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PS5 Pro review: impressive but pricey upgrade

PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro is here, and it’s an impressive upgrade over the original PS5. I had the chance to experience the new console firsthand at Sony’s PlayStation US headquarters near San Francisco. The setup displayed various games side by side on both the PS5 and PS5 Pro, allowing for direct comparisons.

The graphical improvements on the PS5 Pro are evident, with more detailed graphics, improved particle density, optional 8K resolution, ray tracing modes, and reduced shimmering. However, these enhancements come at a higher price point, and games require specific patches to take advantage of the new capabilities. Horizon Forbidden West’s technical director, Michiel van der Leeuw, demonstrated the enhanced sharpness and smoother performance on the PS5 Pro.

He described the experience as if “a pair of dirty goggles had been lifted.” The improvements are most noticeable when viewed up close, but they become harder to discern from a distance. For those who prefer “Quality” or “Graphics” modes on the PS5, the PS5 Pro offers a significant boost in visual and performance smoothness. Games like Formula One racing have integrated ray tracing, making scenes come alive with realistic shadows and reflections while running at upscaled 4K and 60fps.

Graphical improvements and performance enhancements

Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technique plays a crucial role in upscaling images from lower resolutions to maintain crisp visuals. However, the true internal render resolution may vary, which can affect the final output.

Insomniac’s Spider-Man 2 operates at a lower render resolution in its PS5 Pro “Performance Pro” mode compared to the original’s “Fidelity” mode. Despite this, the overall experience is enhanced, even if some fine details are slightly compromised. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart shows a balance between improved picture quality and slight reductions in crowd density in the “Performance Pro” mode compared to the original PS5.

Developers prioritize stability and fix glaring issues seen on the original console. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth stands out, displaying no noticeable sacrifices and showcasing superior hair and fine details on the PS5 Pro compared to the original PS5’s “Graphics” mode. While the PS5 Pro introduces impressive enhancements, its value proposition remains mixed due to the steep price and variations in noticeable improvements depending on viewing distance.

The real test will be when the PS5 Pro is fully reviewed and tested in varied gaming environments.

Howie Jones

Howie is an expert in business, software, and it's applications. She writes on various technologies and their uses in enterprise businesses.
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