The PS4 Pro can now play 4K video files

The PS4 Pro has had a rocky relationship with 4K video.

Eyebrows were raised when Sony's newest PlayStation emerged without a 4K Blu-ray drive - leaving Microsoft's Xbox One S as a more thorough 4K offering on paper.

And while it looks unlikely that Sony will change its mind about 4K discs anytime soon, the company has given the PS4 Pro a 4K boost with an update to the console's Media Player app.

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

The update means PS4 Pro owners will now be able to watch 4K video files in mp4 format stored on a USB stick or on a media server.

Previously, 4K content on the PS4 Pro was restricted to streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube.

The update will also bring 4K video support to the PlayStation VR, though any 4K files will be downsampled to the PS VR's 1080p resolution.

MORE: How to watch 4K video online and on TV

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff and The Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).