PlayStation 5 Pro Review: Is It the Ultimate Gaming Console for Hardcore Gamers or Just Hype?

PlayStation 5 Pro review 2024

Introduction

The PlayStation 5 Pro Review is finally here, and it promises to deliver an upgraded gaming experience that’s truly next level. But is this powerful console all it’s cracked up to be, or is it just an expensive upgrade for hardcore fans? Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player, the PlayStation 5 Pro Review highlights enhanced features and performance that will grab your attention.

PlayStation 5 Pro Review

Brief Overview of the PlayStation 5 Pro Review

Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro Review unveils the latest iteration of the PS5, designed to push gaming to new heights with upgraded hardware and cutting-edge technology. With a more powerful GPU, enhanced ray tracing, faster load times, and greater storage, the PS5 Pro Review targets enthusiasts seeking the ultimate gaming experience. But is it worth the investment over the standard PS5?

Purpose of the PlayStation 5 Pro Review

In this PlayStation 5 Pro Review, we’re diving into everything you need to know about Sony’s next-generation powerhouse. From its sleek new design to the major hardware upgrades, we’ll cover all the exciting changes that make the PS5 Pro stand out from the original model. Expect an in-depth look at how the Pro improves performance, boosts graphics, and enhances gameplay with faster load times and smoother frame rates.

We’ll also highlight the new features that make the PlayStation 5 Pro such a compelling upgrade, and help you decide whether making the switch from the original PS5 is really worth it. Is the extra investment justified? In this PlayStation 5 Pro Review, we’ll weigh the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision based on your gaming needs. Whether you’re looking for next-level performance, cutting-edge graphics, or just a smoother overall experience, this review will give you the full picture.


Design & Build Quality

Physical Appearance

At first glance, the PS5 Pro looks strikingly similar to the standard PS5. It maintains that iconic sleek, white-and-black design, but there are some subtle differences. The PS5 Pro is slightly larger, with a taller and bulkier build, a necessary trade-off to house the more powerful hardware and enhanced cooling system. The centerline strip running down the front and back of the console is now black and slightly more pronounced, adding a premium touch. If you’re familiar with the original PS5’s oversized design, the Pro will feel familiar, though it’s certainly not compact.

PlayStation 5 Pro Review
Image Credit: CNET

Build Quality:

The PS5 Pro feels solid and sturdy, made from the same premium materials as the base PS5. It has a robust feel in the hands, with a slightly higher weight (around 3.1kg) compared to the PS5’s 4.5kg. The finish is clean and glossy, which gives it an elegant look, though it still collects fingerprints, so be prepared for some regular cleaning. The glossy finish may attract fingerprints, but it enhances the premium feel of the console, as highlighted in this PlayStation 5 Pro Review.

Cooling System:

One of the standout features of this PlayStation 5 Pro Review is its enhanced cooling system. The upgraded dual-fan setup helps keep temperatures low, even during intense gaming. The system stays quieter than previous PlayStation models under load, which makes the PS5 Pro ideal for long hours of uninterrupted gaming. With quieter operation and better heat management, the PS5 Pro stays well within the ideal temperature range, a critical feature of this PlayStation 5 Pro Review.


Video Credit: Sony

Performance & Power

Hardware Specifications

In this PlayStation 5 Pro Review, we highlight the serious performance upgrades made in the PS5 Pro. The core components have been significantly improved:

  • CPU: Custom-designed AMD Zen 3 processor now clocked higher for improved processing power.
  • GPU: A 16.7 TFLOP GPU, offering a huge performance leap over the base PS5’s 10.3 TFLOP.
  • RAM: 16GB GDDR6, just like the original PS5, but the bandwidth is higher, enabling faster data transfer.
  • Storage: A 2TB SSD, doubling the base PS5’s 1TB storage, allowing for more games and faster load times.

With these improvements, the PlayStation 5 Pro Review emphasizes that the PS5 Pro can handle even the most demanding titles at higher resolutions, better frame rates, and more detailed environments

Resolution & Frame Rate

This PlayStation 5 Pro Review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the console’s ability to handle 4K gaming with ease. With ray tracing enabled, most games run at 60fps or higher, offering a smooth experience. Performance-focused gamers will appreciate the Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate, giving up to 120fps in compatible titles. It also supports upscaled 8K output, though this feature remains limited to a handful of games.PS5 titles, however, enjoy better frame rates and visual enhancements, which are key highlights of this PlayStation 5 Pro Review.

