Well, slap me with bread and call me a sandwich! Sony has officially unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro, and it’s not just the specs that are turning heads – it’s that ridiculous price tag. Set to launch on November 7, this mid-generation upgrade to the PS5 console will hit shelves at – wait for it – $699! Yes, you read that right: $699 for a console without a disc drive! It seems Sony is wagering everything on gamers’ apparent appetite for cutting-edge tech (or the name PS5 Pro), but will the improvements justify the cost?
PlayStation hardware wizard Mark Cerny, in his signature ASMR-like presentation style, broke down the PS5 Pro’s enhancements into what he calls “the big three”:
- Beefed-up GPU: The new GPU is 67% larger, offering 45% faster rendering. This translates to improved lighting, visual effects, and even better hair and skin textures in games like Horizon Forbidden West.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: With double or even triple the calculation speed of the original PS5, games like Gran Turismo 7 can now boast reflections between cars while maintaining a smooth 60 fps.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: Using a system called PSSR, the PS5 Pro can increase detail on a pixel-by-pixel basis, potentially bridging the gap between performance and fidelity modes in many games.
One of the most enticing prospects of the PS5 Pro is its ability to potentially boost 30 FPS modes to 60 FPS in many games. This could be a game-changer for titles like The Last of Us Part II Remastered, where players previously had to choose between visual fidelity and smooth gameplay.
However, at $699, the PS5 Pro is venturing into uncharted territory for console pricing. It’s a full $250 more than the digital edition of the PS5 Slim and $200 more than the disc-drive version. For perspective, you could build a fairly capable gaming PC for that price (though admittedly, it might not match the Pro’s specialized hardware).
One potential ace up Sony’s sleeve is the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6. With the game slated for a 2025 release and no immediate plans for a PC version, the PS5 Pro could be the most powerful hardware to experience what’s sure to be one of the biggest game releases in history.
Still, is it really worth it? The answer, as always, depends on your priorities as a gamer. If you’re already satisfied with your current PS5 (I know I am), the Pro might be a tough sell. However, for those who demand the best possible console gaming experience and have the budget to match, the PS5 Pro could be a tempting proposition.
