PS4 Pro is one of the hottest gifts for the holidays, and we want make sure you have the best experience with Sony’s high-spec PlayStation right off the bat. Here are five things you should try to figure out before taking the console out of its box.
1) Check On 4K And HDCP Compatibility Issues: Despite being generally appreciated by those who own it, the PS4 Pro certainly has its fair share of problems. Hours after the system launched, many users were reporting bugs with 4K resolution and HDR incompatibility for their particular set.
There are a few fixes and workarounds to be aware of if this happens to you. The most common solution is to set the Pro’s HDCP mode to version 1.4. With the system fully off, hold the power button down until you hear two beeps. This triggers Safe Mode. Once the screen loads, pick “Select HDCP Mode” under option number eight. Set it to HDCP 1.4. This will allow you to enjoy 4K and HDR in games but not streaming services like Netflix or YouTube. Ergo, you should only do this if you have problems. There are also other fixes like swapping HDMI ports or updating your TV’s firmware.
The simple fact is, try to find out just how well your TV will work with the Pro before going through setup.
2) Consider An SSD Upgrade: The PS4 Pro has a faster stock hard drive than the standard model, but, if you’re the type of person that really wants to minimize load times, one easy solution is to pick up a 2.5-inch SSD that’s 9 millimeters thick or less. The OCZ Trion 100 or Crucial MX300 are good examples. These can be expensive depending on the size, but they can nearly half loads in some circumstances too.
The install process is nearly identical to the standard PS4. There’s a small, plastic groove in the back of the console. Just apply some force to it, and you’ll be given access to the cage. After that, unscrew the current HDD and put the SSD in its place. Go to the PS4 firmware update page and download the latest version. Put it on a USB stick in a folder called UPDATE. Finally, plug the USB drive into the console and boot in Safe Mode. The rest of the process should be easy. This is optional and costly, but it’s still a nice idea.
3) Get Some Great Games: The PS4 Pro is all about 4K and HDR gaming, so you’re gonna want the right games to show off those great specs. Thankfully, we already made a list of the best PS4 Pro games when the system launched. All of them are still among the best options today.
In short, if you still haven’t played The Last Of Us: Remastered or Rise Of The Tomb Raider, you should absolutely buy those two titles. For shooters, Call Of Duty: Infinite Warfare probably has the best 4K performance compared to Battlefield 1.
4) Get Ready For A Transfer: If you’re upgrading from a standard PS4, it makes sense to transfer your files from your old console to the new one. All you’ll need is an Ethernet cable, the hardware and a little patience to get it done.
With both consoles logged into the same PSN account on the same network, connect them together with one Ethernet cable. On the Pro, go to Settings > System > Transfer Data From Another PS4. Use the power button on your standard PS4 to navigate through the options. Remember to set the Pro as your primary system at the end if you plan on selling your old one.
5) Find The Right Spot: This may seem a bit silly, but the PS4 Pro is the kind of console that’s better suited for some parts of your house than others. Because this high-spec PlayStation is using the latest tech, it has a tendency to run hot.
That being said, you’ll want to make sure your PS4 Pro is in an area that’s open or can be open while playing games. You definitely don’t want it lying on the carpet. The next big requirement is internet. PS4 Pro titles need to install big patches before supporting the system, so try to be close to your router or connected by hardwire if possible. Find a cool, connected spot for 4K optimization.
PS4 Pro is available now. Those with 1080p TVs might also be interested in the $299 PS4 Slim as well.
Are you getting a PS4 Pro this holiday? What’s the first thing you’re going to do with your new console? Tell us in the comments section!
