When the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched in November 2020, it made a strong case for its price. Not only was it a new console, but its launch titles showcased impressive graphics and performance that highlighted the PS5’s capabilities. From thrilling experiences like Spider-Man: Miles Morales to visually stunning games like Demon’s Souls, the PS5 felt like a true next-gen console. Fast forward to 2024, and Sony has introduced a mid-cycle upgrade, the PS5 Pro. However, the question remains: does the PS5 Pro justify its premium price?
A New Console Experience, But Is It Enough?
Back in 2020, games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon’s Souls were proof that the PS5 offered a significant improvement over its predecessors. The games had faster loading times, more detailed visuals, and smoother performance. Sony proved that the PS5 was worth the investment. The PS5 Pro, on the other hand, is targeted at a smaller, more specific audience: those who already own a PS5 and are looking for better visuals and performance. But without exclusive games that fully utilize the Pro’s capabilities, the enhancements it offers may feel minimal to the average gamer.
What’s New in the PS5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro boasts a more powerful graphics processing unit (GPU), improved ray tracing, and AI-driven upscaling, a technology similar to PC gaming’s DLSS. This should theoretically lead to sharper images and better lighting in games. Physically, the PS5 Pro resembles the PS5 Slim, with a smaller footprint, matte finish, and a digital-only setup—meaning there’s no disc drive. For those who own a library of physical games or Blu-ray movies, this could be a drawback, as it requires an additional purchase to play physical media.
The PS5 Pro also has enhanced ventilation and cooling due to increased processing demands, helping the console run more smoothly. While these upgrades sound impressive, they are mostly cosmetic and subtle, often requiring close inspection to notice any real differences in graphics quality.
Testing the PS5 Pro’s Capabilities
To evaluate the PS5 Pro’s capabilities, I tested it with a few games, including Demon’s Souls, Alan Wake 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. While each game did show subtle improvements in graphics, many of these changes were difficult to notice without a direct side-by-side comparison.
For example, in Demon’s Souls, the new PS5 Pro mode allows players to experience the high frame rates of performance mode with the visual fidelity of cinematic mode. Details like fog effects, fire effects, and lighting looked slightly sharper and more realistic. However, these differences were minimal and mostly went unnoticed during regular gameplay. Only by toggling between modes was I able to see any visual improvements.
Similarly, in Alan Wake 2, the enhanced ray tracing added a layer of realism to the game’s lighting, enhancing the atmosphere. However, it comes at the cost of frame rate, with quality mode running at 30 frames per second. This might be less ideal for gamers who prefer smoother performance.
The PS5 Pro also introduces a new Fidelity Pro mode in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which lets players customize visual effects like lighting, reflections, and shadow quality. While these tweaks make the game look amazing, they don’t drastically change the overall gameplay experience. Unless you’re looking at each graphical detail up close, the differences aren’t very pronounced.
A Subtle but Unessential Upgrade
Most gamers won’t notice these small visual upgrades in a fast-paced game where players are focused on gameplay rather than inspecting tiny details. For instance, in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Fidelity Pro mode provides stunning visuals, but the improvements in the game’s look aren’t significant enough to justify upgrading to the PS5 Pro. While the console does deliver slightly better performance and graphics, the differences don’t feel as revolutionary as they did when upgrading from the PS4 to the original PS5.
In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the PS5 Pro has a new “Versatility” mode that provides a balance of high resolution and steady 60 frames per second. This mode offers a noticeable improvement over the standard PS5 version by maintaining smooth gameplay with fewer visual compromises. However, for most games, the added performance benefits are subtle and won’t dramatically change your gaming experience.
How Does the PS5 Pro Handle Backward-Compatible PS4 Games?
The PS5 Pro also offers some performance boosts for PS4 games. Games like Bloodborne and Ghost of Tsushima load slightly faster on the PS5 Pro, and visuals look a little sharper due to AI upscaling. However, the improvements are very minimal, especially if you’re used to playing these games on a PS5. The load times are only a few seconds shorter, and the visual differences are barely noticeable.
For those hoping that the PS5 Pro would dramatically improve PS4 games, the enhancements might feel underwhelming. Without patches from the developers, the majority of PS4 games don’t benefit significantly from the PS5 Pro’s increased power.
The Verdict: Is the PS5 Pro Worth It?
While the PS5 Pro does deliver on some of its promises, the improvements are subtle. For casual gamers or those who are happy with the performance of their current PS5, the PS5 Pro may not offer enough value to justify the extra cost. There are no new exclusive games that demonstrate the Pro’s potential, and the upgrades it offers feel incremental rather than transformative.
For hardcore gamers who want to experience games in the highest quality possible, or who prefer to have the latest technology, the PS5 Pro might be worth considering. However, for the average person, these differences might not be enough to justify the $700 price tag. A high-end gaming PC may still offer better performance and value for the money.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider Buying the PS5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro is a premium upgrade for those who want the latest tech and don’t mind paying extra for slightly better graphics and smoother gameplay. However, it’s not an essential purchase for most people. If you already own a PS5, the improvements in the Pro may not feel significant enough to warrant an upgrade. The base PS5 is still an excellent console that delivers impressive graphics and performance, and it should satisfy most gamers’ needs.
If you’re looking to invest in a new gaming console, the standard PS5 offers a solid value for its price. The PS5 Pro might be more appealing in the future if more games are designed to take full advantage of its capabilities. For now, though, it’s best for gamers who simply want the latest hardware and don’t mind the price.
In conclusion, the PS5 Pro is a powerful console that delivers improved visuals and performance, but it doesn’t offer a significant leap over the standard PS5. For most gamers, the standard PS5 remains the best choice, providing excellent value for a reasonable price. The PS5 Pro is a luxury, not a necessity, and should be considered only by those who prioritize the latest tech over practicality.