The PlayStation 5 barely landed on store shelves in 2020 when gamers started clamoring for a Pro model. This wasn’t surprising, considering the success of the PS4 Pro in 2016, which solidified the appeal of mid-generation console upgrades. The PS4 Pro significantly boosted the console’s power, giving players a compelling reason to upgrade ahead of major releases like Horizon Zero Dawn. It was a no-brainer that Sony would attempt to replicate that success with the PS5.
However, the grand reveal of the PS5 Pro, in a nine-minute presentation led by PlayStation’s Mark Cerny, didn’t quite hit the mark as Sony hoped. While the presentation highlighted the console’s upgraded GPU, AI-driven upscaling technology, and other enhancements, the final reveal of a $700 price tag cast a shadow over the anticipated console. This hefty price tag throws the PS5 Pro, and the entire PS5 generation, into a new light. Has Sony done enough in the past four years to convince players that the PS5 Pro is a worthwhile investment? Tech enthusiasts might be sold, but convincing the average gamer will be a daunting task.
In isolation, the PS5 Pro is a sound idea. Sony’s presentation effectively showcased the upgrade’s advantages, particularly its AI upscaling technology, which brings a key feature of modern PC gaming to the console world. The main selling point is that the PS5 Pro eliminates the need for players to choose between Graphics and Performance modes, allowing for the highest-quality visuals at 60 frames per second. This addresses a significant issue that has plagued this console generation, inconsistent frame rates.
However, the price tag is a major obstacle. The console will retail for $700, a hefty $300 premium compared to the PS4 Pro in 2016. To add insult to injury, the PS5 Pro will be digital-only. If you want to add a disc drive, you’ll need to shell out another $80. It also doesn’t include a vertical stand, meaning those upgrading from a current PS5 could be looking at an over $800 investment. This cost eclipses every other console on the market, even exceeding the most expensive Steam Deck OLED model.
While the price might seem justified to tech-savvy players accustomed to spending thousands on PC components, Sony’s reveal stream struggled to convincingly sell this idea to a wider audience. Although Mark Cerny provided a detailed explanation of the Pro’s technological enhancements, a compressed YouTube stream made it difficult to discern the difference in gameplay between the base PS5 and the Pro model. With few other tangible improvements to promote, many viewers may have left the stream scratching their heads, unable to see the distinct advantages. A bold price tag demands a perfect sales pitch, and Sony missed the mark in its grand reveal. Even if the numbers add up, convincing buyers will be an uphill battle.
Beyond the price, there’s another significant issue: the game library. The PS5 generation has been a mixed bag for Sony in terms of delivering a consistent stream of software. When the PS4 Pro launched, players had access to a massive library of first-party games that immediately benefitted from the upgrade. There was also a robust pipeline of upcoming titles, including Horizon Zero Dawn, Gravity Rush 2, and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, all slated for release in 2017. This trend continued in 2018 with God of War, Marvel’s Spider-Man, a Shadow of the Colossus remake, and more. In 2016, an upgrade felt like a natural progression as the PS4 was just hitting its stride in terms of game releases.
The PS5 lacks that same luxury. The first four years of the console’s life have been a mixed bag. While Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon Forbidden West stand out as tentpole games, the list of must-have exclusives that would benefit from a technical leap dwindles after that. Sony’s once-consistent first-party output has slowed to a trickle in the PS5 era, with only two or three major releases per year. This year has seen the release of the excellent Astro Bot and the unexpected success of Helldivers 2, but these alone don’t provide enough incentive to rush out and buy a PS5. In fact, the PS5 Pro will not have any first-party launch games when it hits shelves on November 7th. The closest thing to a launch title is an Until Dawn remake, launching in early October. This wouldn’t be a problem if Sony had a strong lineup of upcoming games that justified an upgrade, but that’s not the case. The future of PS5 games is shrouded in uncertainty. We know Insomniac has several titles in development, including Marvel’s Wolverine, but there have been no concrete announcements regarding other major PlayStation franchises. For those who gravitate towards the high-quality single-player games that defined the PS4, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade right now.
Of course, the PS5’s library extends beyond first-party releases, as evidenced by hits like Black Myth: Wukong. For players who prioritize game variety over exclusives, there will be plenty of games that take advantage of the PS5 Pro’s capabilities, including potential system sellers like Grand Theft Auto 6. However, at a $700 price point, players need to carefully consider their purchase. Is upgrading to a PS5 Pro to play these games worth it, or would investing in a comparable PC make more financial sense in the long run? The challenge is compounded by Sony’s shift in strategy. Sony is currently focusing on live service multiplayer games, which are likely to dominate the final years of the PS5’s lifespan. Bungie is developing Marathon, and Haven Studios is working on Fairgames, both of which could become Sony’s flagship releases in 2025. However, there’s a lack of trust in this vision. While Helldivers 2 is a hit, the disastrous Concord was shut down after only two weeks. Investing in a PS5 Pro this year carries the risk of being tied to an unproven live service strategy with a rocky start.
Right now, the PS5 Pro’s biggest challenge is Sony’s hubris. The pricing reflects a belief that the PS5 is currently dominating the market, akin to the PS4’s position in 2016. But there’s a vast chasm between those generations, and it’s not just a $300 gap. The PS5 currently feels like a black box, with Sony slowly drip-feeding new game announcements without providing a clear roadmap. A console like the PS5 Pro is designed to build upon its predecessor’s momentum, which is precisely what Sony lacks. Perhaps its plans will accelerate in the coming year. Just because we’re unsure about upcoming games doesn’t mean 2025 won’t be a more robust year than expected. But $700 is a hefty price to pay for faith.
