PS5 Pro Reviews: The Top 3 Concerns with the New Console

Sony’s PlayStation 5 has finally hit the market, and gaming enthusiasts everywhere are abuzz with excitement. The revamped console, known as the PS5 Pro, is largely winning over the tech community, with early reviews from The Verge, IGN, Tom’s Hardware, and more pointing to its impressive capabilities. It seems this latest iteration is positioning itself as the ultimate gaming console experience, especially thanks to PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) — Sony’s cutting-edge AI-powered upscaling technology.

Beyond its performance prowess, the PS5 Pro shines with a thoughtful redesign. It’s sleeker, lighter, and runs more quietly compared to the original, addressing some of the critiques its predecessor faced. According to Sean Hollister from The Verge, “In every title I tried — while sitting no more than eight feet away from a 65-inch TV — the PS5 Pro was clearly the better place to play.”

However, there are some caveats that potential buyers might want to consider. Let’s dive into the main issues:

### 1. The PS5 Pro Comes with a Steep Price Tag

The cost of the PS5 Pro has caused quite a stir. With a price of $700, it’s not exactly within reach for the average gamer who might be perfectly satisfied with the base PS5’s already stellar performance. While the enhanced visuals are impressive, many feel the price jump is hard to justify, especially when the base model continues to offer an excellent gaming experience at a much friendlier price point. Rory Mellon from Tom’s Hardware encapsulates this feeling, describing it as “an extravagant purchase that doesn’t offer the same value for money that can be found in the base PS5.”

### 2. Missing Disc Drive

Adding to the expense, the PS5 Pro doesn’t include a disc drive as a standard feature. Michael Higam from IGN points out that “Considering its price, you’ll be disappointed to find that the PS5 Pro does not come with every possible bell and whistle.” If you’re someone who cherishes physical game copies, you’ll need to shell out an additional $80 for a separate drive. It’s an eyebrow-raising decision by Sony, particularly when considering the overlap between hardcore fans and those dedicated to physical media. The vertical stand is also sold separately, which has left many feeling like they’re being nickel-and-dimed.

### 3. Game Availability

And then there’s the matter of games — or the perceived lack of them. While there’s been plenty of chatter about the “PS5 has no games” notion, the Pro’s launch doesn’t do much to counter this narrative. Many of Sony’s flagship titles have received updates to leverage the PS5 Pro’s enhanced hardware, but they’re largely updates and not groundbreaking new titles. Cameron Faulkner from Polygon notes that the graphical improvements are a “mixed bag.” Consensus seems to be that while the current library doesn’t fully showcase the Pro’s power, games launching in the next few years may finally capitalize on its enhanced capabilities, potentially making the Pro a more compelling purchase down the line.

In summary, while the PS5 Pro represents a significant leap forward in terms of technology and design, potential buyers should weigh the costs and benefits carefully. For now, it may be an appealing option for the devoted gamer, but certain aspects might hold others back from taking the plunge.