The console gaming landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years. The release of the PlayStation 5 Pro marks a new chapter, providing enhanced performance and features for dedicated gamers. This upgraded console features a faster CPU, a more powerful GPU, and a larger internal SSD, all aimed at delivering smoother gameplay, improved visuals, and increased storage capacity.
Priced at $699, it is positioned at the higher end of the console market, prompting potential buyers to consider its benefits compared to the original PS5 and competing consoles like the Xbox Series X. But so far it has been a winner, finding its way to the top of the console sales charts (and it’s expected to stay there until the Switch 2 comes out).
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In our testing of the new PS5 Pro, we found it to be a powerful machine that elevates console gaming to new heights. This enhanced version of Sony’s popular PlayStation 5 includes substantial improvements. With better graphics, faster performance, and more storage than the standard model, we observed sharper visuals and smoother gameplay across several titles.
The PS5 Pro’s AI-powered upscaling tech, called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, makes games look crisp and detailed on 4K TVs. Ray tracing effects also got a big boost, adding more realistic lighting and reflections to supported games.
Frame rates are higher and more stable too. Games that struggled to hit 60 fps on the base PS5 now run buttery smooth on the Pro. It even supports 120 Hz displays for ultra-responsive gaming.
Storage space is no longer an issue with the built-in 2TB SSD. We fit our entire game library with room to spare. Load times are practically non-existent.
The PS5 Pro launched on November 7, 2024. It costs more than the standard PS5, but the upgrades are substantial for serious gamers. The lack of a disc drive may disappoint some, but digital games are the future.
Consoles Sales Rank
The current ranking of major consoles in terms of sales (as of February 2025) is:
- PlayStation 5 Pro: The PS5 Pro has seen strong sales since its launch, appealing to gamers seeking its high-end features and performance.
- PlayStation 5 (Slim): The newer, digital, more compact version of the original PS5 is outselling the original model with disc drive.
- Nintendo Switch (OLED Model): This version of the Switch, with its improved screen, has been very popular and likely accounts for a significant portion of overall Switch sales. It probably outsells the original Switch model at this point.
- Nintendo Switch (Original): While still available, the original Switch model is likely seeing fewer sales compared to the OLED version.
- PlayStation 5 (Original): The launch version of the PS5 is likely seeing fewer sales as the Slim model has become the standard offering.
- Xbox Series X: The more powerful Xbox caters to performance-focused gamers.
- Xbox Series S: The more affordable Xbox offers a lower barrier to entry but generally has lower sales than the Series X.
Understanding the PlayStation 5 Pro
What Makes the PS5 Pro Stand Out?
The PlayStation 5 Pro arrived on November 7, 2024, and quickly became a popular choice, even reaching the top spot for consoles on Amazon. This upgraded version of the PlayStation 5 offers several key improvements for gamers. It focuses on better performance and visuals. It has a faster processor and more powerful graphics. This means smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and more detailed graphics, especially on 4K TVs. The PS5 Pro also uses a new technology called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). This uses AI to make images sharper. It also has a larger 2TB SSD, so you can store more games.
PS5 Pro Specs Compared to the Original PS5
Here’s a look at how the PS5 Pro stacks up against the original PS5:
| Feature | PS5 | PS5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.5GHz | 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.8GHz |
| GPU | 10.28 TFLOPS, 36 CUs at 2.23GHz | 33.5 TFLOPS, 60 CUs at 2.18GHz |
| RAM | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Storage | 825GB SSD | 2TB SSD |
| Target Resolution | 4K | 4K (with PSSR upscaling up to 8K) |
| Release Price | $499 | $699 |
Benefits of Upgrading to the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro offers several advantages that might make it worth the upgrade for some gamers:
- Improved Performance: Games run smoother, with higher and more stable frame rates. This is important for fast-paced action games and competitive online play.
- Better Graphics: The more powerful GPU allows for better visuals, like improved lighting effects and more detailed textures.
- Future-Proofing: The PS5 Pro is better equipped to handle future games. Games are getting more demanding, and the PS5 Pro’s extra power will help ensure a good experience for years to come.
- More Storage: The 2TB SSD means you can keep more games installed without needing to delete and reinstall them.
Is the PS5 Pro Worth the Cost?
The PS5 Pro costs more than the original PS5. Whether it’s worth the extra money depends on your needs and priorities. If you want the best possible performance and visuals, and you have a 4K TV to take advantage of it, the PS5 Pro is a good choice. If you are happy with the performance of the original PS5, and the extra features are not important to you, then sticking with the original PS5 is fine.
What About Other Consoles?
