The PS5 Pro announcement has not been without controversy, with many asking if it’s even worth it. Even more so for players who already own the base PS5 model. The price tag is tough to swallow and the innovations don’t seem too groundbreaking. However, there are still many players out in the world who are experiencing titles on the previous generation PS4. As more see the announcement, interest is piquing for new gamers to join this generation and go all-out with the PS5 Pro. But is it worth it to snag the new entry, or would you be better off picking up a base model PS5?
We’ll go over the logistics of choosing between both consoles. While the choice is up to you, the decision can be tricky, especially if you have not owned a PS5 before.
The PS5 Provides a Great Generational Jump
The PS5 generation features a slew of different enhancements, including the implementation of 4K and 60fps in many games, faster loading, and much more. Players jumping from the previous generation to the current one are going to notice immediate differences. When I first picked up my PS5, it was apparent just how many advancements had been made. A perfect example is the lightning-fast loading of Demon’s Souls. Furthermore, the haptic feedback in a game like Astro’s Playroom showed me and countless others just what we could expect from this generation.
While the PS4 offers 4K enhancement on titles, being able to switch between that and 1080p/60fps on PS5 titles is staggering. Additionally, the console’s party chat systems feel much more tuned than on older consoles. The PS5 also brought many incredible titles within its first year that made use of the technology. Some of these games and more in the future, are exclusive to the PS5. From the standpoint of upgrading generations, it’s a great decision. But is it worthwhile for players to jump from a PS4 right to a PS5 Pro?
The PS5 Pro Has Some Explaining to Do
Jumping from the PS4 or PS4 Pro to the PS5 Pro may seem tempting. However, it is a tough sell. The benefits of the new console don’t outweigh its cost. While it promises better ray tracing and a new GPU, the base model PS5 provides the former just fine. Also, the PS5 Pro does not come with some vital components. If you have physical PS4 discs, you’ll need a disc drive, which has to be purchased separately for the PS5 Pro. While the Digital Edition of the base PS5 doesn’t come with a stand, neither does the PS5 Pro. However, the base physical disc version of the PS5 does.
The PS5 Pro coupled with these components runs up a high bill – especially just for resolution purposes. Currently, watching the tech presentation doesn’t provide much closure as to what we can expect besides that. Mid-generation refresh consoles usually bring something with some gumption, but the PS5 Pro doesn’t feel like it’s doing that.
Which Should You Buy: The PS5 or PS5 Pro?
I’m gung-ho when it comes to spending money on gaming, there is no question about it. However, it has to feel worth it, especially when it comes to the significant outlay that is a console purchase. In terms of the PS5, the Pro variant does not feel even close to justifying it. Players coming over from the PlayStation 4 have a choice to make. It’s clear in my mind that going for either of the base PS5 models is the better option. Whether you wish to have a physical or digital console is up to you. However, it might be best to save a few hundred bucks and pick one of them over the PS5 Pro. The enhancements aren’t game changers, the missing components are upsetting, and the price is exorbitant. The money you’ll save from not getting the PS5 Pro can go towards purchasing games instead.
As many are beginning to wind down from the PS4, it is doubtless a big step up to the current generation of gaming. Along with its amazing new features, titles such as Astro Bot and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 are exclusively part of the current generation. There is a lot of greatness to experience with the console and it’s a great investment for newcomers curious about it. But when it comes to the base PS5 or the new PS5 Pro, the latter just is not worth looking into right now. While PlayStation describes that “Play Has No Limits,” there is a limit for many, and it is the middling advancement that is the PS5 Pro. Therefore, find yourself either the base PS5 physical or digital edition, and hop into a fantastic console that offers plenty to players already.
