The most powerful console of this generation

While mid-gen console updates are becoming more common, the PlayStation 5 Pro differs from the norm in some important respects. Typically, an Xbox One X or a PS4 Pro focuses on increasing the performance of the hardware to outperform current consoles. More RAM, a better CPU, and a better GPU usually lead to higher graphics performance through pure performance alone. With the PS5 Pro, however, Sony is doing as much on the software side as it is on the hardware side, and for that reason the jump feels bigger.

PlayStation 5 Pro design and specifications

Sony has largely retained the PlayStation 5's aesthetic on the Pro model. It's slightly thinner since the console doesn't come with a disc drive, and there are some black fin-like grooves on the sides of the white console covers for extra cooling and a little more style.

The PS5 Pro can be laid on its side using some included clear plastic stands, or you can purchase a vertical stand separately. It's a shame that the vertical stand is not included in the sales package, as many have probably gotten used to this orientation of the base model PS5. But even without a stand, you can orient the PlayStation 5 Pro vertically and it should be fine unless you're prone to bumping into it or have a wild animal.

Sony has replaced the USB-A port on the front of the PS5 Pro with a USB-C port, meaning there are now two outward-facing USB-C ports directly above the power button. There are two USB-A ports on the back for those who might still need them for PS5 accessories like a Pulse Elite headset. The PS5 Pro comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable and a USB-C to USB-C cable, as well as a power cable, so you can start playing right out of the box.

What's included in the PS5 Pro retail box:

• PlayStation 5 Pro console
• 1 DualSense controller
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• HDMI 2.1 cable
• Power cable
• 2 clear plastic stands for horizontal alignment

Under the hood, the PlayStation 5 Pro has more powerful hardware and more memory. The GPU now has processing power of up to 16.7 teraflops, there is an additional 2 GB of RAM (although it is DDR5 and not DDR6) and, most importantly, the hard drive is 2 TB. As game file sizes continue to grow, especially for titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6the additional storage space should not be underestimated.

PSSR is the PS5 Pro's secret weapon

Overall, the specs may not be as stellar as fans had hoped, but as previously mentioned, the console makes the biggest difference with its upscaler software. Sony's upscaler, called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), helps the PlayStation 5 Pro establish itself as the most powerful console experience on the market.

While the decision rests with the developer, some PS5 Pro Enhanced games offer players two options. Similar to the current generation of consoles, there is the option to prioritize performance for a higher frame rate at the expense of resolution, or to prioritize fidelity for a lower frame rate experience. However, with PSSR, the baseline for fidelity or performance modes is much higher. For example, a performance mode could work with a 1440p image and deliver a higher frame rate than the typical 60 fps, or a fidelity mode could deliver true 4K resolution and only drop to 50 fps or, in the worst case, 30 fps.

Ultimately, which mode PS5 Pro owners choose will come down to personal preference, but the downsides to each mode are much smaller on this model. Performance mode no longer looks muddy, blurry or washed out and Fidelity mode can still feel fluid in comparison. And for some games, there's simply an enhanced PS5 Pro mode that gives you a little bit of Column A and a little bit of Column B. The frame rate is higher and the resolution is higher thanks to PSSR, upscaled.

It's also worth noting that Sony has included a switch that aims to improve any PS5 game, enhanced or not, but I didn't notice any improvements with the switch enabled. Looking at two presentations side by side you can see that the edges are a bit sharper, but it was never at the level of advanced games.

The list of PlayStation 5 Pro Enhanced games is getting longer, but currently offers a solid selection of top-notch titles from the last few years. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth looks crisper and runs better, Resident Evil 4 Remake is even more beautiful and offers a higher frame rate, Starblade could eclipse 60fps in both modes, and the wizards at Insomniac Games have done it Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Even better, as you can turn on some ray tracing features and still aim for a higher frame rate than on a base PS5. Yes, future PC versions of these games will attempt to deliver the 4K experience at 120 frames per second at maximum settings – especially with the Nvidia 50-series GPUs – but they're still some nice presentations with solid performance .

The big question with the PlayStation 5 Pro is whether it's worth the $700+ price tag, and currently, since there's no major PS exclusive “selling” the console, that answer is vague. If you are not up to date with the latest releases and want to experience games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Starblade, God of War RagnarokAnd Marvel's Spider-Man 2 To make the best possible use of it, then investing in the PS5 Pro is worth it. If you want to have the best console on the market, regardless of price, this is it.

However, if you own a high-end gaming PC and have already completed most of these games, this is less attractive. As someone who tries to keep up with the latest titles, I spent more time downloading games, checking the PS5 Pro's graphics options, and then uninstalling them than I did playing games. I'm not the type of person to relive games because keeping up with current releases is overwhelming enough. Still, I'm glad to have the PlayStation 5 Pro to prepare for future console-only titles or those where the PC port isn't ideal (read: Unreal Engine stutters). I am of course in a unique situation and everyone will be different.

PlayStation 5 Pro review: Final thoughts

Mid-gen consoles are difficult to evaluate for many reasons. Usually they are more expensive; The current generation isn't going anywhere and therefore you won't be left out of any platform's exclusive offers. and there is always the next generation just around the corner, making investing a risk. If you already own a PS5 and aren't feeling the pull of the Pro console yet, that's unlikely to change until the PlayStation 6.

That being said, PSSR is a new technology for Sony and if it is some kind of DLSS, the performance will only get better. But even now, PSSR is very impressive and what it can do for current-gen games (that support it) will give PlayStation a leg up when it comes to delivering the best console experience.