High Power, High Price: PS5 Pro's Sky-High Cost Criticized in Early Reviews
On the evening of November 6, leading gaming and tech outlets began publishing full reviews of the PlayStation 5 Pro. Player concerns were largely confirmed: while the console is incredibly powerful, fully appreciating its upgrades may require a large TV and sharp eyesight.
A major criticism centers on the console's $700 price, which many find hard to justify. Sony's most expensive gaming device appeals primarily to those who avoid PCs and prefer not to adjust graphical settings.
Reviews also criticized the limited bundle, which lacks a disc drive and vertical stand. However, Sony included a 2TB storage upgrade, a significant convenience for players.
The PS5 Pro's standout feature is its new GPU with enhanced ray tracing. Games with special patches look much better, such as Alan Wake 2, which now has full ray tracing, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which boasts noticeably improved visuals. Titles prone to frame drops, like Elden Ring and Dragon's Dogma 2, run more smoothly on the new console.
Still, some games show less dramatic improvement. According to Games Radar, Hogwarts Legacy gains the least from the PS5 Pro's upgrades and doesn't look as impressive as expected.
The Verge and Games Radar both note that the PS5 Pro will appeal most to two groups: owners of gaming monitors and those who sit close to large TVs. «Do you sit 10 feet away or more? Then no, the PS5 Pro is probably not worth $700. Not even if you have 20/20 vision like me. The improved visual fidelity just isn't tangible enough at that distance,» writes The Verge.
Other review excerpts:
The PlayStation 5 Pro is an impressive console with noticeable boosts in performance and graphics for games that take advantage of its powerful hardware. But for $700, you'll need to think twice about whether or not the upgrade is worth the price tag.
PS5 Pro is a powerful refresh of the base PS5 hardware. It's the best way to experience the PS5's large library of must-play games and the current pinnacle of console gaming. However, the eye-watering $699 price tag makes it a machine that will only appeal to the most dedicated gamers.
The PS5 Pro only suits its price tag in niche circumstances, but it does deliver on its promise to improve both graphics and framerates. That $699.99 / £699.99 MSRP is still difficult to justify, particularly to those using a standard living room setup with a 50 — 65-inch TV. Those using a large display or a monitor are going to feel the benefits more keenly — especially if you have the funds to stay at the cutting edge of tech.
