PlayStation 5 Pro Review: Console of Astonishing Power

Sony just dropped its newest, seriously powerful game console. This beefed-up PlayStation 5 Pro aims to take console gaming a big step forward. It’s packing more muscle under the hood, promising smoother, sharper visuals. Naturally, that extra performance comes at a higher cost than the standard model. So, the big question hanging in the air is whether shelling out that additional cash makes sense for players. We’re going to unpack what this upgraded machine offers right now.

What Is the PS5 Pro? A Quick Overview

Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro isn’t a whole new console generation. It represents a mid-cycle upgrade for the original PlayStation 5. Think of this model as the standard PS5’s more muscular brother. Sony built it to offer enhanced visual quality and more consistent frame rates during gameplay. So, what you’re getting here is essentially a beefed-up version of the existing hardware. The PS5 Pro aims to supercharge your gaming experience without being a completely fresh start.

Here are the key features that make the PS5 Pro special:

• Enhanced GPU power – 67% more compute units than the standard PS5
• Advanced ray tracing – Up to 2-3x better ray-tracing performance
• PSSR technology – Sony’s AI-driven upscaling for sharper images
• 2TB storage – Double the space of the original PS5
• Wi-Fi 7 support – Faster internet connectivity
• Digital-only design – No disc drive included by default
• Same game library – Plays all PS5 and PS4 games

The Pro isn’t revolutionary. It’s evolutionary. But for gamers who want the absolute best PlayStation experience, it delivers impressive improvements.

PS5 Pro Price: How Much Is the PS5 Pro?

Here’s where things get expensive. The PS5 Pro price sits at $699.99 in the US and £699.99 in the UK. That makes it the most expensive PlayStation console Sony has ever released.

But wait, there’s more. The console doesn’t include a disc drive or vertical stand. Want those extras? You’ll need to shell out additional cash:

• Disc drive: Around $80 
• Vertical stand: Around $30

So the total PS5 Pro cost with all accessories can easily exceed $800. That’s a significant jump from the original PS5’s $499 launch price.

The high price point has sparked debate among gamers. Some see it as justified for the performance gains. Others think it’s too steep for what amounts to a mid-generation refresh.

PS5 Pro Specs vs PS5: What’s New?

Let’s break down the technical differences between these two consoles:

The PS5 Pro specs vs PS5 comparison shows where Sony focused their improvements. The GPU gets the biggest boost, while storage doubles. The CPU remains largely unchanged, which makes sense for maintaining game compatibility.

PS5 Pro Review: Performance and Features

After extensive testing, the PS5 Pro review reveals both impressive strengths and notable limitations.

Pros:

• Noticeable visual improvements in supported games
• Smooth 60fps gaming with high-quality graphics
• Excellent performance on 120Hz displays
• Generous 2TB storage eliminates space concerns
• Quieter operation than expected
• PSSR upscaling technology works well
• Enhanced ray tracing creates stunning reflections and lighting

Cons:

• Graphics improvements are subtle, not revolutionary
• Extremely high price point
• No disc drive or stand included
• Limited selection of truly enhanced games at launch
• Benefits mainly appeal to graphics enthusiasts
• PS5 Pro difference isn’t dramatic for casual gamers

This PlayStation 5 Pro truly stands out when running games made specifically for its extra power. You’ll see clear visual upgrades in titles like Horizon Forbidden West, Spider-Man 2, and The Last of Us Part 2. They look noticeably sharper and run smoother. However, those upgrades feel more like a solid, welcome improvement than something utterly game-changing. Think of it as a really nice polish rather than a completely new experience.

PS5 Pro vs PS5 Slim: Which One Should You Choose?

The PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro serve different audiences. Here’s how to decide:

Choose the PS5 Slim if:

• You want the best value for money
• You’re happy with current PS5 performance
• The $200+ price difference matters to you
• You prefer having a disc drive included

Choose the PS5 Pro if:

• You have a 4K/120Hz gaming setup
• You notice and care about visual details
• You want the absolute best PlayStation experience
• Storage space is a constant concern
• You’re willing to pay premium prices for premium performance

For most gamers, the PS5 Slim offers better value. The Pro is really for enthusiasts who want every possible advantage.

How Much Will the PS5 Pro Cost in the Future?

Figuring out future prices for game consoles is tough to call, but past trends give us solid hints. How much will a PS5 Pro cost in the next few years? That answer depends on a bunch of different things. Don’t expect big discounts on this PS5 Pro model arriving anytime soon. Sony usually keeps prices high for its Pro versions pretty much the whole time they’re available. 

Remember the original PS4 Pro? It stayed genuinely expensive up until the PS5 hit shelves. You will likely see more bundle offers popping up, though. Retailer discounts should also become more frequent, especially around big sale events like Black Friday and the winter holidays. Those times could be your best shot at saving money. 

Looking toward the shift to Sony’s next system, this PlayStation 5 Pro will probably stay pricey right up until the PS6 PS5 Pro handover happens, expected around 2027 or 2028.

Should You Buy the PS5 Pro? Our Verdict

Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro is a really strong console that does exactly what it promised. Right now, it gives you the top-tier way to play PlayStation games. But just because it’s the best doesn’t automatically make it the right choice for everyone.

If you love pushing graphics to the limit and demand cutting-edge performance from your games, this PS5 Pro is worth serious thought. The upgrades it brings are definitely real and easy to spot. Expect games to appear sharper, run with smoother frame rates, and display some genuinely impressive ray tracing lighting and reflections.

However, if you’re perfectly happy with how your current PS5 runs games, you can probably hold off. While the visual and performance bumps are nice to have, they aren’t absolutely necessary for having a great time with fantastic games. That high price point makes it a tougher sell for more casual players just looking to jump in and play.

So, this Pro model absolutely nails its goals. It just comes with significant sticker shock, meaning its appeal is naturally focused on a specific group of dedicated players.

FAQs

How much storage does a PS5 Pro have?

How much storage does a PS5 Pro have is a common question with a straightforward answer. The console includes a 2TB SSD, which provides approximately 1.89TB of usable space. This is significantly more than the original PS5’s ~667GB of usable storage.

What’s the difference between PS5 and PS5 Pro?

The PS5 vs PS5 Pro specs show several key differences. The Pro offers a more powerful GPU, AI upscaling technology, enhanced ray tracing, double the storage, and Wi-Fi 7 support. However, it lacks a disc drive and costs $200 more.

Is the PS5 Pro worth the price?

Whether the PS5 Pro justifies its cost depends on your priorities. Graphics enthusiasts and serious gamers will appreciate the improvements. Casual players might find better value in the standard PS5 or PS5 Slim. The high price makes it a luxury purchase rather than a necessity.