The PS4 is getting a new firmware update which will include support for external hard disks, but recently we saw another new feature from reported from beta testers that are currently using the 4.50 update.
It seems like the PS4 Pro will have a Boost Mode. Games that are not updated for PS4 Pro support will run on a similar configuration as a normal PS4. What Boost Mode entails is that it will run these games full power, which may or may not result in performance gains.
While it was first just witness reports, various outlets, such as The Verge, have been approached with a proper statement from Sony on this feature, which reads:
“[Boost Mode] lets PS4 Pro run at a higher GPU and CPU clock speed in order to improve gameplay on some PS4 games that were released before the launch of PS4 Pro. Games that have a variable frame rate may benefit from a higher frame rate, and load times may be shorter in some games too.”
While this may sound like a net win and a good reason to get a Pro, you may need to hold your horses. Some games may or may not be hard-coded to run at specific hardware configuration and changing it up may result in non-optimal gameplay experience. Even the option has the warning: “Turn this off if you experience unexpected behavior during gameplay.”
But still, it’s a neat little addition that should give more mileage for the beefier PS4. Just temper your expectations that not all games may have the benefit, but be surprised when it does.