PS5 Pro: A Balanced Look at the Pros and Cons
The PlayStation 5 Pro has officially been revealed, and it’s causing quite a stir in the gaming community. With its $699 price tag and promises of enhanced performance, the PS5 Pro has become a hot topic of discussion. Is it worth the upgrade, or should gamers stick with the base PS5? In this article, we’ll take a neutral look at the pros and cons of the PS5 Pro to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of the PS5 Pro
1. Enhanced Performance
The most significant selling point of the PS5 Pro is its improved performance. Gamers can expect native 4K gaming at higher frame rates, which will enhance the overall gaming experience. The upgraded GPU allows for more detailed graphics, and improved ray tracing means better lighting and reflections, making games look more realistic.
In addition, the PS5 Pro aims to eliminate the need to choose between Performance Mode and Fidelity Mode in games. Currently, many games on the PS5 allow players to choose between higher resolution (Fidelity) or higher frame rates (Performance). The PS5 Pro could allow for both—offering smooth gameplay with high graphical fidelity without compromises.
2. Increased Storage Capacity
Another key improvement is the 2TB SSD that comes with the PS5 Pro. The base PS5 offers 825GB of storage (with only about 600GB usable after system software), and many gamers have found this insufficient, especially with next-gen games taking up larger file sizes. The 2TB drive offers much-needed breathing room for those who juggle multiple games at once.
For gamers who already have an additional SSD installed, such as the WD_Black SN850, there’s good news—this storage expansion will still be compatible with the PS5 Pro, allowing you to nearly triple your total storage.
3. Future-Proofing
Buying the PS5 Pro may be seen as a way to future-proof your gaming experience. With the next generation of PlayStation consoles (the PS6) likely not arriving until 2027 or later, investing in a PS5 Pro now ensures you’ll have top-tier hardware for the foreseeable future. If you’re someone who regularly invests in cutting-edge technology, this might be a worthwhile consideration.
Cons of the PS5 Pro
1. High Price Tag
The most glaring downside of the PS5 Pro is its $699 price. This price point makes it one of the most expensive gaming consoles ever, and it’s notably higher than the $499 MSRP of the standard PS5 with a disc drive. For many gamers, the jump from the base PS5 to the PS5 Pro may not feel justified, especially considering the current economic climate.
For players who are not heavily invested in performance improvements or who don’t have high-end 4K or 8K displays, this price could feel like overkill. If you’re happy with the base PS5’s performance, the extra $200 may seem hard to justify.
2. Lack of Built-in Disc Drive
Another point of contention is the lack of a built-in disc drive. Unlike the standard PS5, which offers a version with a disc drive, the PS5 Pro requires players to purchase an external disc drive separately for $79. For physical media collectors or those with a large collection of PS5 and PS4 discs, this could be a dealbreaker.
Given that the PS5 Pro is being marketed as the ultimate PlayStation experience, many feel that the omission of a built-in disc drive is an unnecessary inconvenience—especially at such a high price point.
3. Incremental Upgrades
While the PS5 Pro does offer notable performance boosts, some critics argue that these are incremental upgrades rather than game-changing improvements. The differences between the PS5 and PS5 Pro in terms of raw power and graphics may not be as pronounced as some gamers had hoped. In fact, side-by-side comparisons of games like The Last of Us Part II Remastered and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart on the PS5 and PS5 Pro may not reveal dramatic visual differences.
For gamers who already own a PS5, especially those without high-end 4K or 8K televisions, the improvements in frame rates and graphics may not be enough to warrant upgrading.
The PS5 Pro represents a solid step forward for console gaming, offering better performance, more storage, and future-proofing for the most dedicated players. However, the high price tag, the lack of a built-in disc drive, and the incremental nature of the upgrades may make some gamers hesitate before making the switch.
If you’re someone who plays every day, values top-tier performance, and has the budget for the Pro, it could be a smart investment. However, if you’re satisfied with the base PS5, or don’t feel that the performance upgrades are worth the extra cost, sticking with the standard model will still offer an excellent gaming experience.