I n August, Microsoft kickstarted the second wave of this current console generation, releasing its acclaimed Xbox One S to a largely receptive audience. Now, Sony is returning fire with the PlayStation 4 Pro, an updated version of the standard PS4, which – like Microsoft's machine – is designed to...

Review: After months of rumours, Sony's high-end PS4 Pro is finally available to buy in the UK. But what makes The PlayStation 4 Pro so special, and why is it more expensive than the standard console? We've spent some time with Sony's 4K-enabled PS4 Pro, and here's what we think.

Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro ($399) is striking a major blow in the mid-cycle console war. Instead of being content with offering high dynamic range and 4K streaming like the Xbox One S , Sony went full hog and is offering 4K gaming.

Supports 4K gaming and streaming; HDR compatible; PS VR compatible

Can't play UHD Blu-ray discs; A tad expensive

Lets start with you can't play PS3 games the system without paying more. So in other words to play PS3 games you need PS Now to play them on the PS4 which is costing you more to play them so best keeping your PS3 system and games.

Good game library; Controllers Feel Nice

Not reverse compatible

I upgraded from the PS4 launch model to the PS4 Pro and it looks amazing. The performance is faster and smoother however, I'm shock to hear the fan (although not as loud as the launch model). I don't have a 4K TV but it still looks super smooth on a 1080p UHD TV.

Makes games look better, but still needs work to be an all-in-one 4K streamer and player

Price; Rich colour; Crisp detail; Good handling of 4K games; Impressive upscaler; Mechanical buttons

Sound could be more dynamic; No 4K Blu-ray player; Streaming services need HDR updates

If you haven't jumped up to 4K yet and you still have a PS4, you don't need to even consider upgrading to the PS4 Pro. If you don't own a current game system and have a 4K TV, especially one capable of HDR, you should consider the PS4 Pro.

More powerful hardware means some games can look better or play smoother; Slightly improved DualShock 4 controller

Games need to be individually patched to benefit from the PS4 Pro's extra power; No Ultra HD Blu-ray playback

So what is PS4 Pro exactly? I think it depends on perspective but more importantly on the capabilities of your TV. While PS4 Pro can technically output 4K, it struggles to reach it in many AAA games, instead often relying on an upscaled 1440p signal.

This review was last updated by Digital Trends contributor Cody Perez on 5/11/2020. Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro was the first of its kind for gaming consoles when it launched in November 2016, able to process gameplay at 4K UHD resolution with high dynamic range (HDR), thanks to a better graphics card and other hardware improvements. Unlike past hardware leaps for game consoles, however, the Pro is still a PlayStation 4 at its core. It cannot play any games or game modes that can’t be found on a standard launch console. Instead, the Pro offers players, who care how about graphics and resolution, the privilege of knowing that their games run as well as they can. The console does not do everything you’d need to make it the centerpiece of a high-end media system. The PlayStation 4 Pro is largely successful in this regard. When played on a 4K TV, the PS4 Pro makes games look sharper and more detailed. On a standard, full HD set, games also run smoother. It is the best PS4 you can buy right no...

4K gaming for less than $500; Improves visuals on select PlayStation VR titles; Makes all games run slightly better than standard PS4; Looks good even on 1080p TVs; Supports all PS4 games;

HDR can be difficult to set up; Very few titles offer 4K support at launch; No 4K Blu-ray Player;

PlayStation 4 Pro is the first console to take 4K UHD gaming seriously.

4K gaming for less than $500; Improves visuals on select PlayStation VR titles; Makes all games run slightly better than standard PS4; Looks good even on 1080p TVs; Supports all PS4 games

HDR can be very difficult to set up; Very few titles offer 4K support at launch; No 4K Blu-ray Player