Performance & Specs Compared
The PlayStation 5 Pro made its debut at a technical presentation on September 10, 2024, and hit the shelves on November 7. Packed with numerous upgrades, redesigns, and new features, the PS5 Pro is positioned as the ultimate console for this era.
However, this enhanced version comes with a heftier price tag, costing $250 more than the standard PlayStation model. So, is the PS5 Pro worth the upgrade, or should you stick with the base or slim version of the console?
In the following analysis, we will delve into the performance, specifications, and design enhancements of the new console to help you determine if it’s a worthy purchase.
Performance & Specs Compared
The PS5 Pro boasts a multitude of upgrades over the original PS5, and the difference is noticeable. Primarily, the new console features an enhanced GPU with a 67% increase in compute units. The memory operates 28% faster, resulting in a 45% improvement in game rendering speed for the PS5 Pro.
This significant leap forward is highlighted by the PS5 Pro’s impressive 16.7 TFLOPs compared to the 10.28 TFLOPs of the standard PS5.
Moreover, the Pro model showcases advanced ray tracing capabilities, enabling it to produce more realistic shadows, reflections, and lighting effects. This was exemplified during the Technical Presentation with a demonstration of Gran Turismo 7.
In line with the technological advancements of 2024, the PS5 Pro introduces a new feature called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), enhancing image detail without compromising frame rates.
Another noteworthy improvement is the expanded SSD capacity. While the base PS5 included an 825GB SSD and the Slim version came with a 1TB SSD, the Pro model offers a generous 2TB SSD.
Furthermore, the premium console incorporates the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, a significant upgrade from the older Wi-Fi 6 technology found in the original PS5. This integration aligns perfectly with the recent announcement of Comcast’s DOCSIS 4.0 gateway featuring Wi-Fi 7.
For individuals utilizing remote play features on their mobile devices or the PlayStation Portal for gaming, the PS5 Pro is an ideal companion when paired with any of the Xfinity Internet plans, ensuring seamless gameplay on the go.
Additionally, the Pro console promises a smoother online gaming experience compared to the standard PS5.
Size Changes & Design Improvements
The PS5 Pro’s dimensions measure 15.2 x 3.5 x 8.5 inches or 388 x 89 x 216 mm, placing it in a similar size range as the original PS5, albeit slightly taller than the PS5 Slim. It weighs 6.8 lbs or 3.1 kg, almost identical to the 7.1 lbs or 3.2 kg of the PS5 Slim.
At the front of the console, there is a Type-C USB port supporting 10Gbps speeds, along with a second high-speed Type-C USB port. The rear of the console houses two Type-A USB ports also supporting 10Gbps, in addition to an Ethernet port, Power port, and HDMI port.
While the design of the PS5 Pro closely resembles the Slim version with a shared aesthetic and design language, the Pro model features additional stripes in the central portion of the console. The front design remains consistent with the original PS5.
Users will have the option to swap out the face plates of the console once they become available.
It is important to note that the PS5 Pro is currently available in a digital-only format. Nevertheless, users can separately purchase the vertical stand and disc drive, as they are not included in the box. The disc drive supports playing PS5 and PS4 discs, as well as DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K discs.
Furthermore, storage expansion is possible using an M.2 NVMe SSD or external storage via the USB ports.
Our Verdict on the PS5 Pro
With a price tag of $699.99 for the PS5 Pro, justifying the cost can be challenging, especially when factoring in the additional expenses for the disc drive and vertical stand, priced at $79.99 and $29.99, respectively. This could amount to a total cost exceeding $800 for the complete console package.
Currently, there is a limited selection of games fully optimized to leverage the hardware upgrades of the PS5 Pro. Confirmed titles include Alan Wake 2, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Demon’s Souls, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Gran Turismo 7, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part I, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered.
Although the enhanced fidelity and performance of the Pro model are enticing, most games are tailored to the base PS5 console. If you already own a PlayStation 5, upgrading to the Pro version may not be necessary unless you possess a 120Hz display and seek 4K resolution with consistent frame rates.
For individuals considering a PS5 purchase, we recommend opting for the PS5 Slim version with the disc drive, leaving enough budget for game purchases and the DualSense Edge controller, offering extensive customization capabilities.