Is the PlayStation 5 Pro really worth the money?
The short answer: it depends on your TV and how you play. On a 4K 120 Hz set it erases the choice between looks and smoothness; on anything less, the gap over the base PS5 narrows fast. And it costs a lot.
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Sony
PlayStation 5 Pro
The most powerful console, for the right TV
Our score
✓ Pros
- ＋High resolution without sacrificing frames
- ＋Convincing PSSR upscaling in patched games
- ＋Quiet and well finished
✗ Cons
- －High price
- －Disc drive and stand sold separately
⚖ Verdict
It only makes sense with a 4K 120 Hz TV and the budget to match. If you already own a base PS5, you rarely need it.
✎ PREXO · 2 min read
The testing notebook
Is it really worth the money?
It depends on how and what you play. If you own a 4K TV at 120 Hz and hate choosing between graphics and frame rate, the PS5 Pro removes that trade-off: it runs many games at high resolution without giving up frames. On a plain 4K panel, or if you spend hours on light competitive titles, the difference from the base model is far harder to see. It costs a lot, and that weighs on the decision.
How much more powerful is it than the standard PS5?
Enough to notice, not enough to change your life. The beefier GPU and the new AI-based upscaling (PSSR) work together to hold resolution high with ray tracing on. In games that got the "Pro" patch the jump is clear: cleaner images, fewer compromises in performance modes. In un-patched games there's a gain, but a smaller one.
Do I really need a good TV?
Yes, and it's the point many underestimate. The PS5 Pro shines on a 4K panel that can do 120 Hz and, better still, VRR and solid HDR. On an entry-level TV, most of the advantages stay on paper.
Does it have a disc drive?
No, not in the standard box: the drive is an accessory you buy separately, like the vertical stand. Anyone with a physical library or who buys used often should factor it in, both in price and in clutter.
Quick answers
Worth upgrading if I already own a PS5?
Only if you're very sensitive to image quality and have the right TV. Otherwise, no.
Louder or hotter?
In real use it stays quiet and well managed, in line with the base model.
Are the games different?
They're the same: what changes is how they run, not what you play. No title is Pro-exclusive.
Buy it or not
The PS5 Pro is the right call for anyone who wants the best possible on console and already has the ecosystem — TV included — to use it. For everyone else, the base PS5 or the Slim remains the sensible buy, at a far more human price. Score 8.3 out of 10: a fine machine, for a narrow audience.