If you’ve been gaming away on a PS5 for a few years now, the PS5 Pro might only seem like a ‘nice-to-have’. Here’s the thing though – it’s not just a shinier box. The Pro is actually a meaningful upgrade.
For a start, there’s a much sharper 4K image via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution upscaling (or PSSR for short). Frame rates are more stable – even during hectic fast-paced action – and ray tracing is way stronger. This makes your lighting, shadows and reflections look dramatically more lifelike. Oh, and with Sony set to roll out a major PSSR upgrade in 2026 (which is exclusive to the Pro) this mid-gen refresh isn’t just about the here and now. It’s a smart bet for the next wave of big blockbuster games too.
Down below, we’ll compare specs and game performance, talk future proofing and see how it stacks up against an all-singing, all-dancing gaming PC. Time to take a look…
PS5 Pro vs PS5: full specs breakdown
Let’s see how the newer PS5 Pro fares alongside the base PS5 Slim…
| Specifications | PS5 Pro | PS5 Slim |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8 core, 16 thread AMD Zen 2 | 8 x Zen 2 core |
| GPU | 16.7 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon, RDNA-based graphics engine | 10.28 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon, RDNA-based graphics engine |
| Memory/RAM | 16GB GDDR6, 2GB DDR5 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Upscaling | PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling) | N/A |
| Storage capacity | Custom 2TB SSD | Custom 1TB SSD |
| Storage expansion | M.2 NVMe SSD slot, external storage via USB | M.2 NVMe SSD slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, ethernet, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports | x1 HDMI 2.1, x1 Ethernet,- x2 USB-C, x2 USB-A | x1 HDMI 2.1, x1 Ethernet, x2 USB-C, x2 USB-A |
| Dimensions | 15.2" x 3.5" x 8.5" | 14.1" x 3.8" x 8.8" |
| Weight | 3.1 kg | 3.2 kg |
Which console wins?
More powerful ray tracing and PSSR gives the Pro a big graphical edge. Pro versions of games crank up the lighting quality and fine detail. Plus, when it comes to performance, they hold smooth 60fps gameplay modes a lot more steadily. Add in that bumped up 2TB storage, and you won’t have to keep shuffling your library around to make space for new titles either.
PS5 Pro vs PS5 game performance: which console runs games better?
Time to dig into the nitty gritty. Here’s how some of the latest and greatest games run on each console…
| Game title | PS5 Slim | PS5 Pro | PS5 Pro Upgrade Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 | 60fps mode (Dynamic 1440p → 2160p), 120fps mode (Dynamic 1080p → 2160p) | 60 fps & 120fps modes (Dynamic 1440p → 2160p with PSSR) | More stable frame rates and sharper visuals at 120fps using PSSR upscaling |
| Ghost of Yotei | Quality (Native 2160p @ 30fps), Performance (Dynamic 1080p - 1440p @ 60fps) | RT Pro mode (Dynamic 1080p - 1440p @ 60fps with PSSR) | RT Pro mode adds ray tracing at 60fps with upscaling from dynamic internal resolution |
| Horizon Forbidden West | Performance (1800p checkerboard @ 60fps) | Performance Pro (Native 1440p upscaled to 4K using Guerrilla Super Resolution @ 60fps) | Sharper textures and better anti-aliasing via native 1440p + Guerrilla's custom upscaler |
| Spider-Man 2 | Fidelity (2160p @ 30fps), Performance (Native 1440p @ 60fps) | Fidelity Pro (Enhanced RT, higher detail), Performance Pro (Native 1440p @ 60fps with PSSR) | Same native resolution, but PSSR improves clarity and RT boosts lighting and reflections |
| Fortnite | Internal resolution (1080p software-based ray tracing) | Internal Resolution (1350p hardware ray tracing with TSR, not PSSR) | Higher native resolution and improved lighting via hardware RT and TSR upscaling |
| Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | Performance (Native 1080p-1296p @ 60fps, blurry TAA) | Native 1224p upscaled to 4K @ 60fps using PSSR | Sharper visuals and reduced ghosting thanks to PSSR upscaling from native 1224p |
| Battlefield 6 | Fidelity (Native 1440p @ 60fps), Performance (Native 1280p @ up to 90fps) | Fidelity (Native 4K @ 60fps), Performance (Native 1620p @ up to 120fps) | Higher native resolution in both modes, 1620p upscaled for smoother 120fps gameplay |
Is the PS5 Pro future proof?
As far as mid-gen consoles go, yes. Especially because of Sony’s upcoming upscaler upgrade…
Confirmed 2026 upscaler boost – PlayStation’s Lead System Architect Mark Cerny says a ‘drop-in replacement’ for PSSR (co-developed with AMD to develop next-gen graphics tech) is coming to PS5 Pro later in 2026. And it’s promising even better image quality and performance. Exciting stuff.
Based on AMD’s latest work (FSR 4 heritage) – This upgraded graphical algorithm draws from AMDs past systems, making it easier for devs to get to grips with. And in theory, that means they’ll be able to create better looking games faster moving forward.
Next-gen ray tracing features already onboard – Sony have confirmed that PS5 Pro already uses AMD’s next-gen ray tracing feature set. So, any games that lean on ray tracing should scale better on the Pro over time.
