Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro Can’t Play 4K Blu-ray Discs, Microsoft Pounces
Sony unveiled a pair of updated PlayStation 4 consoles on Wednesday, one that's a slimmer, lighter version of the current model, and the more exciting PS4 Pro with upgraded internals capable of 4K resolution gaming and movie watching. Cool stuff, though Microsoft was quick to remind the Internet community that its Xbox One S can do something the PS4 Pro can't—play 4K Blu-ray discs.
Microsoft posted a picture of its Xbox One S console to Twitter accompanied by a several highlights. 4K streaming and Blu-ray? Check. HDR gaming? Check. Sames goes for being 40 percent smaller, and it costs $299, a Benjamin less than the PS4 Pro. Have a look:
4K streaming & Blu-Ray ✅
— Xbox (@Xbox) September 7, 2016
HDR gaming ✅
Greatest games ✅
40% smaller ✅
Xbox One S from $299: https://t.co/GzguOUfMeV pic.twitter.com/vWb6r1x9PD
Microsoft's tweet has all the subtlety of a tornado, though it doesn't tell the whole story. The Xbox One S is $100 less than the PS4 Pro and supports 4K resolution streaming and Blu-ray, but doesn't have the horsepower to play games at 4K. That capability will come along with Project Scorpio, a faster version of the Xbox One that will push 6 TFLOPs of computing power.
What things ultimately come down to in deciding between the PS4 Pro and Xbox One S is whether you'd rather play games at 4K or watch Blu-ray discs at 4K. Neither one can do both. Though Microsoft glosses over gaming at 4K, it's an interesting point that the PS4 Pro doesn't have the ability to play 4K Blu-ray discs.
Sony has yet to comment on why it didn't upgrade the PS4 Pro's Blu-ray player, but when it does, we imagine it will point to the fading relevancy of Blu-ray media in favor of streaming content. Apps like Netflix and YouTube both support 4K streaming, and of course users can stream their own 4K content using Plex.
What do you think about Sony's decision to stick with its current Blu-ray player?
What things ultimately come down to in deciding between the PS4 Pro and Xbox One S is whether you'd rather play games at 4K or watch Blu-ray discs at 4K. Neither one can do both. Though Microsoft glosses over gaming at 4K, it's an interesting point that the PS4 Pro doesn't have the ability to play 4K Blu-ray discs.
Sony has yet to comment on why it didn't upgrade the PS4 Pro's Blu-ray player, but when it does, we imagine it will point to the fading relevancy of Blu-ray media in favor of streaming content. Apps like Netflix and YouTube both support 4K streaming, and of course users can stream their own 4K content using Plex.
What do you think about Sony's decision to stick with its current Blu-ray player?
