PS5 Pro Insights from Monster Hunter and Sonic Developers

The announcement of the PlayStation 5 Pro in September has stirred a mix of excitement and debate among gaming enthusiasts. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the release of this new premium console, developers from popular franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog and Monster Hunter have shared their perspectives on what the PS5 Pro means for their games.

During the Tokyo Game Show 2024, Ryozo Tsujimoto, the producer of the Monster Hunter series, expressed a positive outlook regarding the PS5 Pro. He stated that the team behind Monster Hunter Wilds was eager to support the new console as soon as they learned about it. Developed using the powerful RE Engine, Monster Hunter is known for its impressive graphics, making the PS5 Pro a fitting addition. Tsujimoto remarked, "We didn't think there was an option to just leave it on the table. But we are getting great support from Sony in terms of helping us figure out what we're going to do with that. So it's an extra thing to think about as part of the development process, but we're excited for the possibilities." This enthusiasm highlights the potential for enhanced gaming experiences on the PS5 Pro.

However, the support for the PS5 Pro may not be available immediately at launch. Tsujimoto mentioned, "We'd love to make it in time for launch, but we're very much in the middle of the process of deciding how that's going to look." This indicates that while the team is excited, they are still working out the details of how to best utilize the new console's capabilities.

On the other hand, Takashi Iizuka, the producer of Sonic Team, is taking a different approach. He emphasized the importance of reaching a broad audience, stating that he wants "as many people as possible to play" Sonic games. This means continuing to support the previous generation, particularly the PS4, which still has a large fanbase. Iizuka explained, "As a market, we have the high-end machines, high-end consoles. Coming out with those consoles, we feel that we can make newer Sonic games that can express the speed of Sonic and with much better gaming UI as well. However, we want to support the lower spec consoles as well." This commitment to inclusivity shows that Sonic Team values its diverse player base.

Furthermore, Iizuka mentioned that Sonic will continue to balance between high-end platforms like the PS5 and lower-end consoles like the Nintendo Switch. He acknowledged the upcoming next-generation update for the Switch but emphasized the importance of keeping the current generation alive. This strategy allows Sonic to reach a wider audience while still enhancing the gaming experience for those on more advanced systems.

As for the PS5 Pro's price, set at $700, it has sparked discussions among fans. Iizuka described it as "really expensive" but also noted that the quality offered might justify the cost. He stated, "I feel that with the quality that they are providing it's not that expensive... And yeah, it would be really good for the high-end game users." Tsujimoto shared a similar sentiment, saying, "The price isn't something we feel it's appropriate for us to comment on, but in terms of the capabilities, we think that it's definitely worthy of the Pro name. So we're excited to see what it can do." This suggests that both developers recognize the value of the PS5 Pro, despite its high price tag.

With the PS5 Pro set to release on November 7, gamers are left to ponder the implications of this new console. The differing perspectives from developers like Tsujimoto and Iizuka highlight the ongoing evolution of gaming technology and its impact on game development. As the gaming landscape continues to change, it is clear that both high-end and lower-spec consoles will play a crucial role in shaping the future of gaming. Ultimately, the PS5 Pro promises to enhance the gaming experience for many, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility in the gaming community.