"It makes sense, really": Vince Zampella on PS5 Pro's $700 pricetag

Fans question if Sony's $700 PS5 Pro is worth it as EA's Vince Zampella offers thoughts on its impact on future games.

Sony's recent unveiling of the PlayStation 5 Pro has sparked debate among gamers, with many questioning whether the $700 price tag is justified for a mid-generation console upgrade.

The Pro model is set to launch on November 7, with expectations it will enhance performance and offer better graphics for upcoming games.

However, its impact on major titles, like EA’s next Battlefield installment, remains uncertain.

In a recent interview with IGN, Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, expressed a cautious outlook regarding the PS5 Pro's influence on game development.

"I mean, we're not out yet, so does it really help us? Not right now. Can we do cooler things on it? Sure. I guess we'll see. As we see what the adoption is, we'll see how much it really affects us. We have to make a game that runs on everything, so it'll just be like, what can we plus up on something like that, pun intended," Zampella said.

While EA DICE has not released many details on the upcoming Battlefield game, the franchise has historically pushed technical boundaries with its Frostbite Engine.

The series is expected to continue this trend, making full use of the PS5 Pro's enhanced capabilities.

Regarding the PS5 Pro's pricing, Zampella called it a “balance,” recognizing that while the console is expensive, it offers considerable performance improvements.

"I mean, I think it's expected and anything that gets us better performance for the people that really love it. To me, it's an amazing thing. I was watching something on it where the price... where they look at is it the most expensive. And it really isn't," he said. "If you get a $700 PC, you're not getting the same performance that you're getting out of it."

"So I mean, it's a balance. Is it expensive for people? Absolutely. Not everybody will be able to afford it. Would it be better if it was cheaper? Sure. I want more people to have it. But it makes sense, really," he added

Despite this, some fans and industry analysts, including IGN’s Brian Altano, have expressed concerns that the PS5 Pro may not offer enough value, especially given that the current generation of consoles is still gaining traction.

Polls suggest only a small percentage of players are planning to purchase the upgraded console, though Sony is likely banking on the hardcore gaming audience who prioritize high-end performance.

With its November release approaching, the PS5 Pro’s reception remains to be seen, particularly as the industry shifts toward more advanced gaming experiences.