As if the PlayStation 5 wasn't already powerful enough, Sony has just launched the PS5 Pro — their most advanced gaming console to date. It might look a lot like the current PS5, but this new machine is packing some big improvements under that sleek shell — such as a larger GPU, advanced ray tracing, and even some Ai in the mix.
But will all this help level-up your gameplay? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the PlayStation 5 Pro. Including its features, price, and much more.
PS5 Pro release date
The PS5 Pro is out now! It was first revealed on 10 September 2024 in a 9-minute technical presentation streamed on PlayStation's YouTube channel — hosted by Mark Cerny, Lead Architect of the PlayStation 5. The PS5 Pro became available for pre-order shortly after, with the console fully launched on 7 November 2024.
Buy Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro right now from Currys. You can even trade in your old console to get money off the new PS5 Pro, just visit our trade-in page to find out how much you can save.
PS5 Pro specs & features
It's been almost four years since the original PS5 launched. And it's still an epic console, capable of running some of the world's most popular games in 4K resolution at 120Hz with HDR support.
So, why the upgrade? Well, the PS5 Pro has been developed out of a need for a console that can run higher fidelity graphics with smoother frame rates at 60fps. In other words, to offer awesome visuals that don’t slow down gameplay.
You might already be familiar with graphics modes. With these, you have the option to enhance the look of your games but at the cost of performance (i.e. a lower frame rate at 30fps, making graphics look choppy with less responsive controls). Or to prioritise performance instead, by sacrificing some detail to run games at a much smoother 60fps.
According to Mark Cerny, about 75% of players will choose the latter. But with PS5 Pro, Sony want to remove that decision so gamers can enjoy incredible graphics at high frame rates. To do that, PS5 Pro has been improved over the current PlayStation 5 in three significant ways:
Larger GPU
The new Pro model comes with 67% more Compute Units and 28% faster memory than the PS5. This means up to 45% faster rendering for silky-smooth, super-sharp visuals.
This is especially effective for games like Horizon Forbidden West and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which feature huge and immersive worlds to explore. And apart from the detail boost, the extra graphics power allows for improvements to lighting and visual effects too. Bringing games to life with even more realism.
Advanced Ray Tracing
Sony's also added more powerful ray tracing, which provides greater dynamic reflections and refractions in games to better simulate how light behaves in the real world.
By casting rays at up to triple the speeds of the standard PS5, it can make a real difference to games like Gran Turismo 7 — adding ray traced reflections between cars while continuing to support the targeted 60fps. It can work brilliantly in action RPGs like Hogwarts Legacy too, by forming realistic shadows for more cinematic gameplay.
PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)
Now things get really smart. PSSR is an Ai-driven upscaling tech that analyses game images pixel by pixel and adds more detail. The result should be razor-sharp image clarity — boosting the effect of resolution in games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
Extra PS5 Pro features
That's not all when it comes to the PlayStation 5 Pro though. It's equipped with even more clever stuff to take your gameplay to new heights:
PS5 Pro Game Boost: Can stabilise or improve the performance of supported PS4 and PS5 games, including over 8,500 backward compatible PS4 titles.
Enhanced Image Quality: Another feature that takes PS4 games up a notch with better resolution.
Wi-Fi 7: The latest generation of Wi-Fi wireless tech, designed to reduce buffering, congestion, and lagging for a more seamless online console gaming experience.
Aside from those additional upgrades, 8K gaming is supported along with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) — which syncs your connected TV’s refresh rate with the PS5 game’s frame rate to reduce screen tearing.
And loads of games will also receive free software updates to make the most of the PS5 Pro's cutting-edge features. You'll be able to spot these easily, as they'll have a 'PS5 Pro Enhanced' label within their title. But to make it even simpler, PlayStation recently posted a sample list of more than 50 games that’ll boast PS5 Pro enhancements at launch. Nice.
PS5 Pro accessories
What's more, the PS5 Pro works with current PlayStation accessories like the DualSense Edge controller and PlayStation VR2 gaming headset (both sold separately).
It doesn't come with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, although this can be bought and installed so you can play your physical games and watch Blu-rays or DVDs. And if you want to prop it up alongside your TV, you'll need to pay extra for the PS5 vertical stand too.
PS5 Pro size
It might be hosting a whole load of performance-enhancing hardware, but the PS5's look and size is consistent with the rest of the PlayStation 5 line-up. It's got the height of the original console, with the same width as the current PS5 Slim.
After exact PS5 Pro measurements? No problem — the console is approximately 388mm x 89mm x 216mm (W x H x D) and weighs around 3.1kg.
PS5 Pro price
The PlayStation 5 Pro costs £699. It's a premium price tag, but to be expected with all those sizeable updates in store. This makes it a machine for more serious gamers, with PlayStation saying they’ve developed their PS5 Pro with "deeply engaged players and game creators in mind".
Although it doesn't come with a disc drive, the PS5 Pro does include a DualSense wireless controller and has Astro's Playroom pre-installed. That way, you’ll be able to at least start up a game straight out of the box! It also comes with a hefty 2TB SSD onboard — that’s plenty for all your game saves and downloads.
Need a new adventure?
How about firing up a new quest on the PS5 Pro or your current console? We’ve got a huge range of PlayStation games — including recently-released titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and EA Sports FC 25.
Don’t forget to check out our upcoming games page and gaming news section right here on TechTalk too, for all the latest industry gossip.