The main competitor to the PS5 Pro is the Xbox Series X. Both consoles offer high-end performance and features. The Xbox Series X has a slight edge in raw processing power, but the PS5 Pro has its own strengths, like the PSSR technology and exclusive games. The best choice depends on your personal preferences and which console’s game library appeals to you more.
Looking Ahead: The Future of PlayStation
The PS5 Pro is a mid-generation refresh. This means it’s designed to keep the PlayStation relevant until the next major console generation. Sony will likely continue to support both the PS5 and PS5 Pro with new games and updates for the next few years. There are no official announcements about a PS6, but it is expected that Sony is working on the next generation of PlayStation. The PS5 Pro gives gamers a taste of what to expect in the future: more powerful hardware, better graphics, and innovative features.
Beyond consoles, cloud gaming is becoming more popular. Services like PlayStation Plus Premium allow you to stream games to various devices. This could change how we play games in the future. Instead of needing powerful hardware at home, you could stream games from the cloud. This is still a developing technology, but it has the potential to make gaming more accessible.
Bottom Line
The PS5 Pro delivers a premium gaming experience with cutting-edge graphics and performance. For players who want the absolute best console gaming experience, it’s a worthy upgrade.
Click here to pre-order the PlayStation 5 Pro and take your gaming to the next level!
Overview: PlayStation 5 Pro Console
We’ve spent some quality time with Sony’s latest powerhouse, the PS5 Pro. This upgraded console packs a serious punch. The AI-enhanced resolution delivers crisp 4K visuals that pop on our TV. We noticed smoother gameplay too, with higher frame rates making action sequences feel more fluid.
Ray tracing effects add a new level of realism to game worlds. Reflections and lighting look more natural, enhancing immersion. The 2TB SSD provides ample storage for our growing game library.
While the Pro’s enhancements are impressive, they’re limited to games with specific updates. We wish more titles took full advantage of its capabilities. The lack of a disc drive may disappoint some players who prefer physical media.
Overall, the PS5 Pro offers noticeable improvements for enthusiasts. But casual gamers might not find the upgrade essential if they already own a standard PS5.
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution
We’ve been blown away by the PS5 Pro’s PSSR technology. This AI-enhanced upscaling transforms games into ultra-high definition masterpieces on 4K TVs. The level of detail is astounding – textures pop, edges are crisp, and environments look more lifelike than ever.
PSSR isn’t perfect though. Some games benefit more than others, and a few titles showed minor artifacting. But overall, it’s a huge leap forward in visual quality. We noticed the biggest improvements in open-world games with lots of foliage and distant vistas.
The best part? PSSR works its magic without tanking performance. Games still run buttery smooth, often at higher frame rates than on the base PS5. For gamers craving next-level visuals, the PS5 Pro’s PSSR is a game-changer.
Optimized Console Performance
We tested the PS5 Pro extensively and noticed significant improvements in performance. Games run smoother with more stable framerates, even without specific patches. Load times are impressively quick, shaving seconds off wait times between scenes and levels.
The enhanced graphics capabilities shine in supported titles. We saw sharper textures, more detailed environments, and improved lighting effects. Ray tracing performance is noticeably better, adding realism without major framerate drops.
While not every game fully utilizes the Pro’s power yet, we expect more optimized titles in the future. The console runs quietly even under heavy loads, staying cool during long gaming sessions.
• Smoother framerates
• Faster load times
• Enhanced graphics in supported games
• Improved ray tracing performance
• Quiet operation
We found the performance gains worthwhile, though the high price may give some pause. For players craving the best console experience, the PS5 Pro delivers impressive results.
Advanced Ray Tracing
We were blown away by the PS5 Pro’s advanced ray tracing capabilities. The console brings a new level of realism to game worlds. Reflections and shadows look stunningly lifelike. We noticed a big jump in visual quality compared to the base PS5.
Ray-traced global illumination adds depth and atmosphere to environments. Light bounces off surfaces more naturally, creating more immersive scenes. The Pro handles these effects smoothly without major frame rate drops.
Not every game takes full advantage of the improved ray tracing yet. But titles optimized for the Pro show off its potential. We expect more developers to leverage these capabilities in future releases.
The ray tracing upgrade comes at a cost, though. The PS5 Pro’s higher price may not justify the visual boost for all gamers. Those without 4K TVs will see less benefit from the enhanced graphics.
Design and Build Quality
We found the PS5 Pro’s design impressive. Its sleek, futuristic look stands out from other consoles. The matte white exterior feels premium and resists fingerprints well. At its core, the PS5 Pro is solidly built. We noticed no creaks or flexing when handling the unit.
The console’s size is substantial, so finding space for it may be tricky. However, its curved edges give it a softer appearance. The included stand keeps it stable in both vertical and horizontal orientations.
