Sony made headlines yesterday with the unveiling of their PlayStation 5 Pro, which instantly drew criticism online due to its staggering $700 price point. Although it’s common to have initial reactions that soften over time, this isn’t one of those instances.
As the day progressed, gamers and commentators alike began to realize that the PS5 Pro may be even less impressive than they initially thought. Alongside its underwhelming improvements in image fidelity—touted as its leading feature—users quickly pointed out that the PS5 Pro lacks a disc drive, a component that seems fundamental for a “pro” model. After all, the PS4 Pro came equipped with one.
Once we moved past the realization about the absence of a disc drive and the negligible visual improvements, it became evident that the PS5 Pro was also missing a crucial accessory: the vertical stand.
What’s going on, Sony?
IGN was quick to highlight this oversight, sharing a zoomed-in segment of the PS5 Pro’s promotional materials featuring one notable detail in the fine print: “Vertical Stand sold separately.”
The fine print https://t.co/5emhXvAA0S pic.twitter.com/pPL3EKeie3
— IGN (@IGN) September 10, 2024
The absence of a disc drive is one thing, but missing a vertical stand crosses a line. Most promotional images for the PS5 Pro show it displayed vertically! Besides, the standard PS5 comes bundled with a stand. Why would the $700 “professional” variant not include this essential accessory? Are we also meant to believe that it doesn’t come with a charging cable for the controller?
While Sony hasn’t disclosed the cost of the Vertical Stand yet, they have put the external disc drive on the market for an outrageous $79.99. Therefore, if you intend to enjoy your physical game library, watch Blu-Rays, and have the PS5 Pro displayed attractively, you’re likely looking at nearly $800 total.
Disc Drive for PS5 Pro/PS5 Slim is in-stock ($79.99)Amazon https://t.co/z4PGA0mQCWBest Buy https://t.co/2bZ6u1yxSFGameStop https://t.co/RigVbWQBzVTarget https://t.co/QST5Bbu32yWalmart https://t.co/HVoTP7vpOhPS Direct https://t.co/fcRvk0vJ0p #ad pic.twitter.com/2d6vpmFRbo
— Wario64 (@Wario64) September 10, 2024
What world does Sony think we live in? This comes on the heels of a former Sony executive suggesting that those affected by recent layoffs in the gaming sector should just “take a year off at the beach”or “drive an Uber.”Have you checked in with the actual economy, my friend? I can barely scrape together enough for a meal.
Thus, I have no intention of purchasing a PlayStation 5 Pro. Given the widespread negativity surrounding its announcement, I suspect many others will feel the same. Maybe it’s time to consider the average consumer’s financial situation before slapping an $80 price tag on what should be a standard accessory for your overpriced “pro” variant, huh?
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