The gaming community in India was eagerly awaiting the release of the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro), the next-gen gaming console packed with impressive hardware upgrades. However, Sony recently confirmed that the PS5 Pro will not be launched in India, citing technical and regulatory limitations as the primary reasons.
Key Reason: Wi-Fi 7 Compatibility
The PS5 Pro introduces support for Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be), which operates on the 6GHz wireless band. Unfortunately, this band has not yet been authorised for use in India and several other countries.
In a statement, Sony clarified,
“PS5 Pro will not be available in some countries (which presently includes India) where the 6GHz wireless band used in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) has not yet been allowed.”
This limitation is a significant factor since the Wi-Fi 7 upgrade is essential to fully leverage the PS5 Pro’s enhanced online capabilities, such as faster downloads and seamless multiplayer gaming.
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What Makes the PS5 Pro Special?
The PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking features and enhancements over the standard PS5. Here’s a quick overview of what sets it apart:
- Powerful Graphics Upgrade:
- 67% more Compute Units than the PS5, resulting in 45% faster rendering.
- Enhanced support for ray tracing, providing improved dynamic light reflection and refraction for ultra-realistic visuals.
- AI Upscaling for Superior Clarity:
- The new PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution technology leverages AI for sharper, more detailed in-game visuals.
- Faster Memory:
- With 28% faster memory, the PS5 Pro ensures smoother gameplay and better performance in resource-intensive games.
These upgrades make the PS5 Pro a dream console for gamers seeking a superior gaming experience.
Global Availability and Pricing
The PS5 Pro, priced at $699.99, went on sale in select markets on November 7, 2024. However, due to the regulatory restrictions around Wi-Fi 7 in India, the console will not be available locally, much to the disappointment of Indian gaming enthusiasts.
Limited Edition PS5 in India
While the PS5 Pro is unavailable, Sony is offering Indian fans a unique option the PlayStation 5 30th Anniversary Limited Edition collection bundle. This special edition console:
- Features exclusive branding and design celebrating 30 years of PlayStation.
- Is priced at Rs 49,999 and will be available starting November 21, 2024.
This limited edition console provides Indian gamers with a chance to own a piece of PlayStation history, even as the PS5 Pro remains out of reach.
Conclusion
The PS5 Pro’s absence in India highlights the importance of regulatory readiness in launching cutting-edge technology. While Indian gamers may not get their hands on the PS5 Pro just yet, the introduction of the 30th Anniversary Limited Edition PS5 is a small consolation.
As we look forward, it remains to be seen if and when Wi-Fi 7 regulations in India will evolve, allowing advanced gaming devices like the PS5 Pro to enter the market. Until then, Indian gamers can explore other PlayStation offerings and keep their hopes alive for future advancements.