Load Times

Thanks to the 2TB NVMe SSD, load times are incredibly fast. Opening massive open-world games like Spider-Man 2 or Horizon Forbidden West is quicker than ever, cutting down on wait times and making for a seamless experience. Expect your games to load almost instantaneously—even large titles that took a while on the standard PS5 now feel virtually instant.

Graphics:

When it comes to graphics, the PS5 Pro is a true powerhouse. Games are not only crisper with enhanced ray tracing but also look more lifelike. Dynamic lighting, reflections, and shadows are far more refined, especially in titles optimized for the Pro. Whether you’re playing a high-octane action game or an atmospheric RPG, the PS5 Pro delivers a visually stunning experience.


Gameplay Experience

Backward Compatibility

In this PlayStation 5 Pro Review, it’s worth mentioning that the PS5 Pro is fully backward compatible with both PS4 and PS5 games. While PS4 titles won’t benefit from the Pro’s new hardware, they still run more smoothly thanks to the enhanced power. PS5 games, on the other hand, enjoy boosted frame rates and resolution.

Exclusive Titles:

For exclusive games like Spider-Man 2 and Horizon Forbidden West, the PS5 Pro delivers significant upgrades:

  • Spider-Man 2 runs at 60fps with better ray tracing and visual enhancements in Performance Pro mode, or you can choose Fidelity Pro mode for 4K at 30fps with enhanced visuals.
  • Horizon Forbidden West benefits from higher frame rates and better draw distances. If you’ve played it on the original PS5, you’ll be blown away by the difference the Pro offers.

PS VR2 Support

For those into virtual reality, the PlayStation 5 Pro Review shows that the PS5 Pro offers significantly improved performance for PS VR2 games. Expect smoother gameplay, enhanced visuals, and better frame rates, making the PS5 Pro a must-have for VR enthusiasts.

Dual Sense Controller

This PlayStation 5 Pro Review would be incomplete without mentioning the upgraded Dual Sense controller. With the enhanced power of the PS5 Pro, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers feel even more responsive, offering an immersive gameplay experience in games like Gran Turismo 7 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.


Video Credit: IGN

Confirmed PS5 Pro updated games

Although this list is sure to grow, here are the games Sony has confirmed so far:

  • Alan Wake 2
  • Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
  • Demon’s Souls
  • Dragon’s Dogma 2
  • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
  • Gran Turismo 7
  • Hogwarts Legacy
  • Horizon Forbidden West
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
  • The Crew Motorfest
  • The First Descendant
  • The Last of Us Part I
  • The Last of Us Part II Remastered
  • Until Dawn

New Features & Innovations

Advanced Features:

The PS5 Pro takes ray tracing to the next level with PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), a proprietary AI-driven upscaling technology. This helps deliver near-native 4K visuals without the performance hit. In addition, higher refresh rates allow for smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced titles.

Storage

With a 2TB SSD, the PS5 Pro offers a significant boost in storage over the original PS5, making it easier to store multiple games without constantly deleting and reinstalling. Plus, the Pro’s SSD is still lightning-fast, ensuring minimal load times.

Exclusive Software

The PS5 Pro introduces new performance modes that allow you to balance between frame rate and visual fidelity, giving players more flexibility in how they want to play. These modes help you get the most out of the Pro’s enhanced power.

Price & Value

Price Comparison

At a $700 price point, the PS5 Pro is significantly more expensive than the base PS5, which typically costs around $500. That extra $200 buys you upgraded hardware, more storage, and the promise of smoother, better-looking games. However, the PS5 Pro is primarily aimed at enthusiasts and hardcore gamers who crave the best performance.

Long-Term Investment

For those who want to be ready for the future of gaming, the PS5 Pro offers a future-proof investment. As games get more demanding, the PS5 Pro will continue to provide the necessary power to keep up, making it a solid choice for gamers looking to enjoy titles at their absolute best.


