The PlayStation 5 has transformed gaming since its launch in 2020, delivering incredible experiences with powerful hardware and advanced technology. Now, Sony is building on that success with the PlayStation 5 Pro, a console designed to push gaming even further. With enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay, and faster load times, the PS5 Pro offers an elevated experience for those who demand more from their games.
Whether you’re upgrading from the original PS5 or stepping into the PlayStation ecosystem for the first time, the PS5 Pro provides a more refined gaming experience. After spending the last week playing PlayStation 5 Pro, I’m ready to share my thoughts and impressions. In this review, I’ll break down the PlayStation 5 Pro’s features, performance, and who it’s best suited for.
What’s included in the Playstation 5 Pro’s box
The PlayStation 5 Pro comes packaged in a simple yet secure box that mirrors the PS5’s clean, minimalist aesthetic. Unboxing the PS5 Pro feels familiar. It reminded me of unboxing the PS5 back in 2020. Though, this time, knowing the PS5 Pro has even more power and capabilities was exciting. Inside, the PS5 Pro is nestled securely between protective materials, ensuring it isn’t damaged during shipment. Alongside the PS5 Pro, you’ll find a power cable, HDMI 2.1 cable, 2 horizontal stand feet, a DualSense wireless controller, a USB cable for charging the controller, and a pre-installed copy of Astro’s Playroom.
PlayStation 5 Pro hardware design
The PlayStation 5 Pro retains much of the original PS5’s look but refines it in meaningful ways. The console keeps the sleek, modern look of the PS5 family, with its beautiful curves and bold silhouette, but with a few updates that make it stand out.
One of the first things I noticed after I got the PS5 Pro out of the box is its size. The PS5 Pro is more compact than the original PS5. It feels well-balanced, and the design improvements make it easier to integrate into your entertainment setup without taking up too much space. I had no trouble swapping out my original PS5 for the PlayStation 5 Pro—it fit seamlessly in the same spot, with room to spare.
Design updates and customization
The new design also introduces “racing stripe” fins along the edges, which help vent heat more efficiently. These subtle changes give the PS5 Pro a more dynamic, modern aesthetic. The lighting effects have also been updated, with the LEDs now focused toward the bottom of the console for a cleaner, more refined glow. It’s a small touch but adds to the overall premium feel of the device.
Sony has kept customization options intact. You can swap the console covers, just like with the PS5. The PS5 Pro requires its own set of console covers, which are expected to become available in the future. Another notable change is the digital-only design. The PS5 Pro does not come with a built-in disc drive, it requires a separate purchase. This makes the console look cleaner but if you have a lot of physical games, it might feel like a step backwards. I rarely use discs, so this wasn’t a big deal for me, but I can see how it might be disappointing for some.
Overall, the PS5 Pro’s design is a natural evolution of the PS5, retaining its bold look while improving practicality and performance.
PlayStation 5 Pro Vertical Stand
When the PlayStation 5 first launched in 2020, it came with a stand so that you could stand your console upright. However, the PS5 Pro does not come with a vertical stand. Instead, it comes with two transparent clips for positioning the PlayStation 5 Pro horizontally. For vertical placement, you will need to buy the vertical stand separately.
I’ve always preferred keeping my consoles upright, it’s the way my entertainment centre is set up. Seeing that the vertical stand wasn’t included with the PS5 Pro initially felt disappointing, but I appreciate that Sony left the choice to the buyer. Not everyone has space for an upright setup.
PlayStation 5 Pro specs:
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PlayStation 5 Pro features and improvements
The PlayStation 5 Pro has a range of hardware upgrades and features designed to enhance performance, graphics, and functionality. These features make it a significant step forward for those seeking the absolute best console gaming experience.
At its core, the PS5 Pro is powered by a more advanced AMD processor, paired with a beefier graphics processing unit. In technical terms the GPU features 67% more compute units than the original PS5, resulting in rendering speeds that are 45% faster. In reality, this means smoother gameplay, faster frame rates, and more detailed environments in supported games. During my time testing games like Spider-Man 2, the increased frame rates were immediately noticeable, especially in fast-paced action sequences.
One of PS5 Pro’s standout upgrades is the addition of advanced ray tracing. With double to triple the ray-tracing power of the original PS5, the Pro delivers realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. Playing Alan Wake II on the PS5 Pro is amazing. The ray-traced reflections in windows and water added a depth that felt almost tangible. Even subtle details like shadows cast by trees felt more immersive.
The PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) AI-driven upscaling technology is another key feature. This machine-learning system enhances image clarity, making even older games look sharp and colourful. For instance, playing older PS4 titles on the PS5 Pro felt like a fresh experience, with improved textures and details popping on-screen. The upscaling works seamlessly in real-time, requiring no updates or patches.
Storage, connectivity, and practical features
Storage capacity also gets a major boost. The PS5 Pro comes equipped with a custom 2TB SSD, doubling the storage of the original PS5. This extra space is a welcome addition, especially with modern games requiring significant storage space. I was able to install several large games with room to spare, making the upgrade immediately useful.
In addition to the increased storage, the PS5 Pro has an extra 2GB of RAM. This additional memory is dedicated to system operations, allowing the console to handle non-gaming tasks, like background downloads more efficiently. By offloading these processes, the PS5 Pro uses all of its main RAM entirely on gaming, leading to better multitasking and smoother gameplay. For further expansion, just like the PS5, the PS5 Pro includes an M.2 NVMe SSD slot and supports external storage via USB.
