My mother would be shocked at my actions this weekend.
If those goals align with your own, this is the only PlayStation on the market for you.
If you dont already know that they do, your money is better spent elsewhere.
(Left) PS5 (Right) PS5 Pro(Image credit: Future)
Like many original 2020 owners, Ive been waiting to see what a mid-cycle update can offer me.
Sony has managed to squeeze its internal improvements into a chassis that also reduces size.
Its also a much cleaner design overall.
Where the original PS5s curves give it an indistinct shape, the Pros cinched silhouette keeps everything tightly angular.
That closer crop means everything feels a little more durable under-hand as well.
The new metallic ring screws directly into the bottom of the console and stays put.
Its a smaller touch, but it makes the Pro look far more dynamic overall.
There are now two USB-C ports embedded in this front panel, replacing a USB-A on the original console.
That classic PS5 lighting has changed from my day as well.
Of course, Sony still has its own stamp on the console.
All in all the process takes around ten to fifteen minutes across both physical and software setup.
The process of installing the vertical stand, if you picked it up separately, is pretty painless.
Simply remove the plastic cap from the bottom of the console and screw in the base.
Once youve plugged in the power cord and supplied HDMI 2.1 cable, youre all good to go.
From here, youll run through internet setup, display area and HDR tweaks, and rest mode preferences.
(Left) PS5 (Right) PS5 Pro(Image credit: Future)
Performance
The PS5 Pro will live and die by its performance.
Its basic function is to run your games at 4K, 60fps.
Motion feels less jagged, the camera pans effortlessly through each frame, and action snaps crisply into place.
PS5(Image credit: Insomniac Games)
How much you’ll actually appreciate of that while you’re zooming past buildings remains to be seen.
Taking a few steps back to the couch where I actually play, these details were far less apparent.
Put simply, this is all about frames at 4K, with less emphasis on fancy ray-tracing effects.
PS5 Pro(Image credit: Insomniac Games)
Hogwarts Legacywas the game I felt benefitted the least from the PS5 Pros enhancements.
This is the first time Ive been stung by a digital-only console.
Of course, if youve always maintained a digital collection youre all good to go.
(Left) PS5, (Right) PS5 Pro
This is the exact same home screen, navigation style, and control centre youve come to expect.
This is also where you might view your current activities, trophy progress, and PS Plus game hints.
However, unboxing the PS5 Pro did confirm something Ive been suspicious about for a while.
(Left) PS5, (Right) PS5 Pro
Should you buy the PS5 Pro?
I was skeptical after the initial announcement - and some of those concerns have persisted throughout my testing process.
And yet I still wouldnt buy a PS5 Pro.
Graphical ray tracing, detail, and overall texture improvements are there - but theyre subtle.
Not when that $200 could buy me aPlayStation PortalorDualSense Edgeinstead - tangible changes to the way I play.
Thats not the full story, though.
This is where Sonys mid-cycle refresh thrives.
More players are hooking their PS5s up to their desks, and Sonys doubling down on this market.
For more information on how we make our recommendations, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
