On November 7, 2024, the Pro version of PlayStation 5 was released. At the announcement stage, this device raised a lot of questions. However, in the end, even the high price did not stop users from buying it. In this article, we will figure out how the PS5 Pro differs from the standard version of the console, and whether it is worth spending almost one hundred thousand rubles on it.
The first attempts to increase the performance of consoles were made back in the 90s. For example, starting in November 1994, Sega Mega Drive owners could improve the console with a 32X module. However, neither the popularity of Sega nor its own library of games saved this additional device from commercial failure.
They returned to a similar idea 20 years later. In 2016, the Pro version of PlayStation 4 was released, and a year later — Xbox One X. These were no longer additional devices, but new consoles that produced higher-quality images with an increased frame rate per second. But, unlike Sega 32X, they did not have their own games — all projects were launched on the standard versions of PS4 and Xbox One.
At the time, it seemed that the Pro versions of the consoles were a mistake on the part of platform holders. However, Sony had a different opinion on this matter. On September 10, 2024, the announcement of the improved version of PS5 took place. We talked about it in a separate article.
Which Sony console do you have?
Take the pollIn essence, PlayStation 5 Pro is an analogue of the «professional» version of PS4. Its hardware is slightly better than the basic version of the «five», due to which the performance really increases. The graphics processor has become more powerful — now RDNA 3 is used instead of RDNA 2 with 60 computing units versus 36. Its performance reached 33.5 teraflops, while the regular PS5 only has 10.23. Memory bandwidth has also increased, albeit slightly — 576 Gbps versus 448.
In practice, increased performance and resolution are achieved through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, which runs on artificial intelligence (similar to a similar technology from NVIDIA).
The test results were not so clear-cut. We will not talk about all the tests, but we will give illustrative examples:
As you can see, the result is comparable to buying a new video card for a PC. It will be more enjoyable to play, but there is no talk of any significant differences in graphics or performance.
Measure the distance from your head to the screen. If you have a 65- or 55-inch TV and you sit 3 meters or further away, then the PS5 Pro,Probably not worth $700. You simply won't notice the visual improvements, even if you have perfect vision.
But if you sit closer, some games look amazing thanks to Sony's updated console. Blades of grass, rough-hewn stone, the fabric on a backpack — you'll notice even the smallest details. In The Last of Us, I can see individual blades of grass instead of a sea of green. In Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Aloy now has a light fuzz on her cheeks. But the biggest difference is in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Some games on the original PS5 are like watching a movie through a dirty window. The PlayStation 5 Pro allows you to wipe it clean. Even some PS4 games, like Bloodborne and Gravity Rush 2, look better on the new console.
But it's important to note that most of the time, the changes are subtle. And sometimes there are none at all.
You'll probably be disappointed to find that the PS5 Pro doesn't come with every bells and whistle. It has a standard controller (not the improved DualSense Edge — VGTimes), and it doesn't come with a vertical stand. And if you're the type to own games on disc, be prepared to shell out an extra $80 for a Blu-ray drive. You might feel like Sony is trying to take advantage of you. And I won't argue with you.
Now the difference between quality and performance modes is not as noticeable as on the regular PS5. Therefore, we recommend choosing the second option, which will provide a high frame rate. You will not see any serious differences in the picture. The exceptions include Alan Wake 2 with ray tracing technology. You can only see it if you sacrifice the FPS value.
Meanwhile, the high frame rate makes the gameplay smoother. You quickly get used to it, after which it is difficult to return to what it was on the regular PS5. The Pro version of the console did not become a revolution, but it made the games more attractive. I think it could be a worthwhile investment.
In the Night Springs expansion for Alan Wake 2, the main character's pink dress is realistically reflected on the metal surfaces in the diner. Anti-aliasing works much better — unlike the basic PS5, individual pixels are not visible on the girl's hair on the Pro version. High-quality reflections can also be seen in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Demon's Souls has more particle effects during boss battles. All this is achieved through PSSR technology. True, it is not supported by all games.
However, the main test of this console's capabilities will occur next year, when new projects begin to be released. First of all, we are talking about GTA 6. We are sure that the developers from Rockstar will use the PSSR capabilities wisely.
And although this console is perceived as a temporary option between the regular PlayStation 5 and the upcoming PS6, it seems to be a good replacement for a gaming PC, the assembly of which would have cost much more.
The $700 they are asking for the PS5 Pro makes it the most expensive console in history, with the exception of the PlayStation 3, the price of which was quickly reduced. And we are not talking about a new device, but about a kind of addition to an existing one. Therefore, its cost is unreasonably high.
However, if you don't have a 4K TV, but a simpler model, you won't even notice the difference in graphics. And expensive displays have built-in anti-aliasing and image enhancement features. The advantages of the Pro version are obvious when compared to the regular PS5 running on the next screen.
Based on past experience, Sony releases a new console around the middle of its life cycle. This means that the PlayStation 5 Pro will be relevant for about three more years. Buying it can be a pleasant purchase, especially if you haven't played all the games of the current generation. But there is no urgent need for this device.
PS5 Pro is the most powerful console on the market. The closest competitors do not have such a picture and performance (if you do not take into account the PC — VGTimes note). However, do not think that we are looking at the next generation of gaming systems. Do not confuse the new device with the conditional PlayStation 6.
The picture improvements are especially noticeable in projects that support ray tracing. These include Alan Wake 2, EA Sports F1 24 and Hogwarts Legacy and. And in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, we were finally shown realistic reflections in puddles that were promised back in 2017. It is in the minor details that the main difference between the PlayStation 5 Pro and the regular PS5 lies.
The declared PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution technology has already shown impressive results in The Last of Us and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth dilogy. However, its potential will be revealed in the near future.
At the same time, the basic PS5, which costs $ 500, offers the best value for money. It runs the same games with good image clarity.
In our opinion, the purchase is justified only if you do not have a standard PS5, but at the same time you want to get acquainted with console games, and money is not a problem. There is no point in switching from a regular console to the Pro version, because the difference in the picture is not that great. And sometimes it is completely unnoticeable. In addition, we are not talking about an upgrade, but about buying a new device.
There is also an opinion that in 2025, purchasing a PS5 Pro will be a necessity, because the basic PlayStation 5 will simply stop «pulling» future games. Whether this is true or not, we will find out when the main hits of the current generation are released, from Doom: The Dark Ages to GTA 6. Most likely, the price of the console will drop by then.
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Are you going to buy PlayStation 5 Pro? Or do you prefer to play on other platforms? Share your opinions in the comments!
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