PS5 Pro Buying Guide, New Features And What To Expect

PS5 Pro Buying Guide, New Features And What To Expect

Quick Links

  • Comparing The PlayStation 5 Models
  • To Buy Or Not To Buy

Key Takeaways

  • The PlayStation 5 Pro is releasing November 7th at $699, the most expensive PlayStation console to date.
  • New features like a better GPU, raytracing, and PSSR for AI upscaling make the PlayStation 5 Pro the most powerful console on the market.
  • A lack of a disc drive and a high price point have still made it difficult for fans to get behind the latest console.

As a long-time gamer with memories of waiting in lines for console launches stretching back to the days of the original PlayStation, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation as the release date for the PS5 Pro approaches. On one hand, the prospect of improved graphics and smoother gameplay is tantalizing, especially considering how many games are already pushing the limits of my current PS5.


At long last, the enhanced PlayStation 5 Console is reaching consumers, bringing with it numerous improvements and state-of-the-art technology.

Most significantly, following the most recent update, we find ourselves pondering over whom this console is designed for and whether it’s worth purchasing.

The PS5 Pro retails at $699, reflecting Sony’s ambitious effort to pack in as many groundbreaking technologies as they could. By the way, you might find it interesting to know that the PS4 Pro was initially launched at $399. Consequently, the PS5 Pro is currently the most expensive PlayStation console ever released, if we don’t take inflation into account.

Despite the complexity of understanding the various upgrades and potential setbacks compared to the standard PS5, here’s a breakdown to assist you in making an informed decision about purchasing this console, including information on how to go about it.

Comparing The PlayStation 5 Models

PS5 Pro Buying Guide, New Features And What To Expect

Initially, we’ll go over all the modifications introduced in this latest version compared to the previous ones. For now, let me share with you the key features you’ll discover as soon as you open the package. The detailed technical specifications will be discussed later on.

The PlayStation 5 stands out for its distinctive design featuring black horizontal stripes, which makes it taller compared to the slim version and nearly as large as the original one. Two notable modifications in its physical structure include the absence of a preinstalled vertical stand and a missing disc drive.

It seems there’s no built-in vertical stand, which might incur an additional cost of around $30, similar to the slim model. This was reasonable for the minimalist version, but it still may come as an extra expense.

Regrettably, not having a built-in disk drive in the PS5 Pro is more problematic for consumers. Just like the digital-only version of the slim model, you’ll need to purchase an additional disk drive separately to play physical games, which comes at a steep price of $79.

In simpler terms, if you purchase the standard PS5 for $500, it comes with a vertical stand and a disk drive. On the other hand, the Pro version might cost approximately $810 without taxes, suggesting a higher price point compared to the base model.

The PS5 Pro’s New Features

PS5 Pro Buying Guide, New Features And What To Expect

The recent reveal showcased the three major components of the PS5: the larger GPU, more advanced raytracing, and lastly, the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR).

In simpler terms, the larger GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) improves the quality of textures, graphics, lighting, and special effects, while the advanced ray-tracing technology significantly increases PlayStation’s use of ray tracing capabilities during Mark Cerny’s presentation, as it computes up to three times more rays compared to previous versions.

The final iteration stands out the most due to the introduction of PSSR, which enhances AI-driven resolution scaling. Essentially, this is akin to Nvidia’s DLSS technology, but rather than boosting frame rates, it refines image clarity by scrutinizing pixels in every frame.

According to Mark Cerny’s explanation, the main purpose of these advancements is to eliminate the divide between high-performance and high-graphics modes in many games. This often means players can choose to play at a smooth 60 frames per second while sacrificing some graphical quality, or opt for better graphics but possibly experience reduced performance at 30fps.

With this innovation, it’s possible to enjoy superior visuals without compromising on smooth gameplay. This is quite remarkable since modern games often struggle due to limitations imposed by the hardware of the latest generation, requiring them to make a choice between graphic quality and frame rate.

As a gamer, I can confidently say that one fantastic feature that caught my eye is the whopping 2TB SSD. This means I won’t have to worry about upgrading the console for more memory anytime soon, thanks to the increasing memory demands of the latest games.

To Buy Or Not To Buy

On September 26th, 2024, most prominent retailers will let you make a pre-order for the PlayStation 5, which officially launches on November 7th. However, be prepared for long lines and bot activity similar to the initial PS5 release, so if you’re trying to get one, I wish you the best of luck!

Finally, let’s judge if the PS5 Pro update is worth your money.

One common criticism is that this upgrade for an existing, high-demand and pricey console doesn’t offer anything truly unique or exclusive. For example, there won’t be any games specifically designed for the Pro version; instead, they will leverage the new tech to enhance gameplay performance.

It’s been noted by numerous enthusiasts that titles such as The Last of Us Part 2, which is marketed as showcasing the PS5 Pro, are in fact compatible with the PS4 as well. Therefore, spending $699 on a console primarily to play previous-generation games might not be a wise investment.

However, let me clarify who might find the PS5 Pro advantageous. If you’re already heavily invested in the PS5 world, owning either the standard or slim edition of the PS5 and making use of services like PlayStation Plus’s Elite or Premium Membership, then the Pro could potentially be a good fit for you.

Since the console doesn’t have a physical disk drive, buying games from the online store or subscription service exclusively for your PlayStation will enhance your game collection by utilizing more advanced technology.

PS5 Pro Buying Guide, New Features And What To Expect

In addition, if you haven’t purchased a PlayStation 5 yet and are looking to get the top-tier version of this console, which is also arguably the most powerful on the market currently, then the PS5 Pro might be ideal for you, provided you’re willing to pay its $699 price tag.

To put it in a gamer’s perspective: Right off the bat, let me tell you that since I grabbed my PS5 shortly after its release, it’s become my main gaming console. Sure, I’ve dabbled in exclusive titles like Demon Souls and Astro Bot, but for the most part, I find myself enjoying the enhanced performance it offers as an upgraded version of my trusty PS4.

In my opinion, and I imagine others might feel the same way, the PS5 Pro upgrade may not justify its cost for many of us since most games are capable of delivering a smooth 60 frames per second performance, although with reduced graphical quality compared to the upgraded version.

Absolutely, it’s a great demonstration of cutting-edge tech, but remember, it’s completely okay to skip it if you need to.

In summary, while it seems tailored mainly towards dedicated fans, we’re nonetheless looking forward to exploring the fresh technologies and advancements presented in the potential PS5 Pro.

In an ideal scenario, this should lead to a more favorable environment for both gamers and video game creators over the next few years.

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2024-09-13 12:39