how TLoU ran on PS3 at the end of its gen...
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I know the feeling, I paused my whole PS gaming once I had played through GoW, which nearly killed my launch PS4. I've been holding out on Spider man, will be played on PS5, hopefully at 60fps. Days Gone needs to be played as well. And Ghost of Tsushima. TLoUp2 triggered me though, brutal realistic violence is not the way I want gaming to take so I'll be skipping that.
 
astroturfing

astroturfing

Member
Nov 1, 2017
6,446
Suomi Finland
as a 1080p owner it feels like the Pro was worth it (the ridiculous noise levels are the only disappointing thing imo), i'm glad i could play smoother running versions of some truly amazing games like RDR2, Dark Souls 3 and The Last Guardian.

much better PSVR experience too of course, actually that made the Pro a must buy for me, i had waited for console VR gaming all my life... i simply had to have the best available experience.
 
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