The PlayStation 5 has finally hit the shelves, and the buzz from reviews is making waves. With Sony’s latest iteration of the PS5, the tech world is giving it a round of applause, albeit cautious. Top publications like The Verge, IGN, and Tom’s Hardware are weighing in, and the consensus seems to be that the PS5 Pro takes console gaming to the next level. Of all its new features, the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) — a cutting-edge AI upscaling tool — is stealing the show.
In addition to its strong performance, the PS5 Pro has undergone a clever redesign, emerging as both smaller and lighter. This sleek machine also runs more quietly than its predecessor, tackling some common complaints about the original PS5 head-on. Sean Hollister from The Verge captured this sentiment elegantly: “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.”
However, the PS5 Pro is not without its drawbacks. Here’s where it stumbles:
### 1. Steep Price Tag
The cost of the PS5 Pro stands out as a major talking point. Priced at $700, it’s a tough sell for casual gamers who find the base PS5 sufficiently impressive. For many, the enhanced graphics don’t justify the hefty price difference, especially when the original PS5 still offers an exceptional experience at a fraction of the cost.
As Rory Mellon from Tom’s Hardware pointed out, “It’s an extravagant purchase that doesn’t offer the same value for money found in the base PS5, which remains extremely capable.” While the Pro has its merits, it might not revolutionize the gaming experience enough to persuade anyone but dedicated enthusiasts to make the investment.
### 2. Absence of a Disc Drive
Beyond its price, the PS5 Pro’s lack of a built-in disc drive is another sticking point. Michael Higam of IGN remarked, “Considering its price, you’ll be disappointed to find that the PS5 Pro does not come with every possible bell and whistle.”
Sony has offered a work-around — a separate disc drive for those wedded to physical media. However, this add-on comes at an extra cost of $80, and the vertical stand must be purchased separately too. It’s an interesting choice by Sony, which seems to overlook that hardcore fans willing to invest in a $700 console might also appreciate physical discs.
For a company counting on its most loyal customers, charging extra for essential features seems like a misstep.
### 3. Limited Game Library
Rekindling an old gripe — “but the PS5 has no games” — one minor grievance about the Pro is the current lack of titles making a strong case for the console.
Sony’s marquee first- and third-party games have been updated to capitalize on the PS5 Pro’s upgraded capabilities, but these are just patches, not full overhauls. Polygon’s Cameron Faulkner highlighted that the improvements across 50 Sony games are quite mixed.
Reviewers generally agree that in the PS5’s remaining lifecycle, games arriving in 2025 and beyond could leverage the console’s enhancements fully. If that happens, the Pro’s price might not seem quite so hefty.
While the PS5 Pro showcases some cutting-edge advancements and improvements, potential buyers will have to weigh whether its benefits align with its costs. Only time will tell if it truly becomes the go-to choice for gaming aficionados.