Final Verdict

Summary of Pros

  • Superior performance: With higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and smoother gameplay, as highlighted in this PlayStation 5 Pro Review.
  • Impressive graphics: 4K visuals with stunning lighting, textures, and reflections.
  • Faster load times: The 2TB SSD makes load times practically instantaneous, a key takeaway from the PlayStation 5 Pro Review.
  • Improved VR performance: Greatly enhanced PS VR2 support.

Summary of Cons

  • Higher price: At $700, it’s an investment, especially for those already owning a PS5.
  • Larger size: Slightly bulkier than the base PS5, which could be a concern for space-conscious gamers.
  • No revolutionary gameplay changes: It improves performance and visuals but doesn’t drastically alter gameplay mechanics.

Who Should Buy It?

  • Hardcore gamers and enthusiasts who demand the best performance and visuals.
  • Gamers looking for future-proofing and high-end performance for upcoming titles.
  • PS VR2 enthusiasts will benefit from the enhanced VR capabilities.

Rating: 9/10

The PlayStation 5 Pro Review concludes that the PS5 Pro is an exceptional gaming console that offers cutting-edge performance, graphics, and an overall fantastic gaming experience. While it’s pricier than the base PS5, it’s well worth it for those seeking the ultimate console.


PS5 Pro vs PS5: Full Tech Specs Comparison

Below, you’ll find a full tech specs comparison of the PS5 Pro vs. PS5, with each component compared and contrasted. Here are the complete tech specs for both the PS5 Pro and PS5 in a table.”

Specs
PS5
PS5 Pro
CPUAMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8 cores, 16 threads, 3.5GHz)AMD Ryzen Zen 2 (8 cores, 16 threads, 3.5GHz)
GPUAMD Radeon RDNA 2 (10.28 teraflops, ray tracing acceleration)Unknown
RAM16GB GDDR6 at 448GB/s16GB GDDR6 at 448GB/s
Storage
825GB SSD (5.5GB/s read)

2TB SSD (5.5GB/s read)
Output4K 120Hz, HDMI 2.14K 120Hz, HDMI 2.1, 8K
WiFi
WiFi 6
WiFi 7
DimensionsH: 9.6cm | W: 35.8cmH: 10.4cm | W: 35.8cm
Price$499.99 / £479.99$699.99 / £699.99
AI UpscalingN/APSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling)
External StorageUSB HDD SupportUSB HDD Support
Expandable Storage
NVMe SSD Slot
NVMe SSD Slot
Optical DriveStandard Edition: 4K UHD Blu-ray Drive
Slim: None — detachable disc drives available separately
None — Detachable disc drive bought separately
Power Output350W390W
Weight
4.5kg

3.1kg

FQA Section

What games run best on the PS5 Pro?

Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West, Alan Wake 2, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered are some of the best examples of PS5 Pro-optimized titles.

Is the PS5 Pro compatible with PS4 games?

Yes, the PS5 Pro is fully backward compatible with PS4 games. However, they won’t get any specific graphical enhancements unless updated for PS5.

How does the PS5 Pro compare to the Xbox Series X?

Both consoles are powerful, but the PS5 Pro’s ray tracing and AI upscaling give it an edge in visual fidelity, while the Xbox Series X has a slight lead in raw power.

Will there be a PlayStation 5 Pro 2?

Sony has not confirmed a PS5 Pro 2, but a potential update every few years is a typical pattern for PlayStation consoles.

Is the PS5 Pro worth upgrading from the original PS5?

If you’re looking for superior graphics, higher frame rates, and futureproofing, then yes, the PS5 Pro is definitely worth the upgrade.

Will the PS5 Pro support 8K?

It wasn’t long ago that Sony seemingly began to remove the ‘8K’ logo from the packaging of the PS5, a spec that always felt a bit of a reach. However, in the official PlayStation Blog announcing the PS5 Pro, Sony claims that the console will support 8K gaming.”


Conclusion

In conclusion, the PlayStation 5 Pro Review confirms that the PS5 Pro is a powerful next-gen console that offers a top-tier gaming experience, from stunning graphics to fast load times and solid VR support. Whether you’re upgrading from the original PS5 or investing in the next evolution of gaming, the PS5 Pro delivers a premium experience that’s hard to beat.

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By basilwe

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