The PlayStation 5 Pro Review is here. We got exclusive hands-on access at Sony’s headquarters. Launching in November, the PlayStation 5 Pro is set to deliver a superior gaming experience with enhanced power, graphics, and smoother gameplay. If you’re considering upgrading to this next-gen console, here’s everything you need to know.
PlayStation 5 Pro Review: The Evolution of Gaming
Four years after the PlayStation 5’s release, Sony introduces the PlayStation 5 Pro for $699. Priced at $699, this mid-generation upgrade offers a significant boost without drastically raising the price tag. Sony has done this before with the PlayStation 4 Pro, which followed three years after the PS4. The PS5 Pro, similarly, comes four years after the original PS5.
While the hardware has improved, one pleasant surprise is that the PlayStation 5 Pro is slightly smaller than the original PS5. This is a notable shift, as the PlayStation 4 Pro was larger than the original PS4.
Key Features in the PlayStation 5 Pro
- No Built-in Optical Drive: You’ll need to purchase one separately or use the existing drive from the PS5 Slim.
- Wi-Fi 7 & Storage: The Pro now supports Wi-Fi 7 and offers 2TB of storage, perfect for modern games.
- Powerful GPU: With a 67% increase in GPU power, it focuses on ray tracing and graphical fidelity.
- PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR): This AI-based technology improves 4K resolution, delivering smoother and more immersive gameplay.
We have reviewed the technicalities of the PlayStation 5 Pro in our PlayStation 5 Pro Technical Review article.
PlayStation 5 Pro Review: Pro Mode Explained
Previously, PS5 games gave players two options: 1080p at 60fps or 4K at 30fps. Now, PlayStation 5 Pro comes with a Pro Mode as its key feature. This feature offers 4K at 60fps gameplay, giving gamers the smooth, high-definition experience they’ve been craving. For those with more specific needs, the PlayStation 5 Pro also supports 8K gaming and 120fps modes. However, these options will be game-dependent and not universally available across all titles.
Exclusive Insights from PlayStation Architects
During our hands-on session, we spoke with Mark Cerny, lead systems architect for PlayStation. We also spoke with Hiaki Ninosan, CEO of Platform for Sony Interactive Entertainment. They shared their thoughts on how the PlayStation 5 Pro is pushing the boundaries of console gaming. The PS5 Pro integrates some technologies that are still ahead of their time, even by PC gaming standards.
Sony is focusing on ray tracing technology developed in partnership with AMD. This partnership offers advanced graphical features that aren’t yet available in most consumer-grade GPUs. As gaming continues to evolve across platforms, you can expect cross-platform games to leverage these graphical advancements.
The PS5 Pro’s Game Compatibility
At launch, around 50 games will offer upgrades specifically for the PlayStation 5 Pro. These upgrades will typically involve the new Pro Mode that ensures 4K resolution at 60fps, but some titles may also see enhancements in their environments, adding more characters, effects, and dynamic elements.
Here’s a brief list of titles that stand to benefit from the PlayStation 5 Pro:
- Horizon Forbidden West: Played in 4K at 60fps, the game delivers stunning landscapes and smooth gameplay.
- Gran Turismo 7: Features an 8K mode along with ray tracing, making car reflections and lighting feel more lifelike.
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: A game that shines on the PS5 Pro, with faster load times and enhanced performance in action-packed scenes.
Hands-On Impressions: Gaming on the PlayStation 5 Pro
During our demo, we had the chance to test the PlayStation 5 Pro on both smaller monitors and a large 80-inch screen. The difference in graphical detail and smoothness was immediately noticeable, especially when switching between the original PS5 and the PS5 Pro.
- Horizon Forbidden West: On the PS5, the game runs at 4K 30fps, which still looks fantastic. However, playing it on the PS5 Pro at 4K 60fps felt significantly smoother and crisper. Going back to the 30fps mode was noticeably harder after experiencing the Pro’s buttery-smooth performance.
- Gran Turismo 7: With ray tracing turned on, reflections of the cars on track looked incredibly realistic, making for a much more immersive racing experience.
While we couldn’t capture gameplay footage during the demo, the visual improvements speak for themselves. The PlayStation 5 Pro is clearly designed to make high-fidelity gaming more accessible without compromising on frame rates or responsiveness.
Is the PlayStation 5 Pro Worth the Upgrade?
Whether or not you should upgrade to the PlayStation 5 Pro depends on your gaming needs. If you already own a PS5, the Pro isn’t a mandatory upgrade unless you’re eager for 4K 60fps gaming across the board. However, for gamers who want the most out of their big-screen TVs or are craving the latest tech in ray tracing, the PS5 Pro is a worthy investment.
The console represents a future-forward step in console gaming, providing power and performance typically found in high-end gaming PCs. With the PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony is not only catering to Fidelity-focused gamers but also ensuring the best possible performance for those who prioritize smooth gameplay.
Get Involved: Write for Us PlayStation 5 Pro
Do you have your own thoughts on the PlayStation 5 Pro or other gaming tech? At Wozzers.co.uk, we are looking for tech enthusiasts to contribute to our blog through our “Write for Us PlayStation 5 Pro” initiative. Whether you’re passionate about the latest in gaming consoles or other emerging technologies, we’d love to hear from you.
Join the conversation by writing for us, and share your insights with a wider audience. For more details on how to submit your guest post, visit Wozzers.co.uk and become part of the growing tech community today!
The PlayStation 5 Pro releases on November 7th, and it’s set to redefine what we expect from next-gen gaming. Whether or not you decide to upgrade, the console’s launch marks an exciting moment in the evolution of gaming technology. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore its capabilities!