Cooling seems improved over the base PS5. We heard minimal fan noise during intense gaming sessions. The front USB ports and power button are easy to access. Overall, Sony has created a visually striking and well-constructed console that should last for years.
Pros and Cons
We’ve spent considerable time testing the PS5 Pro, and it’s clear this console brings some impressive upgrades to the table. Let’s break down what we found to be the standout positives and negatives.
Pros
• Enhanced visuals: The PS5 Pro’s AI-powered resolution scaling (PSSR) delivers sharper images on 4K TVs.
• Smoother gameplay: We noticed more consistent frame rates, especially in 60Hz and 120Hz modes.
• Ray tracing improvements: Games with ray tracing show noticeably better reflections and lighting.
• Ample storage: The included 2TB SSD provides plenty of space for a large game library.
• Backward compatibility: It enhances many PS5 titles, even without specific Pro patches.
Cons
• No disc drive: The lack of physical media support is a significant downside for many gamers.
• Limited Pro-enhanced titles: Not all games take full advantage of the Pro’s capabilities yet.
• High price point: The cost increase over the base PS5 may be hard to justify for some.
• Minimal upgrades for some games: Improvements can be subtle in titles without dedicated Pro patches.
• Power consumption: We observed it draws more power than the standard PS5 model.
The PS5 Pro offers tangible improvements in visual fidelity and performance. Games run smoother, and the added horsepower is noticeable in Pro-enhanced titles. We were particularly impressed by the PSSR technology, which breathes new life into 4K gaming. However, the absence of a disc drive is a deal-breaker for collectors and those with physical game libraries. The high price tag also gives us pause, especially considering the still-limited number of games fully optimized for the Pro’s capabilities.
Customer Reviews
We’ve analyzed numerous customer reviews for the PS5 Pro. Many users praise its enhanced performance, citing improved frame rates and reduced artifacts in games. The console’s ability to upgrade older titles impresses players, with some noting significant visual improvements.
Buyers appreciate the leap from older PS4 models, finding the Pro a worthy upgrade. However, opinions are mixed on the price point. Some feel it’s justified by the performance boost, while others find it steep.
A common critique is the lack of a disc drive, which limits physical game and media options. This drawback affects users with existing disc libraries.
Overall, reviewers are pleased with the graphical enhancements, particularly in demanding games. While not universally praised, the PS5 Pro generally receives positive feedback for its technical improvements.
Conclusion
The PS5 Pro offers noticeable improvements over its predecessor. We found enhanced frame rates and visual quality in many games, even those without specific Pro patches. The console’s performance boost is impressive, particularly in demanding titles like Dragon’s Dogma 2. However, the lack of a disc drive may disappoint some users. While the graphical upgrades are significant, the high price point might give pause to potential buyers. We believe the PS5 Pro is a solid choice for gamers seeking top-tier performance, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been testing the PS5 Pro extensively and have compiled answers to some common questions potential buyers might have.
What are the hardware improvements in the PlayStation 5 Pro compared to the original PlayStation 5?
The PS5 Pro boasts several hardware upgrades. It features a more powerful GPU, enabling advanced ray tracing capabilities and improved frame rates. The console also includes a larger 2TB SSD, doubling the storage capacity of the base model. We noticed faster load times and smoother performance in demanding games.
Can the PlayStation 5 Pro enhance the performance of games that were released for the base PlayStation 5 model?
Yes, the PS5 Pro can enhance many existing PS5 games. We’ve seen improvements in frame rates and visual quality for titles that haven’t received specific PS5 Pro patches. The console’s extra power helps stabilize performance and reduce artifacts in some games.
How does the PlayStation 5 Pro’s cooling system compare to that of the standard PlayStation 5?
The PS5 Pro uses an improved cooling system. During our testing, we found it runs quieter than the original PS5, even when playing graphically intensive games. The enhanced cooling allows the console to maintain peak performance for longer periods without throttling.
Are there any exclusive titles available only on the PlayStation 5 Pro?
As of now, there are no PS5 Pro exclusive games. All titles are compatible with both the standard PS5 and the Pro model. However, some games offer enhanced features or performance modes specifically for the PS5 Pro.
What is the price difference between the PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro is priced higher than the standard PS5. While prices may vary by region and retailer, expect to pay about $100-$150 more for the Pro model. We think the upgrade is worth considering for those who want the best possible performance.
How do the visual fidelity and loading times of games on the PlayStation 5 Pro compare to those on previous consoles?
The PS5 Pro offers a significant leap in visual fidelity compared to previous-gen consoles. We’ve seen sharper 4K images, more detailed textures, and improved lighting effects. Loading times are drastically reduced, with many games loading almost instantly. The difference is especially noticeable when compared to the PS4 or PS4 Pro.
