Sony’s PlayStation 5 has officially landed, and the gaming community has plenty to say about it.
The PS5 Pro has rolled onto the scene, receiving a mix of admiration and critique from tech reviewers who are delving into its new features. Notable voices from The Verge, IGN, and Tom’s Hardware suggest that this refined console version enhances the gaming experience, positioning it as a premier choice for gamers. Among its features, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an AI-powered upscaling tool, is capturing the most attention.
Beyond its performance capabilities, the PS5 Pro showcases a smart design upgrade. It’s not just about being powerful — it’s compact, lightweight, and quieter, addressing earlier critiques of its predecessor. The Verge’s Senior Editor, Sean Hollister, aptly noted, “In every title I tried — while sitting no more than eight feet away from a 65-inch TV — the PS5 Pro was clearly the better place to play.”
Nevertheless, there’s more to consider than just visuals when deciding on this hefty investment.
### 1. The Price Point Dilemma
The price tag of $700 for the PS5 Pro has stirred debate among reviewers. For a casual gamer, the cost may be hard to justify, especially since the base PS5 already delivers excellent performance at a friendlier price. Rory Mellon from Tom’s Hardware captures the sentiment well, stating, “It’s an extravagant purchase that doesn’t offer the same value for money that can be found in the base PS5, which remains an extremely capable console.” The Pro’s advancements, while notable, may not dramatically transform the gaming experience for those not fully immersed in high-end graphics.
### 2. Missing the Disc Drive
Adding to the cost-related concerns, the PS5 Pro lacks a disc drive. Michael Higam from IGN weighs in, suggesting this omission is a letdown, especially given the console’s price. If you’re a fan of physical media, you can purchase an external disc drive, but it comes with an extra $80 price tag. A vertical stand is another optional expense. This choice by Sony seems puzzling, particularly since many die-hard fans who would invest in a Pro version might also be those who prefer physical game copies. As such, charging extra for these “essentials” seems somewhat out of touch.
### 3. Game Library Shortcomings
A lingering critique is the absence of standout new games to justify the upgrade. While Sony’s major titles have received patches to boost the PS5 Pro’s capabilities, they don’t bring a groundbreaking shift in experience. Cameron Faulkner from Polygon notes that the enhancements in the roughly 50 games that received updates are uneven. There’s hope that, in the years ahead, titles released in 2025 and beyond might fully capitalize on the Pro’s potential. If they do, perhaps the price point might become more palatable.
In summary, while the PS5 Pro brings significant enhancements in certain areas, it’s clear that these upgrades come with trade-offs and a considerable cost. For those in the gaming community, evaluating whether these advancements meet your needs and warrant the price will likely be the determining factor in making the investment.
