The PlayStation 5 has been a gamer favorite since launch, delivering incredible performance and exclusive titles. Now, with the introduction of the PS5 Pro, Sony ups the stakes for those seeking even better visuals and performance. But what exactly sets these two consoles apart? And is the additional investment worth it?

Here’s a breakdown of their features and differences to help you decide if the PS5 Pro is the right upgrade for you.

Price & Value

First, the all-important price difference:

  • PS5 (Standard): $499
  • PS5 Pro (Digital Edition): $699

The $200 gap is significant, but keep in mind that the PS5 Pro is an all-digital console. If you need a disc drive, it’ll cost you an additional $79. Want to stand the console up vertically? That’s another $25 for a vertical stand. Altogether, jumping to the Pro could set you back $820 or more.

If you’re already satisfied with your PS5, this price tag might seem steep. On the other hand, if you’re after cutting-edge gaming tech, the Pro could offer just what you need to enhance your experience.

Specs & Performance

Here’s how the two stack up performance-wise:

  • CPU:
    • PS5: 8-core AMD Zen 2
    • PS5 Pro: 8-core/16-thread AMD Zen 2 (offers better multitasking capabilities)
  • GPU:
    • PS5: 10.28 TFLOPs, AMD RDNA
    • PS5 Pro: 16.7 TFLOPs, AMD RDNA (67% more powerful, resulting in noticeably better visuals and faster rendering)
  • RAM:
    • Both consoles feature 16GB GDDR6, but the PS5 Pro includes an extra 2GB DDR5 solely for the operating system to free up more resources for gaming.
  • Storage:
    • PS5: 825GB Custom SSD
    • PS5 Pro: 2TB Custom SSD (more than double the base PS5’s capacity, perfect for digital downloads)
  • Upscaling Technology:
    • PS5 Pro introduces PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an AI-driven upscaling feature that enhances image quality without sacrificing frame rates. This is not available on the standard PS5.
  • Wi-Fi:
    • PS5 supports Wi-Fi 6 for speedy downloads and stable connections.
    • PS5 Pro upgrades this to Wi-Fi 7 for even faster speeds and more stability during online gaming or updates.

The PS5 Pro’s beefier GPU and faster memory mean smoother gameplay, better lighting, and highly detailed textures. If crisp visuals and faster load times are must-haves, the Pro is the obvious winner.

Design

At first glance, the PS5 Pro looks remarkably similar to the PS5, but there are a few key differences.

  • Aesthetic Changes:
    • The Pro sports multiple black stripes through its design, giving it a more premium feel.
  • Size & Weight:
    • Slightly taller than the PS5 Slim but about the same height as the original PS5 model. The Pro is also slightly lighter, weighing in at 6.8 lbs compared to the PS5 launch model’s 7.1 lbs.

Overall, the differences in design are minimal, but the subtle tweaks on the Pro add a sleek touch.

Features

Both consoles share many features, but the PS5 Pro adds some new extras to cater to hardcore gamers.

  • Game Boost Mode:
    • While both systems include backward compatibility, the Pro upgrades this with enhanced Game Boost capabilities, improving the performance and visuals of over 8,500 playable PS4 titles.
  • Upscaling and Performance:
    • PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) allows the Pro to deliver sharper visuals in games without compromising frame rates, providing a balance between fidelity and performance.
  • Backward Compatibility:
    • Both consoles are backward-compatible with PS4 games, though the Pro’s extra power allows for marginally better load times and overall gameplay stability.
  • Online Gaming:
    • The Pro’s inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 means faster and more stable connections during multiplayer matches or downloads, provided your internet setup can keep pace.

Storage

One of the most noticeable upgrades is the Pro’s storage.

  • The PS5’s 825GB SSD fills up quickly, especially with today’s massive game files.
  • The PS5 Pro offers 2TB of storage right out of the box, meaning you’ll have more room for digital downloads without constantly having to delete games.

If you’re someone who hates juggling storage space, this upgrade alone is worth considering.

Who Should Buy the PS5 Pro?

The Pro isn’t designed for everyone. Generally, this is who might benefit from the upgrade:

  • Visual Enthusiasts:
    • If you own a 4K/120Hz TV or a high-end gaming monitor, the Pro helps you get the most out of your setup with smoother gameplay and stunning visuals.
  • Digital Gamers:
    • Constantly running out of space with your digital library? The Pro’s 2TB SSD ensures plenty of room for all your favorite titles.
  • Tech Fans:
    • If you love having the latest hardware, the enhanced ray-tracing, faster rendering, and AI-driven upscaling make the PS5 Pro a must-have.

For casual gamers or those already content with their PS5, the Pro’s hefty price tag and somewhat niche upgrades might not justify an immediate upgrade.

The PS5 Pro brings meaningful upgrades for dedicated gamers, offering sharper graphics, better performance, and more storage. However, at $699 plus extra costs for accessories, it’s a substantial investment.

If you’ve been holding off on upgrading from the PS4, the Pro could be an excellent entry into current-gen gaming. If you already own a PS5 and are satisfied with its performance, the Pro isn’t a necessity—though its bells and whistles might lure some tech enthusiasts.