Sony confirms PS4 Pro 4K and HDR graphical updates will be free of charge

Sony has quashed the idea that PS4 Pro owners will have to pay for graphical updates for 4K or HDR-compatible games. Instead, any patches that utilise the PS4 Pro's extra power will be free to download for all users.

Sony Computer Entertainment executive vice president Masayasu Ito sparked rumours of an entry-fee for 4K and HDR patches, claiming in an interview with GameWatchImpress (via Kotaku) that the decision would lie in the hands of first or third-party developers and would be determined on a case by case basis.

The Japanese manufacturer has now categorically denied this, however, after a Sony spokesperson told Kotaku in a follow-up email that it "will not charge consumers for patches."

With a free HDR-enabling firmware update for all PS4 consoles already on its way this week, the idea that Sony would introduce a fee for 4K patches for "PS4 Pro Enhanced" titles did seem a little odd.

Sony revealed the long-awaited PS4 Pro at a PlayStation media event on 7 September. The Pro - formerly known as the PS4 Neo - will support 4K visuals and High Dynamic Range (HDR) for selected existing and upcoming games.

Ubisoft's For Honor and Watch Dogs 2, Square Enix's and Rise of the Tomb Raider are all set to take advantage of the more powerful PS4 hardware upon release, while existing titles such as Naughty Dog's Uncharted 4 will join the list of "forward-compatible" games to offer an enhanced visual experience.

The PS4 Pro will retail for £349 in the UK from the 10 November. A slimmed-down version of the original PS4 hardware was also announced at the PlayStation media event, which is set to replace the larger console currently on the market. The "PS4 Slim" starts at £259 and is available from 15 September in the UK.

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