Mid-generation console upgrades are nothing new in gaming history. From the pre-crash Atari 2600 to nearly every Nintendo console, manufacturers have found ways to extend console lifespans by adding features or redesigning hardware. Sony’s introduction of consoles that run existing games with enhanced performance, such as the PlayStation 4 Pro and Microsoft’s Xbox One X, set the stage for a new era. Now, the PlayStation 5 Pro aims to redefine this approach, offering gamers a significant upgrade in graphics and performance. But is this high-powered flagship console a must-have for next-gen gamers?
The PlayStation 5 Pro package comes with the standard components Sony includes with all its consoles. For an in-depth look at what’s included and our first impressions, check out our unboxing article here. A notable addition I’m eager to purchase this weekend is the external disc drive, which will allow me to enjoy titles like Prince of Persia from my collection without re-purchasing digital versions. Unfortunately, the PS5 Pro’s horizontal stand solution still leaves much to be desired. Its stability is a real drawback, and it would benefit greatly from either a third-party stand or the disc drive attachment for added balance. For many setups, Sony’s vertical stand might suffice, but in my case, my console rests just below a wall-mounted TV, leaving no space for an upright position.
PS5 Pro owners won’t find a special menu for tweaking game visuals. Instead, Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) enhancement runs continuously in the background. Without a side-by-side comparison of PS5 Pro Enhanced titles or a base PS5, the difference in visual quality might not be immediately apparent. In titles like The Last of Us, which features a Quality Mode capped at 30 FPS, the PS5 Pro delivers a noticeable boost, with smoother gameplay at higher frame rates.
From my experience, Quality Mode on PS5 felt sluggish at critical moments, but on the PS5 Pro, the same mode pushes closer to a seamless 60FPS. This fluidity carries over into Performance Mode, making gameplay feel far more responsive. Straight out of the box, for any player firing up a PS5 Pro Enhanced title, Sony’s enhancements deliver a tangible impact. Additionally, there’s an option for 8K Output under the Screen and Video settings, though I don’t have an 8K display available—perhaps Sony’s future InZone monitors will align with this capability.
The PS5 Pro also offers an enhancement toggle for PS4 games, though this feature is disabled when connected to a Full HD display. When connected to a display that supports 1440p or 2160p, PS5 Pro upscales PS4 games, refining textures and smoothing out jagged edges. When I tested Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, the anti-aliasing applied to characters and the environment made a noticeable improvement. However, I did spot some minor visual artifacts in certain idle animations, where image warping occurred, but this was subtle and only noticeable with close inspection.
As mentioned in my unboxing, the PlayStation 5 Pro feels optimized for use with the optional disc drive or the vertical stand. The white stand components provide a quick way to position the console horizontally, though it tends to wobble, affecting both stability and aesthetics. Investing in Sony’s vertical stand or the disc drive, which allows you to play your physical game collection, might be worthwhile, though these additions push the overall cost to a point comparable to two PS5 Slim units.
Fully understanding the PlayStation 5 Pro’s mid-generation advancements may take time. With close to 100 PS5 Pro Enhanced titles, Sony has demonstrated a solid commitment to making the $699 console a worthwhile upgrade. Over the next year, we’ll see how developers leverage the PS5 Pro’s unique features and PSSR technology. For many gamers, the PS5 Pro’s premium price may be daunting or add fuel to the console wars debate. But if you’ve invested $600+ in a GPU to boost Cyberpunk 2077’s FPS, you’ll recognize the value Sony brings to the PS5 Pro.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 7th November 2024