I’ve been a gamer for as long as I can remember, starting from my trusty old Atari 2600 and moving all the way up to the current generation of consoles. So when I got my hands on the PlayStation 5 Pro, I was more than ready to put it through its paces and compare it to its predecessors.


I’ve had a chance to play with the PlayStation 5 Pro for a while now, and I can share some insights comparing it to its predecessors, specifically the launch edition and the sleek model. Keep in mind that my observations are centered around gaming experiences, disregarding technological or financial aspects.

Yes, playing on PS5 Pro is simply better

The PlayStation 5 Pro delivers exceptional graphical performance and quality among consoles, boasting a consistent 60 frames per second. This is not just hype; it’s a reality. However, let me clarify that we’re discussing performance modes here. Despite this, each performance mode on the PS5 Pro preserves the highest graphic settings of the standard PlayStation 5, all while maintaining a steady 60 fps. As a result, games like Hogwarts Legacy, Alan Wake 2, and Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered run even more smoothly than they did previously.

As a gamer, I’ve seen a lot of chatter online suggesting that the PlayStation 5 Pro might struggle to maintain a steady 60 fps. However, it turns out they were off the mark – even the challenging Dragon’s Dogma 2 runs smoothly on Sony’s latest console. Action game enthusiasts, particularly those who prefer higher difficulty levels, will appreciate the performance boost in games like Horizon, as a drop in frames could spell doom for Aloy. For fans of virtual tours, the stunning ray tracing effects in Hogwarts Legacy are sure to impress with their lifelike rays of light.

I must admit, I was skeptical about the PS5 Pro’s technical prowess, but I was genuinely impressed by how seamlessly the games performed. In terms of performance, it’s evidently superior, and the distinction between my initial PlayStation 5 experience and this new version is quite apparent, even to an untrained eye.

Interface and general operation of PlayStation 5 Pro

The PS5 Pro employs a strategy similar to that of the PS4 Pro, which involves adding extra RAM (16 GB + 2 GB) specifically for the console’s operation and associated applications. This upgrade boosts the overall performance of the console, making it apparent – starting or minimizing games takes considerably less time compared to the standard version of the PS5. Additionally, the console runs more smoothly in the main menu and streaming apps like Netflix load much more efficiently.

It appears that apart from a smoother experience, there haven’t been many changes. The layout of the interface is still the same, but as per the recent update, the starting point or hub has undergone a redesign. The only thing I’ve noticed differently is an exclusive, animated backdrop on PS5 Pro, showcasing its processor. Additionally, no new features or sections have been introduced to differentiate the advanced model from its previous version. Even the initial startup screen on the device remains unaltered.

Better graphics are a paradise for gaming photographers

It’s somewhat simple-minded to say, but the enhanced graphic features are sure to delight gamers who enjoy scenic vistas. Notably, most PlayStation 5 games come equipped with a built-in photo mode. Ray tracing technology is particularly noteworthy in this context, as it dramatically enhances lighting effects. This is particularly noticeable in games like Alan Wake 2, Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered, and Hogwarts Legacy.

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I must admit that the initial roster of games leveraging the full potential of the PS5 Pro on its debut day is quite modest, with only 93 titles to boast about. However, I am confidently optimistic that this number will swiftly expand as developers eagerly anticipate tapping into Sony’s enhanced console’s capabilities. One such game, Empire of the Ants, is set to join the ranks on November 7, coinciding perfectly with the PS5 Pro’s launch date.

PSSR image scaling in PlayStation 4 games

During marketing presentations, Sony revealed that the PlayStation 5 Pro will offer an upgrade for PS4 games. However, they haven’t yet published a list of titles where this feature is expected to function optimally. I attempted to use it on some games marked as PS4 (such as Far Cry: New Dawn or Red Dead Redemption 2) but with the “enhanced PS4 game” setting activated, the differences in performance were hardly noticeable or not apparent at all.

It’s likely that those who used to play games on lower resolution screens and smaller devices will feel the most significant change. Upgrading to a newer screen and acquiring the PlayStation 5 Pro will instantly reveal the improvement.

I could sarcastically say that I don’t really understand why Sony is bothering with such technologies – after all, they will soon announce remasters of more PS4 games anyway. I also don’t really see the point in implementing such an option, since the Pro version was designed with the latest games in mind and I don’t see a logical argument for a PS4 game fan to specifically buy the most powerful version of PS5 for this technology.

This console is nice, very pro-developmental

I’m unsure about who would be interested in purchasing the PlayStation 5 Pro at its launch price. If someone already owns a basic or slim version and isn’t particularly focused on high-quality graphics, there might not be a reason for them to upgrade their console. PC enthusiasts might still find reasons to criticize, as while the quality may improve, it should be noted that most games will continue to run at 30 frames per second in performance mode.

For avid gamers aiming for smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second, the PlayStation 5 Pro stands out as an excellent selection, although it may offer slightly less graphical power compared to other options. It’s important to note that the distinctions between the two are quite subtle and not immediately apparent, with ray tracing serving as the primary contributor to the hardware load. However, the improved quality is undeniable in a more nuanced way.

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2024-11-08 12:32