Sony to launch PS5 and PS5 Pro at the SAME TIME to rival Microsoft's Xbox Project Scarlett

Microsoft was said to be doing something similar, but it reportedly scrapped the idea

PS5 PlayStation 5 Xbox Two
(Image credit: LetsGoDigital)

Sony will launch two models of the PlayStation 5 (opens in new tab) (PS5), it has been alleged. The duo will be different in performance, with one being as a base model (PlayStation 5) for those wanting to side with the Japanese brand in the PlayStation 5 vs. Xbox Project Scarlett (opens in new tab) battle on the cheap and a souped-up, high-end variant (PlayStation 5 Pro) for those after the absolute best it has to offer. Both should launch at the same time (opens in new tab).

Just when that will be, however, remains unknown. There's been some chatter claiming that Sony could take the wraps off the PS5 (opens in new tab) — and now the PS5 Pro (opens in new tab) — as soon as the end of September 2019, but that seems a bit too far-fetched. Instead, we're inclined to side with the recent leak (opens in new tab) stating that "the future of Sony PlayStation" will be unveiled at a dedicated "PlayStation Meeting 2020" event on February 21, 2020.

To be clear, there's little-to-no evidence supporting the rumour that Sony will release two models of the PlayStation 5 at the same time. The tidbit comes from (opens in new tab) reliable journalist Zenj Nishikawa, who was reportedly told at developer conference CEDEC that "Sony executives are launching two PlayStation models that are different in their performance." So best take the information with a pinch of salt — for now, at least.

It doesn't seem that unlikely, though. Xbox was said to be doing the same thing (opens in new tab) up until June, when it supposedly scrapped Xbox Lockhart — the alleged cheaper variant of Xbox Project Scarlett — amid development issues. It's believed to have made the decision so it can pour all its time and effort into making sure its next flagship console the best it can be, before shifting its focus to the budget market in the future.

Having spent half a decade writing about the latest news for some of the world’s largest publications, Josh is one of the most recognised reporters in the space. Nowadays, in addition to covering the odd news article, he spends most of his time keeping T3's long-form consumer content up to date, while also researching and reporting on the best deals to help you save some serious scratch.