Connectivity improvements include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.1, enabling faster online gaming and smoother connections with wireless accessories. If you rely on digital downloads or use PS5 Cloud Streaming , the upgraded network capabilities make a big difference. I have all my video games in the basement, so I rely on Wi-Fi. On PS5 Pro, I saw download speeds nearly double compared to the original PS5’s connectivity. I also saw improvements in PS5 Cloud Streaming as well as remote play on the PlayStation Portal. Whereas with the original PS5, I’d see a hiccup every now and then, with the PS5 Pro’s Wi-Fi 7 everything is rock solid.
The PlayStation 5 Pro keeps things flexible with ports for HDMI 2.1, ethernet, and USB connections. Whether expanding storage or connecting peripherals, setup is intuitive and practical. These thoughtful upgrades, paired with improved hardware and connectivity, position the PS5 Pro as an excellent option for anyone who wants to take their console gaming to the next level.
PlayStation 5 Pro enhanced game impressions
The PlayStation 5 Pro enhances gaming by delivering improved visuals and smoother performance in games optimized for its advanced hardware. Currently, there are more than 65 PS5 Pro Enhanced games and 4 PS VR2 games that are PS5 Pro Enhanced. This includes games like Resident Evil 4, God of War Ragnarok, EA Sports FC 25, and Call of Duty Black Ops 6. While I focused my testing on Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part I, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, other enhanced games had similar improvements in visuals, frame rates, and overall fidelity. This is only the beginning, and you can expect a lot more games to be added to the list.
While the PS5 Pro doesn’t guarantee improvements in every title, its benefits are most noticeable in games optimized for its hardware. These games demonstrate how this console brings existing games closer to the cutting edge of gaming technology. If you want the absolute best looking and performing games, the PS5 Pro delivers a meaningful upgrade.
To put the PS5 Pro’s hardware to the test, I spent time with games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part I, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. The PS5 Pro’s advanced hardware truly shines, delivering improved visuals, smoother frame rates, and a refined gaming experience.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PS5 Pro
Spider-Man 2 looks amazing on the PS5 Pro, offering an unmatched sense of speed and fluidity in Performance Pro mode. Swinging through New York never looked better. The city felt more alive, with more pedestrians and traffic compared to the original PS5. Pro Performance mode packs impressive ray tracing, showing detailed reflections on skyscraper windows and wet asphalt after a rainstorm. Small details, like the subtle glint of sunlight on Spider-Man’s suit, stand out more than ever. It’s a clear demonstration of how the PS5 Pro handles high-speed action and detailed environments simultaneously.
The Last of Us Part I on PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro enhancements to The Last of Us Part I are just as impressive as those in Spider-Man 2’s. The new Pro Rendering mode offers smooth 4K gameplay at 60 frames per second. Textures look richer, lighting feels more natural, and environments carry even more weight. Walking through the post-apocalyptic world you can see subtle details like moss-covered walls and fractured concrete. Shadows and reflections—enhanced by the Pro’s advanced ray tracing—felt more lifelike. It’s a testament to how older titles can look and feel modern with the right enhancements.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart on PS5 Pro
Rift Apart continues to be a standout example of next-generation gaming, and the PS5 Pro takes it even further. Performance Pro mode balances beautiful visuals with buttery-smooth gameplay, making the fast-paced action seamless. The ray-traced reflections in this mode remain sharp, adding a layer of polish to environments. In Fidelity Pro mode, the enhanced lighting and textures create a cinematic feel. Watching dimensional rifts tear through space with crisp, vibrant visuals highlights the Pro’s ability to deliver high-quality graphics without breaking a sweat.
Final thoughts on the PlayStation 5 Pro
The PlayStation 5 Pro successfully builds on the foundation of its predecessor, offering notable improvements in performance, visuals, and features. Its advanced hardware allows for smoother gameplay, better lighting, and sharper details. If there is a game out that’s available on multiple platforms, PS5 Pro is my first choice. Whether you’re exploring Spider-Man 2’s expansive city, reliving the emotional journey of The Last of Us Part I, or diving into Ratchet & Clank’s intergalactic adventures, the Pro makes every moment feel more immersive.
While the PS5 Pro brings clear advantages, the lack of a built-in disc drive and separate purchase for the vertical stand might be disappointing for some. It’s an upgrade tailored for the gamer who wants cutting-edge features, faster load times, and improved graphical fidelity. It also comes with a premium price. For those stepping into the PlayStation ecosystem for the first time, it offers a future-proofed console that’s ready for the next generation of gaming. I can’t wait to see Grand Theft Auto 6 running on PS5 Pro!
Ultimately, the PS5 Pro strikes a balance between refinement and innovation, making it a must have for gamers who want more from their console. Whether upgrading from the original PS5 or starting fresh, the Pro is a worthy addition to Sony’s lineup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved performance with smoother frame rates and faster load times. | No built-in disc drive; optional purchase required. |
| Advanced ray tracing enhances lighting, shadows, and reflections. | Vertical stand sold separately. |
| WiFi 7 ensures faster downloads and stable online gameplay. | Higher price point compared to the standard PS5. |
| 2TB SSD provides ample storage for larger game libraries. |
You can purchase the PlayStation 5 Pro console at Best Buy.
