PS5 Pro: Everything You Need to Know about Sony’s Most Powerful Console Yet

The PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony’s latest powerhouse console, has officially hit the shelves as of November 7, 2024.

This mid-generation upgrade to the original PS5 offers more power and improved performance, aiming to redefine console gaming experiences with boosted specs, better graphics, and more storage.

For those eyeing the PS5 Pro, here’s a complete guide covering its price, specs, design, and whether it’s worth the investment.

PS5 Pro Release Date and Price

The PS5 Pro is now available, launched globally on November 7, 2024, with a starting price of $699.99 / £699.99 / €799.99.

In Australia, it’s priced at AU$1,200 and ¥119.980 in Japan. However, the purchase may add up, as the Pro version doesn’t include a disc drive or a vertical stand by default; both are sold separately. Enthusiasts may need to spend extra to complete their setup.

Stock Availability

Fortunately, unlike the initial PS5 release, PS5 Pro stock is readily available across major retailers. Pre-orders began on September 26 through PlayStation Direct and expanded to other retailers by October 10.

Despite high demand, stocks have stabilized, making it much easier to secure a unit now.

PS5 Pro Specs

Sony has integrated significant hardware enhancements into the PS5 Pro:

• CPU: AMD 8-core / 16-thread Zen 2 processor
• GPU: 16.7 teraflops of AMD Radeon RDNA-based graphics, with 67% more compute units and 28% faster memory compared to the original PS5
• Storage: 2TB custom SSD for enhanced storage capacity
• Memory: 16GB GDDR6, complemented by 2GB DDR5
• Connectivity: WiFi 7, Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.1 support

The GPU’s 45% increase in rendering speeds, combined with advanced ray-tracing, allows smoother and more detailed visuals than ever.

Sony’s own AI-driven upscaling technology, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), also gives a boost to graphical fidelity. In testing, this delivers a remarkable improvement in gameplay visuals, allowing high fidelity without sacrificing performance.

Enhanced Storage and Expansion Options

A big leap for PS5 Pro owners is its larger 2TB SSD. For gamers with extensive digital libraries, the additional storage space is highly beneficial.

During testing, it was possible to install up to 20 PS5 and PS4 games simultaneously while still leaving over 300GB free. The PS5 Pro also supports additional storage via an M.2 NVMe SSD slot and USB external storage options.

Digital-First Console: Optional Disc Drive

One notable shift with the PS5 Pro is its digital-only default setup. Unlike previous models, the Pro doesn’t come with a built-in disc drive, although it’s compatible with the standalone drive from the PS5 Slim.

However, purchasing the disc drive separately may feel like an extra expense, especially for gamers with a large physical collection.

PS5 Pro Design: A Familiar Look with a Few Tweaks

The PS5 Pro maintains the signature PS5 aesthetic with its black-and-white color scheme, curved edges, and fanned design. It fits into the same space as a standard PS5, though it matches the taller size of the original launch model.

A small design difference in the Pro is the addition of black strips on each side, though it’s unclear if these are functional cooling features or purely aesthetic.

Notably, while the PS5 Slim disc drive is compatible, the current console plates from PS5 and PS5 Slim models won’t fit. Sony is expected to release custom plates for personalization soon.

Should You Buy the PS5 Pro?

Whether to invest in the PS5 Pro depends on what you’re looking for in a gaming console. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. New Buyers: If you haven’t yet upgraded to the PS5, the PS5 Pro might be the right choice, as it delivers a more robust gaming experience with advanced graphics and better storage. However, if the $700 price tag is a stretch, the standard PS5 or PS5 Slim still offers an excellent gaming experience.
2. Current PS5 Owners: The PS5 Pro is ideal for gaming enthusiasts who want to be on the cutting edge of PlayStation’s offerings and enjoy top-notch graphics. However, if you’re satisfied with the current performance of your PS5, the Pro’s enhancements might not justify the upgrade price.
3. Graphics and Performance Fans: The PS5 Pro is perfect for those who love graphical details, smoother frame rates, and the latest tech in their gaming setup. The enhanced ray tracing and PSSR tech make it a valuable upgrade for players who value visual quality.

While the PS5 Pro doesn’t redefine console gaming, it’s a solid step up from the PS5, especially if performance and storage are top priorities.