No, the Sony PS4 Pro can't play 4K Blu-rays

Sony has announced its latest console, the PS4 Pro, but we still don't have Sony's first 4K Blu-ray player - contrary to rumours, the PS4 Pro can't play 4K Blu-rays.

For many, this will be a surprising move, especially given the weight the company threw behind the original Blu-ray format when it launched back in the early noughties, notably with the PS3, which was one of the first Blu-ray players.

It also puts the PS4 Pro at a disadvantage when you compare it to the recently launched Xbox One S, which does have an Ultra HD-Blu-ray drive.

At today's press event in New York City, Sony focused on the virtues of HDR (High Dynamic Range) and the benefits it can bring to gaming.

But the lack of a 4K player sees Sony lose ground on rival manufacturers, such as Samsung and Panasonic, who have launched stand alone 4K Blu-ray players.

MORE: Did Sony just kill 4K Blu-ray with the PS4 Pro?

We're still waiting for the company to officially launch a dedicated Ultra HD Blu-ray player although we did catch sight of a prototype Sony 4K player on the company's stand at IFA.

Will you buy the PS4 Pro? Would you prefer it if it did have an Ultra HD Blu-ray player? Let us know in the comments below.

MORE: Sony's PS4 Pro is a 4K HDR PlayStation

MORE: Ultra HD Blu-ray: everything you need to know

Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.

Latest in Blu-ray Players
Surround sound budget AV system
Sony launches its first new 4K Blu-ray player in over five years – and it's good and bad news
A stack of Blu-ray cases on a wooden shelf
Sony announces that it will officially end production of recordable Blu-ray discs in February
A still from Paramount Pictures' Gladiator 2 with Paul Mescal kneeling in an arena with sand running through his fingers.
Gladiator II is available to buy digitally now – but there's a better way to get it
panasonic ub820 black friday deal graphic
Ditch streaming and take ownership back this Black Friday as our favourite 4K Blu-ray player drops by $100
Panasonic DP-UB820EB
Best Blu-ray players 2024
Deadpool and Wolverine limited edition Blu-ray on a white background
Disney has announced that two of its upcoming 4K Blu-rays will include Dolby Vision – and it's good news for Marvel and Alien fans
Latest in News
Sony Bravia Projector 8 home cinema projector
Terrible news: Sony is about to stop selling projectors in Europe, including the UK
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you