As a gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution technology is impressive but could use some fine-tuning. It’s like inviting a new artist to your gallery – they have potential, but need practice and guidance to create their masterpiece. The occasional lighting malfunctions are akin to a spotlight suddenly going dim during a live performance, adding an unexpected twist to the experience.
The CEO of PlayStation confirmed that the PlayStation 5 Pro isn’t a new-generation console, but rather an advanced version of the regular PS5, similar to the Slim model. Instead of making the console smaller, Sony opted to make some internal improvements to boost game performance. Upon testing, I can assure you that it has been successful – games run significantly better on this upgraded model compared to a standard PS5, and they consistently maintain 60 frames per second in performance mode. However, the improved quality comes at the cost of fewer displayed frames per second.
If someone is thinking about investing in a high-performance gadget and desires a smoother gaming experience for visually challenging games, they might want to think about buying a PS5 Pro. On the other hand, it’s also safe to stick with the standard PS5 Fat/Slim models.
- more compact design than the basic PS5;
- quiet work culture;
- some games receive special updates that squeeze the last juices out of the hardware;
- smooth 60 fps in performance mode in most games.
CONS:
- no stand and drive included;
- still 30 frames on most quality modes;
- attached horizontal stands look funny and perform poorly;
- (subjectively) lack of feeling of interaction with a premium product.
Contents of the box
Inside the box, there isn’t much to find – only the console itself, an HDMI 2.1 cable, a power cable, one DualSense controller, and two plastic horizontal stands are included. These stands can be attached to the console for setting it in a horizontal position. Although you can place the console vertically without a stand, it doesn’t guarantee adequate stability. As promised, the box did not contain a stand (which arrived separately) or a drive. The missing items were clearly indicated on the box.
At present, you can buy the original stands for between $30 and $50. They are compatible with both Slim and Pro versions of your device. On the other hand, it’s hard to find a new PlayStation drive from regular stores, and you might need to look for second-hand options instead. Prices for these range from $250 to $500, as verified at the time this text was published.
Quality and first impressions
Regrettably, the design of this console wasn’t particularly exciting – the latest iteration of the high-performance “PlayStation” just seems rather ordinary. While adding sports car accents to its look is visually appealing, it’s such a minor aspect that it hardly warrants discussion.
Additionally, we have four instead of two identical, seamless panels, necessitated by the need for an assembly area. Interestingly, these panels resemble those found on the PS5 Slim. However, if you were hoping to rearrange them, that’s not an option – Sony opted to modify their design to make it impractical. It’s puzzling as to why they didn’t at least alter the color scheme, add a logo, or some other distinguishing feature for this console version. The reason behind this decision remains unclear.
Regarding the interior design, I was particularly thrilled to learn that Sony opted for a 2 TB hard drive. At present, this storage capacity is more than adequate to accommodate around a dozen games simultaneously. Furthermore, there’s potential for further expansion by incorporating an M.2 SSD into its designated slot.
Changes in the construction of PlayStation 5 Pro
Regrettably, Sony has chosen to follow the design of the PS5 Slim and exchange the front USB-A port with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) port, accompanied by another USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. Consequently, if you want to connect accessories like a Sony Pulse adapter or a flash drive for transferring screenshots or game clips, you’ll have to access the back panel. This panel houses one HDMI input, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C), two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and an RJ-45 (LAN) port for network cable connections. This arrangement can be quite inconvenient as the console often finds itself in less accessible areas like built-in shelves, making it more of a decorative piece than functional.
On top of the console (when it’s on its stand), certain modifications have been made to the structure. Unlike the standard PlayStation 5, the plastic ridges close to the fans don’t reach all the way to the console’s end. Instead, they leave a gap. This seems to be done to enhance airflow and minimize dust accumulation, which can be an issue for consoles, particularly in tight spaces. This change also makes cleaning the device easier.
It’s convenient that Sony designed the console to primarily handle digital content, and they’ve equipped it with WiFi 7 capable of speeds up to 46 Gb/s. However, the optimal solution remains connecting the console directly using a network cable.
