The world of console gaming never sits still. A mere four years on from the PS5’s initial release from Sony, here we are with the PS5 Pro — a mid-gen update aimed at gamers who want more oomph, improved graphics, and an evidence-procedure system. As opposed to a complete next-gen jump, the PS5 Pro takes the existing foundation of the PS5 and iterates on it with hardware and software enhancements designed to keep the console current in relation to developing PC hardware and competing consoles.
With its more powerful GPU, improved memory, AI-enhanced upscaling, and enormous storage, the PS5 Pro guarantees to provide the most visually stunning console gaming experience yet. But what truly differentiates it from the normal PS5, and is it worth purchasing? Let’s get deep into the specifications, features, benefits, and considerations of Sony’s new behemoth.
A Step Beyond the PlayStation 5
The PS5 Pro is not a replacement for the PS5, but rather an upgrade based on performance. Sony has said that every PS5 game will work on both consoles, but the majority of games will feature the “PS5 Pro Enhanced” label. Developers can then use this to optimize for faster frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, or crisper image quality based on the game.
For players, this provides consistency — your PS5 library stays the same but presents new ways to experience improved graphics and smoother play if you go with the Pro model.
The combination of PS5 Pro power and GTA 6’s open-world scale could redefine next-gen gaming experiences
Design and Availability
Externally, the PS5 Pro looks like the streamlined PS5 Slim model, not the clunky launch iteration. The big surprise is that the Pro is a digital-only version by default. To be able to play physical discs, you’ll have to buy Sony’s removable Blu-ray disc drive as an add-on.
The console went on sale officially on November 7, 2024, and pre-orders began on September 26. It is priced at $699.99 (approximately ₹58,000 – ₹60,000 in India excluding import duties and taxes). That is much more than the starting PS5, which is around $499.
Core Hardware Upgrades
The largest reason to look at a PS5 Pro is the hardware upgrade. Sony teamed up with AMD to bring in a much more powerful GPU and faster memory, both of which are aimed at high-end gaming performance.
GPU Power: PS5 Pro‘s GPU has around 60 Compute Units, as opposed to 36 in the PS5. This amounts to a 45% improvement in rendering performance and doubles or quadruples ray tracing speed in certain applications. Leaks put its compute performance at around 33.5 teraflops, a gigantic increase over the ~10.3 TF of the PS5.
CPU: The Pro retains the same AMD Zen 2, 8-core, 16-thread CPU, but with a fresh “High Frequency Mode.” This enables some operations to reach up to 3.85GHz, instead of the base PS5’s 3.5GHz. It is not a drastic change, but it prevents bottlenecking when combined with the improved GPU.
Memory: System memory is also 28% quicker, with bandwidth being boosted from 448GB/s to approximately 576GB/s. This translates into fewer stuttering hiccups and improved resource management in graphically heavy titles.
Storage: Internally, Sony doubled the SSD to a spacious 2TB, which provides more room to accommodate today’s behemoth AAA games.
Advanced Graphics Features
One of the top-of-the-line features of the PS5 Pro is its enhanced graphics pipeline. Sony has been aggressively pushing ray tracing and AI-based upscaling, two technologies that are remaking the look and feel of today’s games.
Ray Tracing: Look for more realistic reflections, shadows, and light. In ray-tracing-enabled games, the Pro’s GPU enables ray tracing at higher frame rates without cratering performance.
PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution): This is Sony’s own AI upscaling technology, comparable to NVIDIA’s DLSS or AMD’s FSR. It enhances images while decreasing the cost of native 4K or 8K rendering. With PSSR, the PS5 Pro is able to produce better-looking images at better frame rates, making it perfect for gamers with 4K TVs and higher.
8K and VRR Support: PS5 Pro has 8K output capability (if supported by games) and Variable Refresh Rate support, which means smoother display with reduced tearing on compatible displays.
Want to know how GTA 6 will perform on PS5 Pro? Check out our full coverage here.
Backward Compatibility and Game Boost
Sony has officially stated that all 8,500+ PS4 games will continue to be backward compatible on PS5 Pro. Importantly, a lot of PS4 and PS5 games will enjoy Game Boost, providing enhanced stability, resolution, or frame rates without the need for patches.
Developers such as Guerrilla (Horizon Forbidden West), Polyphony (Gran Turismo 7), and Insomniac (Spider-Man Remastered, Miles Morales) have already made announcements about improvements to their games. This means that your current library will feel new on the new console as well.
Connectivity and Contemporary Standards
The PS5 Pro stays up to speed with contemporary connectivity features and provides:
- Wi-Fi 7 support for super-fast wireless connectivity (where supported)
- HDMI 2.1 with VRR, ideal for contemporary TVs and monitors
- USB-C ports for speedy data transfer
The in-console UI and PlayStation Network integration do not change, though firmware revisions will seek to maximize Pro features in the future.
Strong Points of the PS5 Pro
- Huge GPU boost with up to 33 teraflops of strength
- AI-powered PSSR upscaling for crystal clear visuals at high frame rates
- 2TB SSD — goodbye, constant swapping of game installs
- Ray tracing enhancements make games more cinematic
- Future-proofing for 8K and beyond refresh displays
- Backwards compatibility means your current library just works out of the box
Rockstar’s upcoming GTA 6 could be one of the first titles to fully leverage the PS5 Pro’s PSSR upscaling and 8K support.
Limitations and Considerations
It’s great that the PS5 Pro is so impressive, but it ain’t free:
- Expensive: At $699, it’s a hefty price tag, particularly if you already have a PS5
- CPU not next-gen: Still on Zen 2, so CPU-intensive games will not gain as much
- Disc drive sold separately: Physical game owners have to pay extra
- Not a true generational leap: Some may prefer waiting for the eventual PlayStation 6
Should You Upgrade?
The PS5 Pro is best suited for gamers who:
- Own a 4K or 8K display and want the best possible fidelity
- Care about ray tracing and visual realism
- Want higher frame rates in demanding titles
- Prefer a larger SSD for convenience
If you’re just a casual gamer or primarily play competitive games at 1080p, the base PS5 is still an excellent choice. However, if you desire the best of console gaming in 2025, the PS5 Pro is the obvious choice.
Conclusion
The PlayStation 5 Pro is a perfect balance between evolution and continuity. It retains all that gamers enjoy in the PS5 but boosts the game with a more powerful GPU, enhanced memory, top-of-the-line upscaling, and an enlarged SSD. For the price-conscious willing to splurge, it offers a console that is future-proofed for gaming.
While not every gamer requires the upgrade, the PS5 Pro establishes a new golden standard for mid-gen consoles — bringing today’s technology closer to tomorrow’s potential.
With the PS5 Pro’s upgraded GPU and ray tracing, GTA 6 is expected to look more stunning than ever on next-gen hardware.
