PlayStation 5 Pro review: Is it worth the upgrade?

Sony has launched its latest gaming console, the PlayStation 5 Pro. But with the PS5 and PS5 Slim already available, is the Pro version worth the extra cost? In this review, we compare all three consoles to help you decide which one is the best choice in 2025.

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Specifications

• CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor at 3.5GHz (variable frequency)
• GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA-based graphics engine with 16.7 teraflops
• Memory: 16GB GDDR6 RAM with a 256-bit memory interface
• Storage: Custom 2TB SSD with read bandwidth up to 5.5GB/s
• Expandable Storage: M.2 NVMe SSD slot for additional storage expansion
• External Storage: Support for USB HDD
• Dimensions: 388mm x 89mm  x 216mm

• Weight: 3.1kg

  
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Sony PlayStation 5 Pro Review

PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: What’s the Difference?

The PS5 Slim offers a few improvements over the original PS5. It is 30% smaller in volume, has a slightly upgraded cooling system, comes with 1TB of storage (up from 825GB), and features a removable disk drive. Despite these upgrades, the price remains the same, making the Slim model a better choice over the standard PS5. However, in terms of gaming performance, there is no difference between the two. Both consoles feature the same CPU and GPU, meaning no FPS improvements or better graphics quality. Games like God of War Ragnarok run identically on both models, with the same level of detail in textures, reflections, and frame rates.

PS5 vs. PS5 Pro: A Performance Upgrade?

The PS5 Pro is slightly more compact than the standard PS5 but taller and heavier than the Slim model. It also lacks a built-in disk drive, meaning users will need to purchase an external drive separately for an additional cost. However, it comes with 2TB of storage, which is almost double the capacity of the other models. One major factor to consider is the price. While the standard PS5 Digital Edition costs around NPR 65,000–75,000 and the Slim model is priced at NPR 80,000, the PS5 Pro is listed at $700 internationally. When imported to Nepal, it could cost nearly NPR 120,000. The question is: does the performance justify the price?

Boot and Game Load Test

When booting up, there was no noticeable difference in startup time between the PS5 and PS5 Pro. However, game performance is where the Pro begins to shine.

Gaming Performance: PS5 Pro Enhancements

We tested six popular games across different genres:

• EA Sports FC 25
• God of War Ragnarok
• Spider-Man 2
• Horizon Forbidden West
• F1 24
• Call of Duty: Warzone

EA Sports FC 25

In FIFA 25, there was minimal difference in gameplay performance. Both the PS5 and PS5 Pro ran the game at a smooth 60FPS. However, the Pro had noticeably smoother 4K 60FPS cutscenes and slightly sharper textures. While these enhancements were subtle, they contributed to an overall better visual experience.

God of War Ragnarok

The PS5 Pro introduces a new "Enhanced Mode" for God of War Ragnarok, allowing for near-4K graphics at 50-60FPS. This is an improvement over the standard PS5, which only offers 30FPS in Quality Mode. With the PS5 Pro’s PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) upscaling technology, the game looks sharper without compromising performance.

Spider-Man 2

One of the best games on PS5, Spider-Man 2, already runs well on both consoles. However, the Pro version introduces Fidelity Pro and Performance Pro modes. Fidelity Pro mode maintains stunning 4K visuals with ray-traced graphics, while Performance Pro mode offers higher resolution textures and a more refined image quality at 60FPS. The improvements are noticeable, particularly in reflections and texture clarity.

PS5 Pro Hardware and Features

The PS5 Pro offers several key hardware enhancements over its predecessors:

• 67% more GPU compute units
• 28% faster memory bandwidth
• 45% faster graphics rendering
• Improved ray tracing capabilities
• PSSR upscaling technology

These upgrades allow games to run at higher resolutions with more stable frame rates, making the PS5 Pro an excellent choice for those looking for the best visual experience.

Should You Buy the PS5 Pro?

Pros:

• Significant graphical improvements with PSSR upscaling
• Enhanced ray tracing capabilities
• Smoother performance in next-gen games
• 2TB storage provides ample space for games

Cons:

• Extremely high price, especially in Nepal
• No built-in disk drive
• Limited improvements in gameplay FPS

The PS5 Pro is a powerful console that offers clear visual upgrades over the PS5 and PS5 Slim. However, its high price may not justify casual gamers' relatively small performance gains. If you already own a PS5, upgrading to the Pro may not be necessary. But if you’re looking for the best possible PlayStation experience and don’t mind the cost, the PS5 Pro is the ultimate gaming machine.