PS5 Pro review

PS5 Pro review

As a long-time gaming enthusiast and tech aficionado, I must say that the PS5 Pro has truly captured my attention. Coming from a household where we’ve seen the evolution of gaming consoles, I can confidently assert that this is a significant leap forward.


After being on the market for a few weeks, the PS5 Pro is less of a mystery, but it’s still a topic of discussion. We all understand that it comes with a hefty price tag, and its value can differ greatly based on various factors. Some games have received more attention than others. As we approach the holiday season, when new consoles are often bought, potential first-time PlayStation owners might be pondering if the PS5 Pro is the ideal first choice for them. To put it simply, making a decision about the PS5 Pro can be tricky.

To begin, here are some key details: The PS5 Pro includes a small stand for placing it horizontally, but if you prefer to display it vertically, that’s an additional cost. Furthermore, this model is digital-only, meaning if you own physical disc games, the drive is an extra expense. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any headphones, and while a DualSense Edge controller would have been a nice addition, it’s more of a wishful thinking. However, on the bright side, it boasts a 2TB SSD right out of the box, which is a significant improvement in storage capacity (especially considering you’ll likely fill it up with screenshots and video clips) compared to previous models. This ample storage allows you to install numerous games, even as game sizes continue to soar past the 100GB mark.

PS5 Pro review

From another perspective, the opening of this device falls short of expectations. Unlike high-end products such as an Apple gadget or other gaming consoles, there’s no special flair to it. It comes in a plain, thin box similar to the original PS5, and all the contents are simply thrown into it. Now, this isn’t a major issue since the real joy lies in using the product, not admiring its packaging. However, considering I paid £700 for it, I was hoping for a more grand unveiling.

Essentially, we’re at the beginning stages here, and I want to discuss certain games. Although the built-in PS4 performance mode enhances textures for smoother visuals, it doesn’t magically resolve all issues that some might expect. Don’t hold out for Bloodborne running at 60fps, as that’s not on the horizon. On the upside, I believe the PS5 Pro is being prepared for future games, some of which may not even be announced yet. Games in 2025 and beyond could leverage the new PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) technology, making them visually stunning. Although PSSR is still developing, it’s remarkably similar to DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which is quite an achievement on its own. In simple terms, PSSR involves the console analyzing your visuals and using AI to upgrade them, offering a better viewing experience. To put it plainly, PSSR is pioneering technology for consoles that uses AI to improve your gameplay visuals.

PS5 Pro review

Let’s dive right into the topic of video games today! We’ve gathered here to discuss games, so let’s get started. I’d like to kick things off with No Man’s Sky, which is undeniably one of the exceptional titles launched alongside the PS5 Pro. Although you don’t have the option to select the frame rate or resolution for No Man’s Sky, it’s important to note that it looked stunning on both televisions I tested it on. The colors were vivid, and the textures were incredibly sharp. It maintains a smooth 60fps frame rate, but the visuals are simply breathtaking. Given that the game is fantastic to begin with, it’s definitely worth trying out if you’re getting a Pro console.

Stellar Blade appears astonishingly realistic, especially on an OLED TV with HDR activated. Notably, there are exclusive modes introduced particularly for the Pro version, and this is evident. The dazzling neon lights shine brightly, and the frame rate remains stable as a rock. Remarkably, even Dragon’s Dogma 2 demonstrates enhanced performance, while a recent Pro update for Demon’s Souls brings out the textures with a clarity that leaves one quite impressed.

Titles such as Horizon Forbidden West and the newly enhanced Zero Dawn are visually stunning, as one might anticipate. On the other hand, F1 24 provides an immersive driving game experience that leaves you questioning just how realistic games in this genre could become. In 4K at 120Hz, it’s downright mind-blowing. Similarly, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has improved significantly, but there’s a lingering feeling that it hasn’t quite reached its full potential. The same goes for Silent Hill 2; it looks fantastic, but it’s still struggling with frame rate consistency.

PS5 Pro review

Instead of presenting Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth as the flagship title for the PS5 Pro, Sony has chosen to do so because it appears more like a remastered version of the game I invested 65 hours in earlier this year. However, let me clarify: I was not among those who found significant issues with the visuals initially. While there were some areas of blurring, overall, I found it visually appealing. But now, wow! It’s crystal clear, sharp, and even offers the option to maintain a high frame rate if desired. The graphics are so stunning that I might play through it again from start to finish.

I’m interested in understanding how unpatched games run on the new console, such as EA Sports FC 25, which seemed to have a clearer image and faster menus for me. Is it the console itself that improves these aspects, or does it need developers to make additional adjustments, like they did for Demon’s Souls or Final Fantasy 7 Remake? From my experience, there seems to be some enhancement even if it’s minor. In essence, if you own a high-quality TV of 50 inches or more, you may notice significant improvements with these updates on the new console, but the extent of these benefits depends on the games you choose to play.

PS5 Pro review

After using the PS5 Pro for a few weeks, the question that crossed my mind was: would I splurge on one if I could? At present, it’s financially out of reach for me, but after experiencing the console, I can confidently say I’d love to own one. Although games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard don’t seem significantly improved with the Pro update to my eyes, there are plenty of other titles that do, making it an appealing purchase. I didn’t list every game, but consider Alan Wake 2, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, The Last of Us, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and you’ll find a collection of extraordinary games that truly shine on the latest technology. I have a feeling the best is still to come with this console.

The PS5 Pro is a luxury item. I know, I’m as shocked as you to hear that. There’s no getting around the pricing of the item, yet the same could be said for the DualSense Edge, or the PlayStation Portal. But if you’re a first-time buyer of a PS5 then this is the model you’d want to get. The larger hard drive alone makes it a better purchase, but some of the upgrades for marquee titles are significant improvements, enough to make it worth it. Consider your TV size, your viewing distance, and financial situation; then think about what you’re going to play now, and what you’re looking forward to playing later: then make a decision. But make no mistake: this is the new “most powerful console” on the market.

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2024-11-22 12:16