PS5 Pro review: a high-performing enthusiast console with a pricey sting in the tail

TechRadar Verdict

The PS5 Pro is a superb console and now the best PlayStation 5 machine available.

As such evolutionary-not-revolutionary steps wont be enough to persuade most.

It also has a price problem which I find frustrating, sad, and baffling in equal measure.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

The boost to ray tracing thats on offer is absolutely beautiful too.

For everyone else, its just going to be too expensive.

The form and overall build share features with the original launch PS5 and the newer Slim model, too.

The PS5 Pro console next to a PS5 Slim and launch PS5 on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

The PS5 Pro is a digital-only console by default meaning theres no disc drive included.

not at the flare end as on the launch PS5).

The PS5 Pro allows the Northlight engine inAlan Wake 2to really shine.

The PS5 Pro console next to a PS5 Slim and launch PS5 on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

The boost to both modes compared to my base PS5 was immediately noticeable.

Horizon Zero Dawn Remasteredimmediately feels like a game built (well, rebuilt) for PS5 Pro.

This was the case in both games Pro version of the existing Resolution and Performance graphics tweaks.

The PS5 Pro console next to a PS5 Slim and launch PS5 on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

The Last of Us Part 1andThe Last of Us Part 2Remasteredare both brilliant too.

The games share identical display options and respond and present themselves in the same way.

This mode renders the game at 1440p, then uses PSSR to upscale to 4K and targets 60fps.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

The two controls - Fidelity Pro and Performance Pro are both beautiful on PS5 Pro.

The latter mode, is also something else, though.

Sony has said that the PS5 Pros enhanced graphics will boost and benefitPSVR 2 gamesgreatly.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

The PS5 Pro features a 2TB SSD which allows so much more breathing room in terms of storage.

PSSR works wonders and provides a brilliant experience by blending the best of fidelity and performance modes.

PSVR 2

Such fans who adopt the Pro will not be disappointed with its performance.

For more information, check out our full (original)PS5 review, and our fullPS5 Slim review.

For more information, check out our fullXbox Series X review.

The PS5 Pro console on a wooden desk in front of a white brick background and next to a potted plant

For more information, check out our fullNintendo Switch reviewand our fullNintendo Switch OLEDreview.

I tested the PS5 Pro for about a week for review.