The PS5 Pro has arrived, and after 100 hours of rigorous gaming, it’s clear that this isn’t just another mid-generation upgrade.
From enhancing graphics in first-party games to handling demanding third-party titles, the PS5 Pro has impressed across a range of gaming scenarios. Some features have exceeded expectations, while others might surprise those considering the upgrade.
If you’re a current PS5 owner contemplating the jump, or a newcomer eyeing your first PlayStation console, this hands-on review cuts through the marketing noise and reveals what the PS5 Pro really offers in terms of real-world gaming. Let’s dive into what those 100 hours of testing revealed about Sony’s latest hardware.
PS5 Pro Review – The Real-World Gaming Experience
After extensive testing across multiple games, the PS5 Pro significantly improves visual quality and performance. The upgraded GPU packs 67% more compute units and offers up to 45% faster rendering, ensuring smoother gameplay across a range of titles.
Testing Methodology: Over 100 Hours
During the testing period, I explored various games, modes, and settings to assess real-world performance. A standout feature is PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which leverages machine learning to improve image clarity. Additionally, the upgraded processing power lets certain games maintain 60fps at the same resolution as the base PS5’s 30fps Fidelity mode.
Performance Across Different Game Genres
The performance improvements are especially noticeable in demanding titles. Here’s a breakdown of the key enhancements:
- Ray Tracing Performance: Up to three times faster than the original PS5.
- Memory Speed: 28% faster, offering better rendering performance.
- Frame Rate Stability: Consistent frame rates in both 60Hz and 120Hz modes.
Games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and The Last of Us Part II Remastered demonstrate these enhancements with improved visual modes without sacrificing performance. Ray-tracing features also significantly boost games like Alan Wake 2, offering improved environmental details and reflections.
Daily Gaming Comfort and Usability
The PS5 Pro comes with useful features that improve the overall gaming experience. With 2TB of internal storage (about 1.9TB usable), users no longer need to worry about storage expansion. Even large titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 that require over 120GB can easily fit into the storage space.
The console also retains compatibility with existing PS5 accessories, such as the PlayStation VR2 and DualSense controllers. In addition, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 support enhances online gaming with reduced latency. Notably, the PS5 Pro operates quietly during extended gaming sessions, a noticeable improvement compared to previous models.
Game-Specific Performance Analysis
Looking at specific titles reveals the PS5 Pro’s true capabilities. Sony’s first-party games, in particular, show the most impressive improvements.
- First-Party Titles:
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 features a new Performance Pro mode, delivering 4K resolution with ray tracing at 60fps.
- Horizon Forbidden West benefits from enhanced lighting effects and improved character details in cinematics.
- The Last of Us Part I and II Remastered offer a Pro mode that renders at 1440p, upscaling to 4K with PSSR to maintain 60fps.
- Third-Party Games:
- Alan Wake 2 makes the most of the PS5 Pro’s ray tracing capabilities, with improved reflections, lighting, and anti-aliasing.
- Some third-party games still run at base resolutions, but PSSR upscaling enhances visuals. For example, Dragon’s Dogma 2 benefits from the added power, now supporting 60fps.
Backward Compatibility and Enhanced Game Support
The PS5 Pro’s handling of older titles deserves attention. The console supports over 8,500 PS4 games, many of which benefit from the Game Boost feature for smoother performance. Additionally, select PS4 games enjoy improved resolution through the Enhanced Image Quality feature. However, the level of enhancement varies between titles.
Over 50 titles are labeled ‘PS5 Pro Enhanced’, taking full advantage of the upgraded GPU. As more developers release patches, this number is expected to grow.
Visual and Technical Improvements
The PS5 Pro’s improved hardware is a key factor behind its enhanced performance. With a GPU offering 67% more compute units and 28% faster memory, it delivers a 45% increase in rendering speed.
Ray Tracing and Graphics Enhancement
The PS5 Pro’s ray tracing capabilities far surpass its predecessor, with rays being cast at double or triple the speed of the base PS5. This results in:
- Enhanced reflections and lighting effects
- Deeper ambient occlusion for richer shadows
- More realistic global illumination
- Improved light bouncing effects across game environments
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) further boosts visuals, ensuring clear images even when games render at lower resolutions to maintain high frame rates.
Frame Rate Stability
A standout feature of the PS5 Pro is its frame rate consistency. Games that previously required players to choose between visual fidelity and performance now offer both. Titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 can maintain 60fps while displaying enhanced ray-tracing effects. The system supports both 60Hz and 120Hz modes, ensuring smooth gameplay across various display configurations.
System Performance and Loading Times
The expanded 2TB SSD not only provides ample storage but also improves loading times. This boost in performance is especially noticeable when it comes to texture streaming in open-world games and quick scene transitions. The addition of Wi-Fi 7 further enhances game downloads and online gameplay responsiveness.
Value and Performance Analysis
The PS5 Pro is priced at INR 59,066.32 for the digital edition, with additional costs for the disk drive (INR 6,750.44) and vertical stand (INR 2,447.03). While the price may seem steep, the enhanced features, such as a more powerful GPU and 2TB storage, make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated gamers.
Target Audience
The PS5 Pro is ideal for:
- Enthusiast Gamers: Those who prioritize high visual fidelity and performance, particularly gamers using 4K displays with 120Hz support.
- New PlayStation Owners: First-time buyers looking for the best PlayStation experience available.
If you value quality over performance and have the necessary setup to make the most of the PS5 Pro’s features, it’s a solid choice. However, current PS5 owners may not find the upgrade essential unless they are particularly interested in 4K gaming with enhanced ray tracing.
Future-Proofing and Longevity
Looking to the future, the PS5 Pro is built to support upcoming titles and remain relevant for years to come. Over 50 titles are currently receiving optimization patches, with more expected in the future. Additionally, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 ensures the PS5 Pro will remain competitive in the years ahead, making it a sound long-term investment.
Conclusion
After 100 hours with the PS5 Pro, it’s clear that this console is a substantial step up from the base PS5. While the price tag is higher, the performance improvements, particularly in terms of ray tracing, frame rate stability, and visual clarity, make it a strong contender for dedicated gamers. The PS5 Pro also promises a long lifecycle, with continued support for enhanced titles and the introduction of new features like Wi-Fi 7.
Ultimately, the PS5 Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a premium gaming experience, particularly for newcomers to the PlayStation ecosystem.