PS4 Pro Can Play 4K Video Files Starting Today

Your shiny PS4 Pro is getting a new feature today–a 4K media player. Sony announced the update on their PlayStation Blog.

Up to this point, playing 4K video on the PS4 Pro has been limited to streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. With today’s update, you can also watch 4K video files from a USB drive or any home server. The only limitation is that video files have to be mp4’s.

The console’s updated Media Player will automatically display your home server and any connected USB drive as a media option. From there, just select your video file, and you’re set to watch your 4K home videos–or, more likely, legally questionable movie downloads–right on your TV.

Remember that a 4K TV is, in fact, required to watch 4K videos.

This update is a small consolation to make up for the PS4 Pro’s lack of an UHD Blu-Ray player. You can stream 4K video and play your own 4K video files, but those expensive Blu-Rays still require a separate player. Unless, ya know, you have an Xbox One.

Today’s PS4 Pro update also adds 4K support for virtual reality video content. If you have the equipment for it, you can record 360 degree 4K video and then dive into the video on your PS VR at home.

Of course, we’re still in the early days of virtual reality, so 4K VR content might be hard to come by. But hey, the option is there for the inevitable widespread access to virtual reality content, even if that is a few years down the road.

Have you tested out your PS4 Pro’s 4K Media Player yet? How about some 4K VR content? Let us know in the comments!