PlayStation 5 Pro Review: This Generation’s Most Powerful Console

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As a seasoned gamer who’s been around since the days of the Atari 2600, I must say that the PlayStation 5 Pro has truly left me awestruck. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a leap forward that feels like stepping into a whole new era of gaming.

Instead of following the trend of regular mid-generation console upgrades focusing primarily on enhanced hardware to surpass current consoles, the PlayStation 5 Pro distinguishes itself in several key aspects. Unlike the Xbox One X or PS4 Pro which mainly boost hardware capabilities like additional RAM, superior CPU, and improved GPU for increased graphical output due to raw power, Sony is giving equal emphasis to software enhancements alongside hardware upgrades. This approach makes the transition seem more substantial.

PlayStation 5 Pro Design and Specs

Primarily, Sony has maintained a similar look for the PlayStation 5 with the Pro version. It’s slightly slimmer due to the absence of a disc drive inside, and there are black, fin-like patterns on the sides of the white console casing that serve both cooling purposes and add a touch of style.

The PS5 Pro can rest on its side using provided clear plastic supports, or you can opt for a vertical stand (sold separately). Unfortunately, the vertical stand isn’t part of the standard package, which might come as a surprise to those accustomed to the upright position from the regular PS5 base model. However, it’s still possible to arrange the PlayStation 5 Pro vertically, provided you don’t frequently knock it or share your home with boisterous pets. In such cases, it should remain stable.

On the PS5 Pro, Sony has replaced the front USB-A port with a USB-C port, resulting in two USB-C ports being situated at the front, slightly above the power button. For those who may still require it for PS5 accessories like a Pulse Elite headset, there are also two USB-A ports located on the backside. The PS5 Pro comes equipped with an HDMI 2.1 cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a power cable, so you’re all set for gaming straight from the box.

What’s in the PS5 Pro Retail Box:

  • PlayStation 5 Pro Console
  • 1 DualSense controller
  • USB-C to USB-A cable
  • HDMI 2.1 cable
  • Power cable
  • 2 clear plastic stands for horizontal orientation

Beneath its exterior, the PlayStation 5 Pro boasts enhanced hardware and expanded storage capacity. The graphics processing unit (GPU) has been boosted to 16.7 Teraflops of computational power, an additional 2GB of RAM (notably DDR5, not DDR6), and most importantly, the internal storage has been upgraded to a generous 2TB. As game files continue to grow, particularly in games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the added storage space becomes increasingly significant.

PSSR is PS5 Pro’s Secret Weapon

In summary, while the specifications may not be as groundbreaking as some fans anticipated, it’s important to note that the console truly shines with its advanced upscaler software. Known as PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), this technology enables the PlayStation 5 Pro to deliver an exceptional performance on the market, making it the leading console experience.

In terms of PS5 Pro Enhanced games, developers provide gamers with two choices, mimicking the options available on current consoles. You can choose between prioritizing performance for a higher frame rate, which may result in lower resolution, or focusing on quality for an experience with a lower frame rate but superior detail. However, with PSSR (PlayStation State Boost), the baseline for these performance and fidelity modes is significantly improved. For instance, a performance mode could offer a 1440p image and a frame rate higher than the usual 60fps, or a fidelity mode might deliver true 4K resolution and only drop to 50fps or 30fps at its lowest.

Ultimately, personal preference will determine which mode PS5 Pro owners go with, but the negatives with each mode are so much slighter on this model. Performance mode no longer looks muddy, blurry, or washed out, and the fidelity mode can still feel smooth by comparison. And for some games, there is simply a PS5 Pro enhanced mode that gives you a little bit from column A and a little bit from column B. The frame rate is higher and the resolution is higher, upscaled thanks to PSSR.

Additionally, Sony has included a feature aimed at upgrading any PS5 game, whether standard or enhanced. However, I didn’t observe any noticeable improvements when this toggle was activated. If you compared two presentations side by side, you might notice slightly crisper edges, but the enhancement wasn’t as significant as that of the enhanced games.

The collection of PlayStation 5 Pro Enhanced games is set to expand, and currently boasts a strong lineup of top-tier titles from recent years. Games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Stellar Blade, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (by Insomniac Games) are seeing improvements, such as better performance and crisper graphics. For instance, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth runs smoother, while the Resident Evil 4 Remake offers an even more stunning visual experience with a higher frame rate. Stellar Blade is capable of surpassing 60fps on both modes, and the developers at Insomniac Games have enhanced Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, allowing you to adjust some Ray Tracing features while maintaining a higher frame rate than on the standard PS5. Though future PC versions of these games aim for a 4K 120fps experience, especially with the Nvidia 50 series GPUs, these presentations remain visually impressive and offer consistent performance.

The big question with the PlayStation 5 Pro is whether it is worth the $700+ price tag and currently, without any major PS exclusive to “sell” the console, that answer becomes nebulous. If you haven’t kept up with the latest releases and want to experience games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Stellar Blade, God of War Ragnarok, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 in the best possible way, then the PS5 Pro is well worth the investment. Similarly, if you want to have the best console on the market, regardless of price, this is it.

If you’re a gamer with an advanced gaming setup and have already played most of the current games, the allure might not be as strong for you. Given my passion for staying updated with new releases, I find myself spending more time downloading, checking graphical options on PS5 Pro, and then removing them rather than actually playing the games. I don’t typically replay games because keeping up with the latest is already a challenge. However, having a PlayStation 5 Pro helps me prepare for exclusive console titles or those with less-than-perfect PC ports (like those using Unreal Engine and experiencing stutter). It’s important to note that everyone’s gaming experience can vary.

PlayStation 5 Pro Review: Final Thoughts

Mid-tier gaming consoles pose challenges for reviewers due to several factors. Primarily, they tend to be more expensive than their predecessors; yet, the current generation isn’t fading away, so you won’t miss out on exclusives from these platforms. Additionally, there’s always the impending arrival of the next-generation console, which makes purchasing a questionable investment. If you’re content with your PS5 and haven’t felt the urge for the Pro model yet, it’s unlikely that feeling will change until we see the PlayStation 6.

Speaking of which, PSSR represents a fresh technological advancement for Sony, similar to DLSS in some aspects. This means that its performance is likely to improve over time. Currently, PSSR is already quite impressive, and it significantly enhances the gaming experience on current-generation games (that are compatible with it), giving PlayStation an advantage when providing top-tier console experiences.

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2024-11-20 10:24