Why You Should (or Should Not) Get the PlayStation 5 Pro

The PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) is officially on its way, and gamers everywhere are trying to decide if the upgrade is worth the $700 price tag. With features like improved performance, AI-driven upscaling, and faster rendering speeds, the PS5 Pro promises to be a powerhouse. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash? Let’s break down the reasons why you should—or shouldn’t—get the PS5 Pro.

Why You Should Get the PlayStation 5 Pro

1. Next-Level Performance

If you’re someone who values cutting-edge performance, the PS5 Pro delivers a significant boost. It boasts 67% more computing units and 28% faster memory compared to the standard PS5. This means 45% faster rendering speeds, making games look smoother and more realistic​. Whether you’re into fast-paced action games like Spider-Man 2 or the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the increased performance will enhance your experience.

2. AI-Driven Upscaling and Ray Tracing

The PS5 Pro introduces PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an AI-driven upscaling technology that sharpens image clarity and adds more detail than ever before. Additionally, ray tracing—already a game-changer on the PS5—gets a massive upgrade on the PS5 Pro, allowing for faster, more dynamic lighting and shadow effects. If you’re a graphics junkie who loves to see every reflection and shadow in crisp detail, the PS5 Pro might be worth the investment.

3. Future-proofing for Next-Gen Games

With 8K gaming and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, the PS5 Pro is designed to handle the next wave of demanding games​. If you’re looking to future-proof your setup for upcoming titles in 2025 and beyond, the PS5 Pro is the obvious choice. Not to mention, it comes with a 2TB SSD, giving you double the storage of the base PS5—perfect for the growing library of massive next-gen games.

Why You Shouldn’t Get the PlayStation 5 Pro

1. High Price with Hidden Costs

Let’s not sugarcoat it—the PS5 Pro is expensive. At $699.99, it’s not exactly budget-friendly, especially considering that it doesn’t come with a disc drive or vertical stand. To get the full setup with a disc drive and stand, you’re looking at over $800​. If you already own a PS5, you might wonder if the performance upgrades justify shelling out hundreds of dollars more.

2. Incremental Upgrade

Yes, the PS5 Pro is more powerful than the standard PS5, but it’s not a completely different experience. Many of the visual upgrades, like better ray tracing and higher frame rates, might not be immediately noticeable unless you’re a hardcore gamer with an eye for fine details. If you’re happy with your current PS5 performance, the Pro might feel like an incremental upgrade rather than a game-changer.

3. Digital-Only by Default

One of the biggest pain points for many fans is that the PS5 Pro comes without a disc drive. If you prefer physical games or have a large collection of PS5 discs, you’ll have to purchase the disc drive separately, which adds to the overall cost​. This push towards a digital-only future might not sit well with gamers who value owning physical copies of their games.

Should You Get It?

If you’re someone who wants the latest and greatest performance improvements, enjoys the highest possible graphics fidelity, and plans on diving into next-gen games for years to come, the PS5 Pro is a solid investment. The improved GPU, AI-driven upscaling, and 2TB of storage make it a beast of a console that’s ready for anything.

However, if you’re satisfied with your PS5 and don’t see the need for marginal performance improvements, you might be better off sticking with your current setup. The $700 price tag, coupled with the lack of a disc drive, makes it a tough sell for those who are on the fence.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you prioritize next-level performance or find the incremental upgrades too minor to justify the cost. Pre-orders open on September 26, 2024, so you’ve got time to decide before the PS5 Pro launches on November 7.