India Left Waiting as PS5 Pro Rolls Out Globally
Sony’s highly anticipated PS5 Pro, touted as the most powerful PlayStation console to date, has launched in the US, Europe, and Japan, leaving Indian gamers in anticipation. Priced at $699 in the US, EUR 799 in Europe, and JPY 119,980 in Japan, the PS5 Pro promises a gaming experience like never before, equipped with advanced graphics, faster load times, and enhanced online capabilities. However, Sony has confirmed that the PS5 Pro won’t be coming to India anytime soon due to regulatory hurdles, dealing a heavy blow to gaming enthusiasts across the country.
The Regulatory Barrier: India’s Wi-Fi 7 Approval Delay
A key feature of the PS5 Pro is its support for Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be), designed to deliver low latency, high-speed downloads, and seamless online experiences for gamers. This advanced Wi-Fi standard requires the 6GHz wireless band to function, which has not yet been approved by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Until India’s regulatory authorities give the green light to the 6GHz band, the PS5 Pro cannot officially be launched in the country.
This delay isn’t just about bureaucracy; it’s a significant setback for the Indian gaming community. The inability to access the PS5 Pro has left gamers feeling frustrated and left out of a global release that gamers elsewhere are already enjoying.
Sony’s Response: No Workaround or Timeline for India
Sony’s official statement on the matter has dashed the hopes of Indian fans. Without a workaround or alternative timeline, Indian gamers are left wondering when—or even if—they’ll get a chance to experience the PS5 Pro. For now, Sony has remained silent on a potential solution, leaving the timing of any future release in India entirely dependent on government approval of the 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi 7.
Rising Demand in the Grey Market
With the official release postponed indefinitely, demand for the PS5 Pro is expected to rise in India’s grey market. However, buying through unofficial channels is risky; consoles purchased this way often lack warranties, and support for repairs or replacements is minimal. Despite these risks, some Indian gamers may resort to importing the PS5 Pro, though the costs associated with import duties and lack of official support make this a less-than-ideal solution.
Sony’s Alternative Offering: The 30th Anniversary PS5 in India
In lieu of the PS5 Pro, Sony will be launching the PS5 30th Anniversary Limited Edition console in India on November 21, priced at Rs 49,999. While this may appeal to collectors and fans of the PlayStation brand, it’s unlikely to satisfy those seeking the power and performance upgrades the PS5 Pro offers. The Limited Edition console will feature the standard PS5 hardware, leaving Indian gamers with no choice but to wait for the regulatory situation around Wi-Fi 7 to be resolved.
India’s Wi-Fi 7 Landscape and Why the PS5 Pro’s Situation Is Unique
India’s delayed approval of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 7 has created an unusual technological barrier, especially given that several Wi-Fi 7-compatible devices are already available in the country. The latest iPhone 16 series, Google Pixel 9, and Intel’s Lunar Lake laptops all support Wi-Fi 7 and have entered the Indian market. However, these devices operate on currently approved Wi-Fi 6 and 6E bands, making it puzzling why Sony cannot enable Wi-Fi 7 on the PS5 Pro within the same limitations.
The situation brings to light the regulatory challenges faced by international tech companies in India, a market with enormous potential but a complex regulatory landscape. For now, Indian gamers can only hope that this hurdle will soon be cleared.
What’s Next for Indian Gamers?
The indefinite delay of the PS5 Pro in India underscores the growing tension between technological advancements and regulatory challenges. The excitement that surrounded the PS5 Pro’s announcement has been replaced with disappointment, as Indian gamers find themselves locked out of a next-gen experience enjoyed by others worldwide.
As the gaming community waits, the future of the PS5 Pro in India depends on when the 6GHz Wi-Fi band is approved. Until then, gamers in India will have to content themselves with the current lineup—or take the risk of purchasing from the grey market.
