The PS5 Pro is Sony’s most ambitious mid-generation upgrade to date. Released in November 2024, it expands on everything the PlayStation 5 already offered while adding more raw power, bigger storage, and features aimed at future-proofing gaming. But beyond the headlines, what exactly does the PS5 Pro bring to the table? Let’s break down its key improvements, benefits, and whether it truly earns its “Pro” name.
What is the PS5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro is not a completely new generation, but a stronger version of the PS5. Sony introduced it as a mid-cycle refresh, following the tradition set with the PS4 Pro. Its focus is simple: deliver better visuals, faster performance, and more storage while keeping compatibility with the existing PlayStation ecosystem. For gamers who demand the best possible experience, the PS5 Pro is positioned as the ultimate console.
Power Under the Hood
One of the PS5 Pro’s biggest selling points is its upgraded GPU. Sony claims it is up to 45% faster than the standard PS5, thanks to more compute units and faster memory. This boost translates into smoother performance, especially in graphically demanding titles. The Pro also delivers improved ray tracing, with two to three times faster results, making lighting and reflections far more realistic.
Another standout feature is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). This is Sony’s answer to advanced upscaling technologies. It uses AI to sharpen visuals in real time, allowing games to run at higher frame rates without sacrificing clarity. Combined with the GPU upgrade, it creates a noticeable difference in both fidelity and fluidity.
Storage and Speed
Storage has always been a pain point for PS5 players. With modern games often exceeding 100GB, the original console’s 825GB SSD felt restrictive. The PS5 Pro addresses this by offering a massive 2TB SSD out of the box. This means players can install more titles without juggling downloads.
Speed is another important factor. The PS5 Pro’s solid-state drive continues to deliver near-instant load times. Levels, fast travel, and restarts feel seamless. For those who still want more space, the M.2 slot remains for expansions, just like the base PS5.
Connectivity and Design
In terms of connectivity, the PS5 Pro embraces the future with Wi-Fi 7 support. While most homes still run on Wi-Fi 5 or 6, this makes the console ready for faster internet speeds and lower latency. Multiplayer sessions and large downloads will only benefit as infrastructure catches up.
The design itself is slightly slimmer and sleeker compared to the launch PS5, though it remains unmistakably a PlayStation. A notable change is the inclusion of an extra USB-C port at the back, replacing one of the older USB-A slots. The console also supports 8K output, ensuring it won’t feel outdated as displays continue to evolve.
Gaming Experience
The real test of any console is the experience it delivers in games. On the PS5 Pro, several flagship titles already showcase what the hardware can do. Games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Alan Wake 2 run smoother, sharper, and more consistently at high frame rates.
Sony has also introduced new Pro modes in supported games. Players can often choose between a “Performance Pro” mode, emphasizing frame rates, and a “Fidelity Pro” mode, maximizing visual quality. This flexibility lets gamers tailor the experience based on preference.
Backward compatibility is another highlight. Over 8,500 PS4 and PS5 games run on the PS5 Pro, many with automatic boosts in frame rate and resolution. For players with large libraries, this is an immediate benefit.
Benefits of Upgrading
The PS5 Pro delivers several tangible benefits. The most obvious is the visual upgrade. With ray tracing improvements, AI upscaling, and stronger hardware, games look more lifelike than ever. Pair it with a high-refresh-rate 4K display, and the difference is striking.
The 2TB storage is another clear win. No more uninstalling favorites just to make room for new releases. For digital-first players, this is especially valuable.
Connectivity improvements, like Wi-Fi 7, ensure that online play and downloads feel smoother. Combined with 8K readiness, the PS5 Pro feels like a console designed for the long haul.
The Drawbacks
Of course, no upgrade comes without its downsides. The most obvious is price. At launch, the PS5 Pro cost $699 / £699 / €799, making it significantly more expensive than the PS5 Slim. For players who already own a PS5, this price jump may feel steep.
Another criticism is that while the upgrades are noticeable, they are not revolutionary. Casual players may not see a dramatic difference compared to the standard PS5, especially on smaller or older displays. For some, the improvements feel more like refinements than game changers.
Additionally, the console is all-digital by default. Those who prefer physical discs must purchase a separate drive, adding to the cost. Even the vertical stand is sold separately, which many saw as an unnecessary extra expense.
Who Should Buy the PS5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro is best suited for hardcore gamers who demand the best visuals and smoothest performance. If you already own a 4K TV with high refresh rates, the benefits are far more apparent. It’s also a strong choice for players buying their first PlayStation in 2025 and beyond, since it combines power and storage in one package.
However, for casual players, the standard PS5 or PS5 Slim may still be the better option. They deliver excellent gaming experiences at a lower price, and for many, that is more than enough.
Final Verdict
The PS5 Pro is the most powerful console Sony has ever built. Its upgraded GPU, massive storage, AI-driven upscaling, and forward-looking connectivity make it an impressive machine. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it offers a gaming experience that feels refined, fluid, and future-proof.
At the same time, its steep price and incremental nature mean it isn’t a must-have for everyone. If you already own a PS5 and are satisfied with it, you may not feel the urge to upgrade. But if you want the sharpest graphics, fastest performance, and room for a growing library, the PS5 Pro delivers exactly that.
FAQs
When was the PS5 Pro released?
Sony launched the PS5 Pro worldwide on November 7, 2024, as a mid-generation upgrade to the PlayStation 5.
How much does the PS5 Pro cost?
The launch price was $699 / £699 / €799, with the disc drive sold separately at an additional cost.
Is the PS5 Pro backwards compatible?
Yes, it supports over 8,500 PS4 and PS5 games, many of which benefit from Game Boost for smoother performance.
What makes the PS5 Pro different from the PS5 Slim?
The Pro offers a faster GPU, 2TB storage, Wi-Fi 7, and enhanced visuals, while the Slim is smaller and more affordable.
Do you need an 8K TV for the PS5 Pro?
No, the console works perfectly with 4K displays, but it includes 8K support to stay ready for future TVs.
