PS5 Pro review: worth the upgrade?

PS5 Upgrade
PS5 Upgrade

The PlayStation 5 Pro is the latest console from Sony. It offers improved performance and graphics compared to the original PS5. However, it comes with a higher price tag of $700.

Sony president Hiroki Totoki says the PS5 Pro’s price has not hurt sales.

“Pricing on PS5 Pro has not had a negative impact, I don’t think,” Totoki stated during a recent financial report. Unlike the PS5, which faced supply issues at launch, the PS5 Pro is widely available in stores.

This may suggest less overall demand for the pricier model versus the base PS5. Scalpers who made big profits reselling PS5s are struggling to do the same with the Pro version. Many are having to sell the consoles at a loss on eBay.

While the PS5 Pro console is readily available, its optional external disc drive is in short supply. Originally $80, the drive is being resold for $150-250 due to retailer shortages. In terms of specs, the PS5 Pro boasts a 2TB SSD and a GPU with 16.7 TFLOPs of power.

Improved performance amidst pricing concerns

This is a 67% increase over the base PS5’s 10.3 TFLOPs. The extra power allows for better graphics and smoother frame rates in games.

However, the console lacks some conveniences. It does not include a vertical stand or built-in disc drive. The disc drive must be purchased separately for an added cost.

Games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Horizon Forbidden West take advantage of the PS5 Pro’s capabilities. They offer “Fidelity” and “Performance” modes that balance visuals and frame rate in different ways compared to the original PS5 versions. Overall, the PS5 Pro provides a nice upgrade for graphics enthusiasts who primarily game on consoles.

But its benefits may not justify the cost for more casual players, especially those without a 4K/120Hz TV. Some feel the PS5 Pro highlights how Sony initially rushed the base PS5 to market. The original model saw multiple revisions before the PS5 Pro arrived, smaller and lighter than the launch console.

The PS5 Pro is a powerful machine but is aimed at a minority of the gaming audience. While not a must-have for everyone, it does deliver enhanced performance for those willing to pay a premium.

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