First Impressions of the PS5 Pro: “Absolutely Incredible”

The PS5 Pro has finally made its debut to select members of the gaming press, and the early impressions are rolling in. Priced at a hefty €800 without an optical drive, many are wondering if this upgraded console truly delivers a game-changing experience. Based on initial feedback, it seems the PS5 Pro does offer some remarkable enhancements, though there are a few caveats to consider.

Enhanced Visuals: Who Would Have Doubted?

Media outlets like The Verge, IGN, and Digital Foundry recently got hands-on time with the PS5 Pro at PlayStation’s U.S. headquarters near San Francisco. They tested 11 games running on the new hardware, aiming to see if Sony’s promise of more beautiful and fluid gameplay holds up.

While the journalists confirm that games do look more impressive on the PS5 Pro, they also note that not all graphical improvements are immediately noticeable. In some cases, you might need to be extremely close to your 4K screen to spot the finer details. As The Verge put it, “It’s like taking off dirty glasses,” echoing a sentiment they humorously admitted to using back when the PS4 Pro was released. However, they also express some reservations about the significant cost for enhancements that may only be fully appreciated by those with top-tier setups.

Targeting Performance Mode Enthusiasts

The consensus is that the PS5 Pro is primarily aimed at gamers who prioritize performance. If you’re someone who prefers “Performance” mode for smoother frame rates, the PS5 Pro enhances this experience by delivering stunning graphics without sacrificing fluidity.

Ray tracing at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second truly shines on racing games like F1 24 and Gran Turismo 7. However, even with the PS5 Pro’s increased power, the “Performance Pro” mode—which aims to offer the best of both worlds—still requires some compromises. Titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart may reduce background details, such as crowd sizes or window reflections, to maintain that silky 60fps gameplay.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Steals the Show

By all accounts, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the standout title when it comes to showcasing the PS5 Pro’s capabilities. Critics are raving about its breathtaking visuals, from the richly detailed landscapes to the intricate strands of Cloud’s hair. IGN described it as “absolutely incredible,” highlighting the game’s technical prowess on the new console.

Other games like Demon’s Souls and Dragon’s Dogma II also see notable improvements, though they occasionally dip below 60fps in more demanding scenes. Hogwarts Legacy offers three different modes on the PS5 Pro, but its most graphically impressive setting, “Fidelity + Ray Tracing,” currently runs at 30fps.

The Role of Sony’s Upscaling Technology

Many of the visual enhancements on the PS5 Pro are thanks to Sony’s new upscaling technology, known as PSSR (Pixel Shift Super Resolution). For example, Horizon: Forbidden West uses PSSR to achieve a 4K display while the internal resolution hovers around 1440p. Reviewers note that this results in sharper and more detailed images compared to the standard PS5 version.

The Crew Motorfest and The Last of Us Part II Remastered also benefit from this technology, delivering smooth 4K visuals at 60fps through upscaling. IGN was particularly impressed, stating that PSSR provides an image quality that feels uncompromised, even if it’s not native 4K.

Is It Worth the Investment?

If these enhancements pique your interest, the PS5 Pro is slated for release on November 7, 2024, with a price tag of €800. While it’s a significant investment, especially considering the lack of an optical drive, early impressions suggest that the console offers substantial benefits for those who crave the best possible gaming experience.

As a gamer who values both high-quality graphics and smooth performance, I’m intrigued by what the PS5 Pro brings to the table. However, it’s essential to consider whether the improvements justify the cost, particularly if you don’t already own a 4K display capable of showcasing these advancements. For dedicated enthusiasts with the right setup, the PS5 Pro could indeed be “absolutely incredible.”