Sony is launching its PS5 Pro this November 7, the Japanese manufacturer promises a more advanced gaming experience including improved ray tracing and its new PSSR technology. If we have not yet received our test unit (thanks Sony France), the first verdicts are in. A quick overview of what awaits players.
To go further
PS5 Pro: Sony’s premium console is available for pre-order
“ The biggest problem with the PS5 Pro is that the original PS5 is already too good. » This sentence fromArs Technica perfectly sums up the main challenge of this new console sold for €700. Let’s be direct: if you were hoping for a graphics revolution, you may be disappointed.
The PS5 Pro has a 62% stronger GPU with 16.7 teraflops, 2 GB of additional RAM and 2 TB of storage. On paper, that’s impressive. In fact? Improvements are often too subtle to justify the cost. As bluntly stated The Verge : “ If you’re sitting 10 feet or more from your TV, then no, the PS5 Pro is probably not worth $700. “.
Let’s talk technical and dissect the PSSR, the real innovation of this console. THE PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution is Sony’s answer to Nvidia’s DLSS, and it’s a game changer. Concretely, this AI upscaling technology analyzes each image to improve it in real time. Instead of simply stretching the image like traditional upscaling, PSSR uses machine learning to reconstruct intelligently missing details.
How does it work? The PSSR relies on a neural network trained specifically for each game. When a title runs in definition lower than 4K to maintain 60 fps, the PSSR comes into action. It analyzes image patterns, reconstructs textures, improves anti-aliasing and optimizes overall sharpness. As explained Polygon : “ This technology is new to consoles, but joins the ranks of Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR on PC which have gradually gained adoption. “.
The effectiveness of PSSR varies between games. In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the difference is obvious. “ Its new PS5 Pro-exclusive ‘Versatility’ mode delivers a picture so much clearer than previous muddy options, the difference is visible from afar” , note The Verge.
But be careful, because an important point is missing: as underlined Polygon« there is no indication in the interface that PSSR is active, and no comparison tool integrated into supported games. » We must therefore trust the system.
Sony further complicates things with a multiplication of display modes. Numerama don’t mince words: “ Stellar Blade accumulates them and forces you to test them all to find the right one, with improbable names as a bonus. » A real headache for players.
The fashions Performance Pro » are unanimous. Numerama explain : ” Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 looks incredibly brilliant on PS5 Pro. The two settings – Fidelity Pro and Performance Pro – both look stunning. The former offers incredible ray-tracing, reflections and overall sharpness, while the latter manages to maintain 60 fps with visual quality close to standard fidelity mode.“.
Ray tracing is clearly improving. In Alan Wake 2, TechRadar notes that “ Glossy windows and floors feature realistic ray-traced highlights that bring rooms to life. » But again, these improvements are only really noticeable under optimal conditions.
Developers seem enthusiastic about the possibilities offered. Cameron Faulkner Polygon reports: “ Insomniac Games says it will go even further with its next game, Marvel’s Wolverine. The studio seems to have found its rhythm with the Pro’s hardware, suggesting even more significant improvements in the future. » An encouraging prospect for future buyers.
PS4 backwards compatibility reveals surprises. Kyle OrlandArs Technica note : ” Even titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Days Gone show subtle improvements with boost mode enabled. Textures seem sharper, shadows more defined, but you really have to look for these differences. This is clearly not a revolution, but rather a welcome improvement for those returning to PS4 classics. » Improvements which, if they do not justify the purchase alone, are added to the list of little extras of this console.
Let’s talk about storage, a real plus of this version. The 2 TB finally offers a comfortable capacity. “ I had 17 games installed and still had 353 GB of space left“, reports Numerama. An argument that is easily worth €100 in the equation.
Wi-Fi 7 is also making its debut, but its usefulness remains limited, at least for now. If you have fiber and a compatible router, you will see the difference. Otherwise ? It’s marketing.
The lack of a standard disc reader is a stain. As it says so well Numerama : “ It’s a bit like Ferrari putting simple hubcaps on its most expensive car. » A penny-pinching economy that hurts on a premium console.
PS4 games benefit modestly from the improvements. “ The difference between Bloodborne on PS5 Pro and PS5 was negligible“, notes Ars Technica. Don’t count on the Pro to magically transform your old games.
The future potential is intriguing. “ The arrival of GTA VI in 2025 could be the big moment for the PS5 Pro“, suggests Polygon. But paying €700 today for future promises, is that really reasonable?
Finally, the thermal and sound performance deserves attention. Rob Dwiar from TechRadar is categorical: “ The PS5 Pro doesn’t make any more noise than the base PS5 at its loudest, and it’s even quieter most of the time. » A notable improvement compared to the PS4 Pro which could sometimes transform into an airplane reactor.
Let’s be clear: if you’re a tech enthusiast, you play on a 4K 120Hz screen at less than 2.5 meters and money is no object, the PS5 Pro will satisfy you. For everyone else, the standard PS5 remains more than sufficient.
The reality is that Sony has created a niche console. As The Verge perfectly sums it up: “ The type of person who should buy a PS5 Pro is the type of person who doesn’t want to bother. » Translation: this is a console for gamers who simply want the best, no matter the price.
While waiting for our full test, some advice: think carefully about your current setup before taking out the bank card. The true cost of an optimal PS5 Pro experience could well exceed the initial €700 if your TV isn’t up to par.
To go further
What are the best 4K TVs (QLED or Oled) in 2024?
Should you buy it?
In light of the various tests, here is our recommendation:
Buy if:
- You don’t have a PS5 yet and want the best experience possible
- You have a 4K 120Hz TV with HDMI 2.1
- You are sensitive to graphic details and performance
- The budget is not a barrier
Go your way if:
- You already have a PS5 and are satisfied
- Your TV is 4K 60Hz or lower
- Value for money is important to you
- You prefer to wait for the PS6
