The PS5 Pro is a tough sell - PS5 Pro

Summary

The PS5 Pro offers significant upgrades, including a more powerful GPU, improved memory, and a 2TB SSD, enhancing gaming performance with smoother frame rates and better ray tracing. While it lacks a disc drive, it introduces features like AI-driven upscaling and 8K output support. However, the $200+ price increase over the PS5 Slim may not justify the performance boost for all gamers. For those seeking the best graphics and storage, the PS5 Pro shines, but for casual users, the Slim could be the more cost-effective choice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The PS5 Pro features a new GPU with 67% more compute units, offering a 45% performance boost in games.
• 😀 The PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, doubling the original PS5's 1TB, which wasn't even fully usable.
• 😀 An additional 2GB of DDR5 memory dedicated to the CPU brings the total system memory to 16GB of GDDR6 for the GPU.
• 😀 The PS5 Pro lacks a disc drive, which may be a disappointment for some users, but aligns with the future direction of gaming.
• 😀 The new AMD Ray Tracing engine in the PS5 Pro promises more realistic lighting effects, especially in supported games.
• 😀 The PS5 Pro includes a more advanced cooling system with a large fan and a 390W power supply to handle increased performance.
• 😀 While the PS5 Pro is slightly larger than the PS5 Slim, the design is more refined, and the plates are not interchangeable.
• 😀 The PS5 Pro uses a new spectral super resolution for upscaling, offering better image quality compared to the base PS5, but not on the level of NVIDIA’s DLSS.
• 😀 Game performance is noticeably better on the PS5 Pro, with smoother frame rates and higher resolutions in demanding titles like *Final Fantasy Rebirth*.
• 😀 The PS5 Pro’s price increase may be justified for those seeking better performance, but the PS5 Slim offers similar gaming performance at a lower price with additional features like the PS5 Portal.
• 😀 The PS5 Pro offers improved performance and storage, but for many, the extra $200 might not be worth it, especially if you already own a PS5 or prefer a slim model.

Q & A

What is the primary advantage of the PS5 Pro's upgraded GPU?

The PS5 Pro's upgraded GPU offers 67% more compute units, leading to an estimated 45% better real-world performance in games. This results in smoother gameplay and potentially better visual fidelity, although the improvements may not be noticeable for all users.

How does the storage in the PS5 Pro compare to previous models?

The PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, double the 1TB SSD found in the original PS5, which provides more storage space for games and apps. Additionally, it was noted that the original PS5’s 1TB SSD wasn’t even fully usable, so this upgrade offers more effective storage.

Why was the removal of the disc drive in the PS5 Pro considered a downside?

The removal of the disc drive in the PS5 Pro is seen as a downside because it limits physical media usage. This change aligns with the increasing shift toward digital-only gaming, but it could be a concern for users who still prefer physical discs or have large collections of them.

What is the spectral super-resolution feature in the PS5 Pro?

Spectral super-resolution is an AI-driven upscaling and sharpening technique in the PS5 Pro, similar to AMD’s FSR and Nvidia’s DLSS. This feature enhances visual quality and performance, especially in games running in PS5 Pro enhanced modes, by providing smoother frame rates and subtle visual improvements.

How does the PS5 Pro's ray tracing compare to previous consoles?

The PS5 Pro features a new generation AMD ray tracing engine, which Sony claims is more advanced than what is available on AMD's dedicated GPUs. This improvement allows for better lighting effects and potentially more realistic visuals in games with ray tracing enabled.

What are the key design differences between the PS5 Pro and its predecessors?

Physically, the PS5 Pro is very similar to the original PS5, but with a few notable updates, such as a larger cooling fan and more USB ports, including one USB-C port. However, it lacks a disc drive, which is a significant change from earlier models.

Why is the vertical stand for the PS5 Pro considered an unnecessary accessory by the speaker?

The vertical stand for the PS5 Pro costs $30, which the speaker feels should have been included with the console. However, they suggest that it’s an optional accessory, as the console can stand vertically without it, and alternatives like 3D printed stands are also viable.

What was the speaker’s opinion on the PS5 Pro’s pricing?

The speaker acknowledges the $200 price hike for the PS5 Pro but believes that the performance improvements, such as better frame rates, additional storage, and enhanced ray tracing, justify the extra cost for certain users. However, they note that the PS5 Slim might be a better value for those who don’t need the Pro's upgrades.

How does the PS5 Pro handle 8K gaming?

The PS5 Pro technically supports 8K output via HDMI 2.1, but the 8K branding has been removed from both the original PS5 and the PS5 Pro. The speaker points out that, despite the capability, there is no real emphasis on 8K gaming, with the focus instead being on 4K at 120Hz and HDR.

How does the PS5 Pro compare to the PS5 Slim in terms of value?

The PS5 Slim is seen as a better value compared to the PS5 Pro, as it offers a disc drive, a more affordable price point, and even the ability to play games on the go with the PS5 Portal. The PS5 Pro, while offering performance improvements, is priced higher and may not offer a significant upgrade for all users, especially those already satisfied with the PS5 or PS5 Slim.