Sony is shipping console prototypes overseas - is this the PS5 Pro?

Date:
Thu, 03 Mar 2022 17:16:43 +0000

Description:
Shipping records of exported dev kits and prototype models are fueling speculation.

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A collection of recent international shipment records has sparked speculation over the development of the PS5 Pro .

As spotted by TweakTown , import records show Sony Interactive Entertainment (the branch of Sony that handles PlayStation) has shipped thousands of boxes of development kits to the US over the past few months.

Most shipments have originated in Japan and Korea. Other listings show Sony exported a shipment labeled video game console [sic] (prototype) from the UK to the US last November.

The mention of console prototypes has many fans excited that these shipments contain early models of Sonys next hardware platform. That would, presumably, be the PS5 Pro or PS5 Slim , which Sony is expected to release sometime in
the current console generation.

TweakTown also notes that the shipment of prototype consoles is marked with
an HS code of 981700 , which is sometimes used in global export systems to designate shipments containing parts for video game-related products. Analysis: is this the first sign of the PS5 Pro? (Image credit: Sony)

Its tempting to assume the dev kits and prototype consoles are early models
of upcoming PlayStation hardware. With the PS5 having launched well over a year ago, its likely Sony is turning its attention to the next phase of its flagship console. The contents of the shipments could also relate to the upcoming PSVR 2 , Sonys next generation of VR headset.

But speculation is doing a lot of the legwork here, and wed recommend
lowering your expectations until more information emerges through official channels. Its unclear why Sony would ship PS5 or PSVR 2 dev kits from Japan, Korea, or the UK to the US. Any prototype models would more than likely be manufactured in China before being shipped across the world.

More significantly, theres little to suggest these shipments contain complete prototype models. Its possible the hundreds of shipping cartons that are mentioned within the records are filled with individual pieces of PlayStation testing kits, rather than completed designs. Theres also little to suggest
the dev kits are of upcoming PlayStation hardware, rather than older kits still floating around since the PS5s launch in 2020.

Theres a strong chance Sony will release a PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro down the line, with its decision to release two mid-generation console upgrades for the PS4 has proved successful. But its probably too optimistic to think these
shipment records give us an indication of their state of development.

Looking to pick up Sony's next-gen console? Find where to buy a PS5 with our deals guide. PS5 vs Xbox Series X : which next-gen console should you buy



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/sony-is-shipping-console-prototypes-overseas-is -this-the-ps5-pro/


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