A faster, more powerful version of the PlayStation 5 is just around the corner, but it’s going to come with a hefty price tag.

Sony’s PS5 Pro is set to hit shelves later this year, offering significant improvements over the original PS5, which launched in 2020. Gamers looking for top-tier hardware are often used to paying extra, especially in the PC world. Consoles, however, have traditionally provided a more cost-effective option, where developers optimize their games to match the system’s capabilities, offering solid performance for years without needing upgrades.

That trend has shifted recently. Console makers are now releasing enhanced versions midway through their systems’ lifecycles, and Sony’s upcoming PS5 Pro is following that pattern.

The PS5 Pro features a major upgrade in the form of a new graphics chip, which Sony claims will deliver up to 45% faster rendering. This improvement translates into better overall performance, and the graphical enhancements are where the Pro really shines. Thanks to boosted ray tracing capabilities, lighting, shadows, and reflections will look significantly more realistic, offering up to three times the performance of the original PS5.

But Sony isn’t stopping at just performance improvements. With the PS5 Pro, they’re focusing on better integration with modern TVs. The new console will introduce “PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution,” an AI-driven feature designed to enhance image quality, particularly for newer television models. It’s similar to the upscaling technology found in high-end TVs, but tailored specifically for the PS5 Pro.

If you still play older games, the PS5 Pro’s backward compatibility gets a solid boost as well. The console’s game boost technology will enhance the visuals and performance of PlayStation 4 titles, breathing new life into them. Online gaming also gets a boost, with WiFi 7 support for faster and more stable connections—provided you have the right router. For those aiming for the highest resolution possible, the PS5 Pro will also support 8K gaming on select titles.

Interestingly, the PS5 Pro will not come with an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive as standard. Sony is clearly steering towards a digital-first future, as the console will be sold without a disc drive, although it will be available separately for those who prefer physical media. With a generous 2TB of internal storage, the move towards digital downloads isn’t much of a surprise.

However, the PS5 Pro’s improvements come at a significant cost. The console is set to retail for $1,199 AUD in Australia, making it one of the priciest consoles ever released. At this price point, it’s creeping into the territory of high-end gaming PCs, meaning it’s not an impulse buy for most. While prices may eventually decrease, early adopters will have to be ready to pay a premium for these enhancements.

The PS5 Pro represents Sony’s vision for the future of console gaming, offering gamers a chance to experience cutting-edge graphics, faster gameplay, and enhanced features—but all at a steep cost. For those willing to invest, it promises to elevate the gaming experience to a whole new level, though some might prefer to wait for the PlayStation 6 or future price drops.