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PS5 Pro is not coming to India anytime soon - Sony announced the same in an official statement
- Gamers in India will have to wait for an alternative solution
The PlayStation Pro aka PS5 Pro made its debut in the global markets yesterday and that is all that gamers across the world are talking about. People who got their hands on the next-gen console posted unboxing videos, reviews, first impressions, and whatnot. However, Indian gamers were missing from the scene as Sony hadn't announced a launch date for the console in India. Now, in an official statement, Sony has confirmed that the PS5 Pro won't be coming to India anytime soon.
PS5 Pro not coming to India
In an official statement, Sony India said, "PS5 Pro will not be available in some countries (which presently includes India) where the 6GHz wireless band used in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) has not yet been allowed."
What is Wi-Fi 7 and why is India not getting the PS5 Pro?
Wi-Fi 7 (also known as IEEE 802.11be) is the latest wireless standard, designed to improve connection speeds, reduce latency, and support higher data loads. This iteration is a significant leap from Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, offering speeds up to 46 Gbps, lower latency, and multi-link operations, making it ideal for data-intensive applications such as 8K streaming, cloud gaming, and virtual reality. The standard also allows multiple devices to connect to the network simultaneously with minimal interference.
Key to Wi-Fi 7’s functionality is its ability to operate on a 6GHz frequency band. This bandwidth reduces congestion and enhances connectivity speed, especially in urban settings with high network traffic. For the PS5 Pro, this standard is essential for achieving smoother multiplayer gaming, rapid downloads, and uninterrupted online experiences. However, the Indian government is yet to approve commercial use of the 6GHz band, causing a regulatory bottleneck for devices like the PS5 Pro that rely on this frequency.
Sony’s decision to withhold the PS5 Pro from India and other regions with 6GHz restrictions highlights a gap in regulatory approvals. Countries like the U.S., EU nations, and Japan have already authorised the 6GHz band, allowing companies to tap into Wi-Fi 7’s full potential, while Indian authorities are yet to greenlight this frequency for commercial devices.
Without Wi-Fi 7, the PS5 Pro would be unable to perform optimally in India, missing out on features like seamless online gameplay and faster content loading times that its hardware supports. The company has not yet shared alternative plans for the PS5 Pro’s entry into the Indian market, leaving gamers in India waiting indefinitely.
What option do Indian gamers have?
Unless India’s telecom authorities approve the 6GHz band, Indian gamers might need to rely on the current PS5 model or wait for Sony to introduce an alternative solution. This decision puts India at a disadvantage compared to other global markets, where gamers will experience a more connected and immersive PS5 Pro experience.