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What is the Sony PS4 Pro boost mode and how will it make gaming better?

What is the Sony PS4 Pro boost mode, how do I get it and what are the benefits? Here’s everything you need to know about the new Boost Mode, coming in Sony’s PS4 update 4.50.

The Sony PS4 Pro is the daddy of gaming consoles right now, packing in more power and graphical grunt than anything that’s come before it. Of course, we’d like a few more games to really make the most of that boosted performance. And thanks to the new PS4 Pro boost mode, that’s exactly what we’re getting.

That’s right, the PS4 Pro boost mode is an all-new feature which can enhance older games. Since the PS4 Pro packs in more CPU and GPU power than the previous console generations, yet runs the same games, it can now push them further. So even titles not crafted with HDR visuals and higher resolution display support can be enhanced for the PS4 Pro.

So how does the Boost Mode work, what does it actually do and how can you try it on your PS4 Pro? Here’s all you need to know.

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What is the Sony PS4 Pro Boost Mode: Enhanced frame rates

One of the most major ways the PS4 Pro boost mode can enhance an older game is by making it run more smoothly. That extra CPU and GPU processing power allows the console to run older games at higher frames rates than the standard PS4 can manage, so you’ll really notice a difference.

According to Digital Foundry, which tested the boost mode in beta, some games can run at faster frame rates. Titles that push the PS4 to its limit had the capacity to run at the likes of 60fps but often were slower as the console just couldn’t keep up. So playing them again on the PS4 Pro should be an even more realistic and immersive experience. 

Games like F1 2016, Project Cars and Assetto Corsa were all able to take advantage of the PS4 Pro GPU to give a boosted 60fps experience that runs nice and smooth. Titles like Assassin’s Creed Unity, which struggled to keep up at 30fps, will also be enhanced with a constant, true frame rate thanks to that extra console grunt.

On average, the PS4 Pro boost mode was found to offer up to a 38 percent frame rate enhancement in games.

For games that are locked at 30fps, this sadly won’t be possible. But fret not, as there are other ways Boost Mode can help enhance games.

What is the Sony PS4 Pro Boost Mode: Shorter load wait times

The possibility that load times could be shortened thanks to the extra CPU power of the PS4 Pro is now a reality. This enhancement was outlined by Sony itself in an official statement.

Sony said: “Depending on the game, the increased CPU speed may also result in shorter load times.” So it’s not set in stone by any means, but it seems that the Pro’s power may offer an advantage for those games which have you hanging around.

This could be ideal for top quality games like Doom, which take a while to load all those great gruesome graphics – especially when you consider how many times you die and have to load again in this challenging first-person shooter.

How do I get PS4 Pro Boost Mode?

While the PS4 Pro Boost Mode is available now, it’s still only in beta. If you have your PS4 Pro console updated to the latest 4.50 OS and have opted in for beta testing then you’ll be able to activate the game enhancing option right now.

Simply go into the PS4 Pro Settings menu and you’ll find a new tick box to activate the Boost Mode. Select this and you’re up and running. This is also the easiest way to turn off Boost Mode should you wish to save power or just experience the games as they were on the original PS4 (for whatever reason).

What is the Sony PS4 Pro Boost Mode: Sony’s PS4 Pro system update 4.50 offers other new feartures

The Sony PS4 Pro system update version 4.50 will give you Boost Mode as standard, but it’ll also enhance your console further.

For one, the new update promises to support external hard drive expansion at last. This means gamers and media fans can cram their external hard drives full of games and media content without worrying about filling up the console drive itself. This will offer support for drives up to a whopping 8TB in size, so worrying about storage space should be a thing of the past.

Other, less exciting extras in the update include support for 3D Blu-rays, background menu personalisation and the ability to use PSVR to watch 3D movies.

Expect the full version of Sony’s PS4 4.50 update to roll out in the coming weeks.

Read next: Essential things to do with your PS4 right now

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