PlayStation 5 Pro’s performance
Responding quickly to the question – yes, the PlayStation 5 Pro is noticeably more powerful than its basic counterpart. And this isn’t any marketing nonsense, but a fact confirmed by tests. Sony is heavily promoting the TFLOPS value, which is 16.7 for the PS5 Pro, a significant difference compared to the regular PS5 (10.28). This results in visual experiences. It should also be noted that the TFLOPS values obtained on consoles have nothing to do with the values obtained by, for instance, Nvidia graphics cards. This is because the console has been optimized for gaming, while graphics cards typically have a wide range of uses. I will add that I tested the console using the LG 65UR781C0LK TV, which allowed me to play in 4K at 60 Hz.
The standout feature is the latest ray tracing technology, enhancing realistic dynamic reflections and light bending, albeit in select games. Notably, changes have been most noticeable in Alan Wake 2 and Hogwarts Legacy. This innovative technology has significantly elevated aspects of light within this title, creating an awe-inspiring ambiance and immersive experience. I’m discussing both the quality setting (consistently delivering 30 fps) and performance mode, which functioned flawlessly at 60 fps. It’s convenient that adjusting settings doesn’t require resetting the game.
In the enhancement of Hogwarts Legacy, significant attention was given to the water’s surface, the sunlight streaming through Hogwarts’ many windows, and the reflections off various surfaces like tiles. However, to appreciate these technological advancements, one must accept a frame rate of 30 fps (a combination of fidelity and ray tracing). If aesthetic details aren’t a priority, players can switch to performance mode for a superior quality experience compared to a standard PS5, with a consistent 60 fps. A change in settings necessitates restarting the game.
However, the most interesting benchmark for the new console is Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. This game clearly demonstrates the difference in quality between the PS5 and the pro version, which is also noticeable. In the case of a more powerful console, the quality mode works at a stable 30 fps, and in performance mode, it maintains a steady 60 frames per second. I should add that this looks amazing in both modes.
PSSR is rocking nicely, but…
How does Sony’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an artificial intelligence-based scaling technology, function? To be honest, it’s quite effective. However, I’ve noticed that during fast or dynamic movements, it might temporarily lose textures and then quickly reload them – this can be quite noticeable. Regardless, I think it’s a matter of properly fine-tuning the AI and calibrating the system, which should be addressed in the coming days.
At times, the lighting in certain video games can behave erratically – for instance, in the Slytherin common room within Hogwarts Legacy, the light streaming through the glass roof might vanish or reappear based on your character’s position. Similarly, in Alan Wake 2, the rays filtering through the trees can sometimes flicker intermittently. It’s hard to tell how much of this is due to technical glitches within the games themselves and the console they’re running on.
On the launch day of the PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony is looking towards a future where they intend to continually grow the selection of games capable of fully leveraging its capabilities. Currently, there are 55 games confirmed to undergo special upgrades.
Technological progress is there, but is it worth buying PlayStation 5 Pro?
From the announcement, it seemed clear to me that Sony was offering us an elite gaming console for discerning gamers and luxury tech enthusiasts. Unfortunately, my excitement dwindled when I opened the package – there was nothing inside to definitively confirm its high quality. No stickers, cases, or additional accessories like mid-range headphones were included, for example, even though I had expected them. I felt a similar letdown when I bought the PS VR2 set. However, I recognize that this is a subjective observation, as not all consumers may value extra gadgets, which they might leave in the box or discard.
Now, let’s move on to the most important issue – is it worth going to the store for a PlayStation 5 Pro? It depends. As an owner of a basic PlayStation 5, I don’t feel any need to purchase an upgraded version of the console. All the upgraded titles offered are games I’ve already played. In turn, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered doesn’t convince me to buy a new console because of it. The PlayStation 5 Pro does provide a visible improvement in quality, but it’s not sufficient to justify replacing the current hardware, especially considering that it will likely be some time before Sony completely abandons the “base” version of the PlayStation 5.
Based on my analysis, I’m uncertain about who the target audience is for the updated Pro version, as regular PS5 users would find no significant benefit in upgrading due to insufficiently developed new features. However, first-time console buyers might face a conundrum because the PlayStation 5 Pro necessitates a TV with a minimum screen size of 55 inches and compatible technologies like VRR, HDMI 2.1 standard, or 4K resolution. Given that the cost of both the PS5 Pro and an appropriate television model could be substantial, it may not be affordable for everyone.
In simpler terms, my editorial partner suggests that the PlayStation 5 Pro is more for collectors or those who prioritize high-end performance and have a compatible TV to fully utilize its advanced settings. For most gamers seeking a cost-effective option, the standard version of PlayStation 5 remains the better choice.
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2024-11-06 14:02