With the launch of the PS5 Pro, a key question arises regarding its target audience. Priced at around 800 euros, the console features notable enhancements like a 2 TB storage capacity, improved GPU performance, and upgraded graphical modes, yet lacks a disc drive. The Pro mode offers options for enhanced Fidelity and Performance, utilizing PSSR technology for better visuals. However, the actual benefits vary by game, with some titles showcasing significant improvements while others show minimal change.
With the unveiling of the PS5 Pro last September, a pivotal question arose: who is Sony’s latest console really for? While it boasts enhanced power, it comes with a hefty price tag of around 800 euros, and the improvements may feel like what many players expected from the original model launched back in 2020.
Key Enhancements of the PS5 Pro
Upon first glance, the PS5 Pro resembles the standard PS5 from 2020, albeit slightly larger than the Slim version. Its standout design element is the fins that separate the console’s two sections, promoting better cooling for the upgraded GPU. Connectivity options remain unchanged, as does the controller, so let’s delve into the notable upgrades it offers.
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with a generous 2 TB of internal storage—double that of the Slim—yet notably lacks a disc drive. This absence is a significant drawback for players with extensive physical collections, as the total investment can exceed 900 euros for those who enjoy physical formats. Additionally, the vertical stand is curiously sold separately. In essence, the PS5 Pro caters primarily to digital gamers and supports Wi-Fi 7, although many are not yet prepared for this upgrade.
Players can expect enhanced graphical fidelity and performance in select games, thanks to Sony’s collaboration with AMD on the new GPU, which is 62% more powerful. This means players can enjoy high-quality visuals without having to choose between Fidelity and Performance modes. However, the actual benefits may depend on your setup.
Understanding the Pro Mode
Not every title in the PS5 library will fully utilize the PS5 Pro’s capabilities. Developers will need to roll out updates to implement the new Pro mode and take advantage of these enhancements.
Instead of offering a singular mode as initially suggested by Mark Cerny, developers have opted to enhance both Fidelity and Performance modes. This results in two distinct options: Fidelity Pro and Performance Pro.
The Fidelity Pro mode boosts graphical quality while maintaining a frame rate cap of 30 frames per second, occasionally hitting 40 FPS. Players can expect richer details in vegetation, enhanced ray tracing effects, and denser crowds in expansive worlds. Titles like Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart provide customizable settings akin to PC gaming.
The Performance Pro mode essentially functions as an upgraded Fidelity mode, delivering nearly double the performance at 60 FPS. This mode benefits from a superior image reconstruction solution (PSSR), enhancing output definition and image clarity.
Ultimately, the PS5 Pro aims to elevate these gaming modes, targeting players who can appreciate the visual advancements on larger screens.
PSSR: A Game-Changer in Visual Quality
The PS5 Pro’s GPU strength alone isn’t sufficient to meet its ambitious goals. The console now employs an AI-driven upscaling and image reconstruction algorithm for compatible games, similar to Nvidia’s DLSS technology. While the original PS5 was compatible with AMD’s FSR, which has had mixed reviews regarding quality, the new PSSR might hint at future improvements expected in FSR 4 scheduled for AMD’s next graphics cards due in 2025.
In practical terms, some games might run at a resolution lower than what the base PS5 offers but can still achieve impressive upscaling to 4K on your display. The performance increase can vary significantly based on developer decisions, and not every game optimized for the PS5 Pro will experience the same benefits.
The scalability of PSSR suggests that its rendering capabilities could improve over time, much like Nvidia’s DLSS and Intel’s XeSS.
Real-World Performance: What to Expect
At launch, over 50 games have been enhanced for the PS5 Pro. The extent of improvements will vary based on the technical foundations of each title and their use of ray tracing. Some games already look stunning on the PS5, with their “Pro” versions offering only slight upgrades, while others will see significant enhancements, provided you have a capable display. Our tests were conducted on a 65-inch Hisense U8K TV in 4K with HDR enabled to showcase the PS5 Pro’s graphical boosts.
Among the highlights, Alan Wake 2 stands out, allowing for ray tracing in its new Fidelity mode, resulting in a notably higher rendering definition than the standard PS5 version. Designed primarily for 30 FPS, this mode brings Alan Wake 2 closer to its PC counterpart, with reduced grain and more realistic shadows and reflections. Even the performance mode showcases improved presentation quality.
Spider-Man 2 also benefits from superior ray tracing, offering more defined reflections and shadows. Similarly, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart enables players to tweak options in its Fidelity Pro mode, achieving performance levels exceeding 30 FPS in certain cases. Both games benefit from enhanced visual clarity, with sharper introductions compared to the original Performance mode.
In other titles, we compared the Pro mode to both the classic Fidelity and Performance modes. Generally, the promise holds true: games like The Last of Us: Part II and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart exhibit improved visual clarity thanks to PSSR. However, the classic PS5’s Performance mode can suffer from noticeable upscaling issues, particularly with foliage, trees, and crowds on a larger screen.
Not all games receive equal treatment, as seen in God of War: Ragnarok, where PSSR does not deliver a substantial improvement over the classic TAA option. Presentation might be more detailed, but performance can drop by 10 to 20 FPS in various scenes. Conversely, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth shines, as PSSR significantly enhances image quality compared to the criticized PS5 version.
While some games experience minimal benefits from the PS5 Pro, others showcase its true potential, making it a compelling option for dedicated gamers seeking a premium experience.