What does this mean for some of this year’s biggest upcoming games though? Well, huge open worlds (think GTA VI) are going to push CPUs to their limits. So, maybe don’t expect every blockbuster to hit 4K/60fps. Saying that, the Pro will give you sharper visuals, steadier frame rates and higher ray tracing quality than the base PS5. And that’s exactly what you want for all those epic future titles.
PS5 Pro vs gaming PC: which offers better value?
For a lot of gamers, the PS5 Pro is the simplest 4K 60fps machine you can buy. But it’s got loads of other stuff going for it as well…
Performance and features – The tech experts over at Digital Foundry put the Pro’s performance in the mid-range PC bracket (in terms of its 4K with upscaling and ray tracing features). For the money, that’s pretty great.
Total cost – With PC gaming, you’re probably going to be spending at least £1000-£1500 on a rig that matches (or exceeds) the performance of the Pro. With the Pro usually floating between £579-£699 at any given time, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Ease of use – Consoles win hands down when it comes to plug-and-play. There’s no driver wrangling or fine-tuning a gazillion settings here. Get it out the box, hook it up to your telly and dive into your next adventure straight away.
Exclusives – A Pro is the best way to play most PlayStation exclusives on day one. Some do come to PC eventually, but usually months or years later. That’s a long time to wait!
Longevity – With the 2026 PSSR upgrade locked in and all those ongoing Pro-enhanced patches, Sony’s big hitter will easily carry you through the rest of this generation. And you won’t have to do any fiddly upgrades either. Very nice.
If you love to tinker, need 240Hz for better multiplayer performance – or just love ultra-wide monitors – then a PC is far more flexible. But if you want big-screen AAA gaming with minimal fuss, then the Pro is the clear favourite.
Upgrading from PS5 to PS5 Pro: what you need to know
Some tech upgrades are a right faff. Not here though. Your console games, PS5 accessories and data all come with you:
All of your PS5 games work – PS5 games run without a hitch on the Pro. And a lot of them come with enhanced visuals or steadier frame rates through free patches.
Save data transfer – Use cloud saves with PlayStation Plus or do a quick local transfer over your home network. Then all of your important mission progress will carry over.
Accessory compatibility – Your DualSense controllers, DualSense Edge, PS VR2, Pulse PS5 headset, SSD expansion storage and PlayStation Portal all work with PS5 Pro. The only thing to mention is any custom covers you might have. The Pro has its own unique design and uses a different set of panels.
Disc-based library check – The PS5 Pro a is digital-only console out of the box. If you own discs, you’ll need to add the official detachable UHD Blu-ray disc drive (sold separately) to keep playing your physical PS5/PS4 games and 4K movies.
Room to grow – You’ve got a massive built-in 2TB SSD here. That’s room for a lot of games. And if that’s still not enough, there’s an NVMe expansion slot for fitting another chunk of storage.
FAQs
Is the PS5 Pro worth buying in 2026?
If you play on a 4K TV (especially one with 120Hz and VRR), then yes. You’ll get a far cleaner 4K picture with PSSR, stronger ray tracing and rock-solid frame rates. And you’ll benefit from Sony’s confirmed 2026 upscaler upgrade that we mentioned earlier.
That future update is a big reason to buy it now rather than waiting too. Because your games are guaranteed to look (and run) great now, and even better further down the line!
What’s the difference between PS5 and PS5 Pro?
In a nutshell, the Pro brings 45% faster rendering, 2-3 times the ray tracing performance and improved PSSR upscaling. So, games and textures load faster and that 4K picture is much, much sharper. Throw in a chunky 2TB of storage and speedy Wi-Fi 7 and it’s a game-changing package.
Will my PS5 games work on PS5 Pro?
Absolutely. Your digital library and discs will work on the Pro. A lot of PS5 games already have Pro-enhanced patches too, adding higher fidelity and better performance.
Do I need a new TV for PS5 Pro?
It’s not a requirement by any means. But a 4K display with 120Hz/VRR lets you really feel the upgrade immediately. You’ll have cleaner 4K via PSSR and steadier high-frame-rate modes. If you’re still rocking a 1080p screen, you’ll see improvements, but the wow factor upgrade definitely comes with a good 4K set.
Is PS5 Pro good for VR gaming?
It sure is. The PlayStation VR2 headset works incredibly well with the Pro. Plus we’re already seeing cleaner visuals and steadier frame rates on the new VR hardware. As devs start to patch more PS VR2 games, those improvements are only going to keep on coming.
How much does the PS5 Pro cost compared to PS5?
Depending on the promos that are running, you’ll probably spend between £579-£699. And remember, it’s a digital only console too. If you want to play physical discs, you’ll also need to pick up the separate clip-on disc drive.
Standard PS5 models are cheaper, but you’re trading away PSSR, stronger ray tracing and the extra storage. Considering how big games are nowadays, that last point is especially handy!
Need more advice?
Once you get the Pro, you’re going to need a great telly to go with it. Here’s the best TVs for PS5 Pro that you can get your hands on right now. And if you need some ideas for your next adventure, we’ve rounded up the best PS5 Pro enhanced games so far.
