Although mid-generation console updates are becoming more common, PlayStation 5 Pro deviates from the norm in some significant ways. Typically, the Xbox One X or PS4 Pro focuses on improving hardware performance in an effort to outpace current consoles. More RAM, a better CPU, and a better GPU usually result in increased graphics output at the expense of pure power. For the PS5 Pro, however, Sony is doing just as much on the software side as it is on the hardware side, and for that reason the leap feels bigger.
PlayStation 5 Pro design and features
For the most part, Sony has kept the aesthetics of the PlayStation 5 the same as the Pro model. It's a bit slimmer because the console doesn't come with a disk drive, and the console's white lid has black fin-like grooves on the sides for extra cooling and a bit of extra style.
The PS5 Pro will lie on its side with the included clear plastic stands, or you can purchase the vertical stand separately. It's a shame that a vertical stand isn't included in the retail package, as many are probably used to that orientation for the base model PS5. However, even without the stand, you can orient the PlayStation 5 Pro vertically, and if you don't tend to bump into it or have a large animal, you should be fine.
Sony replaced the USB-A port on the front of the PS5 Pro with a USB-C port, so there are now two USB-C ports facing outwards, directly above the power button. On the back are two USB-A ports for those who may still need them for PS5 accessories like the Pulse Elite headset. The PS5 Pro does come with an HDMI 2.1 cable and a USB-C to USB-C cable, as well as a power cable, so you should be ready to play right out of the box.
What's in the PS5 Pro retail box:
- PlayStation 5 Pro console
- 1 DualSense controller
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- HDMI 2.1 cable
- Power cable
- 2 clear plastic stands for horizontal orientation
Under the hood of the PlayStation 5 Pro is more powerful hardware and increased memory. The GPU is now up to 16.7 teraflops of processing power, there's an extra 2GB of RAM (though it's DDR5, not DDR6) and, crucially, the hard drive is 2TB. Game file sizes are getting bigger and bigger, especially in titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6additional storage space cannot be underestimated.
PSSR is the PS5 Pro's secret weapon
Overall, the specs may not be as significant as fans had hoped, but as mentioned, the biggest difference in the console is its advanced software. Sony's upscaler program, dubbed PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), helps the PlayStation 5 Pro establish itself as the most powerful console on the market.
While the decision is up to the developer, some PS5 Pro Enhanced games offer gamers two options. Similar to the current generation of consoles, there is an option to prioritize performance for higher frame rates at the expense of resolution, or prioritize accuracy for a lower frame rate experience. However, with PSSR, the baseline for precision or performance modes is much higher. For example, performance mode can run at 1440p and deliver frame rates higher than the usual 60fps, or fidelity mode can deliver true 4K resolution and only drop to 50fps, or 30 at worst.
Ultimately, personal preference will determine which mode PS5 Pro owners choose, but the downsides to each mode are far fewer in this model. Performance mode no longer looks muddy, blurry or washed out, and Precision mode still feels smooth in comparison. And for some games, there's just an enhanced PS5 Pro mode that gives you a bit of column A and a bit of column B. The framerate is higher and the resolution is higher, thanks to PSSR.
It's also worth noting that Sony included a switch that aims to improve any PS5 game, enhanced or not, but I didn't notice any improvements with the switch on. If you looked at the two presentations side-by-side, you'd think the edges were a bit sharper, but it was never quite at the level of enhanced games.
The list of PlayStation 5 Pro Enhanced games is only going to grow, but right now it contains a solid set of top games from the last few years. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth looks sharper and works better Resident Evil 4 Remake is even more gorgeous and offers a higher frame rate, Star blade can eclipse 60fps in any mode, and the masters at Insomniac Games have done just that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 even better if you can turn on some ray tracing features and still aim for a higher frame rate than the base PS5. Yes, the final versions of these games for PC will aim to max out at 4K settings of 120fps – especially with Nvidia's 50 series GPUs – but these are still some beautiful presentations with good performance.
The big question with the PlayStation 5 Pro is whether or not it's worth the $700+ price tag, and right now, without any major PS exclusives to “sell” the console, that answer becomes hazy. If you haven't been following the latest releases and want to experience similar games Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Star blade, God of War Ragnarokand Marvel's Spider-Man 2 in the best possible way, then the PS5 Pro is worth the investment. Likewise, if you want the best console on the market, regardless of price, this is it.
However, if you have a high-end gaming PC and have already played through most of these games, it's less appealing. As someone who tries to keep up with the latest games, I spent more time downloading games, checking their PS5 Pro graphics settings, and uninstalling them than actually playing the games. I'm not one to retry games because just keeping up with the current releases is really hard. That being said, I'm happy to have a PlayStation 5 Pro to prepare for future console-only games or ones where the PC port isn't perfect (read: Unreal Engine stuttering). I am certainly in a unique position and everyone will be different.
PlayStation 5 Pro review: Final thoughts
Mid-generation consoles are difficult to consider for many reasons. They tend to cost more; the current generation is not going anywhere, so you will not be deprived of access to platform exclusives; and there is always the next generation that makes investing a risk. If you already own a PS5 and haven't experienced the Pro console yet, that's unlikely to change until the PlayStation 6.
That being said, PSSR is a new technology for Sony, and if it's anything like DLSS, the performance will only get better. Even now, however, PSSR is very impressive, and what it can do for current-gen games (that support it) will give PlayStation the edge when it comes to offering the best console.