Sony has officially revealed the PlayStation 5 Pro, a more powerful and visually enhanced version of the PS5. Priced at $699.99 USD, it’s set to launch on November 7th, 2024, boasting features like an upgraded GPU, advanced ray tracing, and AI-driven upscaling. But at that price point, you’d expect something groundbreaking, right? Well, it doesn’t even come with a disc drive or vertical stand.
The PS5 Pro is pushing some impressive numbers—67% more GPU Compute Units and 28% faster memory—but it’s hard to ignore the fact that you’re essentially paying a premium for incremental upgrades. Yes, ray tracing is quicker, and the image clarity is sharper, thanks to machine learning. Still, unless you’re seriously into chasing pixel perfection, it’s difficult to see how this justifies a $700 price tag. Especially when the current PS5 still delivers a stellar gaming experience for most players.
Sony’s focus on enhanced visuals and higher frame rates is great in theory, but seriously—do we need this? Adding a “Pro” model into the mix feels unnecessary right now.
And THE DISC DRIVE. Or lack thereof. Yes, you can buy one separately, but at this price, it feels like a kick in the teeth to traditional gamers who enjoy physical copies. Not including what should be a standard feature in a $700 console is a move in the wrong direction, and it would almost be funny if it weren’t so unfortunate.
The PS5 Pro might appeal to the tech-obsessed gamer who always wants the latest and greatest, but for everyone else, this feels like an expensive mid-cycle upgrade that may not be worth the hype.