PS4 Pro FAQ Addresses Multiplayer Advantages, Remote Play Improvements

There are still many lingering questions about PlayStation 4 Pro and the benefits it will provide. Details continue to roll in, and while many of the specifics are still unknown, a new Sony FAQ does help to fill in some of the gaps.

Among the subjects addressed is the prospect of players gaining an edge in online multiplayer. In theory, this seems possible when someone on a Pro plays against others on standard (or the new slim) PS4s. But in response to a question about whether players will have a "performance advantage," the FAQ answered, "Generally, no."

"Playtesting and balancing is up to each game developer, and while it's true that PS4 Pro's more powerful hardware can drive smoother or more stable frame rates in supported titles, developers have many tools and processes they can use to prevent imbalances," it continued.

It didn't elaborate on that point; it seems possible developers could choose to deliberately limit a game's framerate in multiplayer so that it's the same on any type of PS4.

One area that will be decidedly better is Remote Play, albeit only on select devices. "PS4 Pro's increased processing power can offer significant streaming benefits if the internet bandwidth is fast enough," the FAQ stated.

Gameplay can be streamed through Remote Play at up to 1080p on PC, Mac, and Xperia devices--a list that notably leaves out PlayStation Vita. This is an improvement over the current 720p limit.

When streamed from a Pro, Share Play can also reach 1080p on a standard PS4. The FAQ also confirms that content captured with the Share button will be of a higher quality and that the PlayStation Store will at least initially not offer 4K or TV shows.

As for PlayStation VR, Sony again reiterated the Pro will offer enhancements--ones that work around the fact that PS VR's headset supports neither 4K nor HDR.

"PS4 Pro's upgraded processing power will give VR developers the ability to enhance their experiences with higher quality graphics, smoother or more stable framerates, and visual improvements in supported games," it said. "Developers can also choose to add PS4 Pro features to PS VR games post launch via a downloadable update."

Again, Sony is talking speaking vaguely, likely in part because these details will vary on a game-by-game basis.

You can see the rest of Sony's FAQ here and read more about the system in our previous coverage. You can also check out our roundup for all the news from this week's PlayStation Meeting event.