PS4 Pro 4K and HDR patches won't cost consumers money (Update)

A Sony exec has opened up a rather large can of worms with statements open to interpretation.

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Update: Sony has clarified via email that it "will not charge consumers for patches."

Original Story: Sony made a huge splash with the PlayStation 4 Pro reveal, with the big - if not surprising - news was 4K HDR support. All of Sony's games going forward in 2017 and after will have 4K resolution, and that older games could be patched to add compatibility. But it could end up costing some cash.

When asked if patches would be free, Sony Interactive exec Masayasu Ito told Game Impress Watch (via Kotaku) that "It will be different for each title. I believe it will depend on the thinking of each licensee," referring to third-party publishers. As for Sony's titles, "I think it will vary for each one of our titles," he said. 

Granted, that is open for interpretation as to who would be paying for the patch. At first glance it sounds as if the cost would go to consumers, but it could be viewed that Sony would charge developers and publishers the fee. Some developers have said that PS4 Pro 4K patches for their games would be relatively small.

When the PS4 Pro launches on November 10, Sony titles Uncharted 4 and Infamous: First Light will be patched for Pro support. Third-party games such as Mass Effect Andromeda, Call or Duty: Infinite Warfare (and Modern Warfare Remastered), Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, The Elder Scrolls Online and The Witness will also add support. Bethesda has already said their ESO patch would be free.

Games to be released with HDR support include Horizon Zero Dawn, Days Gone, Spider-Man, and Detroit: Become Human.

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